Principle Mechanical Engineer

Amentum is seeking a skilled and driven Principle Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team based in China Lake, CA. This is a design-focused role that spans the full product lifecycle — from early concept development through hardware fabrication, installation, and on-site operation. The ideal candidate is a licensed or degree-qualified mechanical or aerospace engineer who brings deep expertise in mechanical systems design, structural analysis, and high-pressure fluid systems, and who communicates and collaborates effectively across engineering and operations teams.

This position offers the opportunity to lead and participate in design reviews, work alongside vendors to bring hardware from drawing to reality and provide direct technical support during field installation and testing. If you are looking for a role where your engineering decisions have real, visible consequences on mission-critical systems, this is the opportunity for you.

This team supports multiple US Navy research and development facilities associated with top priority submarine weapon system development programs. The facilities are one-of-a-kind and provide a capability not found anywhere else in the DoD. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment and is willing to tackle problems that span the hardware lifecycle.

Job Description

• Oversees the design, development, and maintenance of mechanical systems and components to ensure performance, safety, and reliability.
• Leads engineering teams in planning and executing complex projects from concept through production.
• Establishes engineering standards, policies, and best practices to drive technical excellence and operational efficiency.
• Collaborates with cross-functional departments, including manufacturing, quality, and procurement, to resolve technical challenges and meet project goals. Reviews and approves designs, calculations, and specifications to ensure compliance with industry codes and organizational requirements.
• Manages budgets, schedules, and resources to deliver projects on time and within cost parameters.
• Mentors and develops junior engineers to build a strong and capable engineering team.
• Stays informed of emerging technologies and industry trends to guide innovation and maintain a competitive advantage.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or similar) from an ABET-accredited institution.
• Minimum 15 years of mechanical engineering experience encompassing design, analysis, and project lifecycle management.
• Proficiency with CAD and solid modeling software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, or similar).
• Demonstrated experience performing structural analysis and interpreting results to inform design decisions.
• Strong ability to read and produce engineering drawings, specifications, and work procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to convey technical content clearly to diverse audiences and produce professional engineering documentation.
• Ability to work in field environments, including industrial and outdoor settings, as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-pressure air and/or hydraulic system design, including familiarity with applicable ASME or ANSI standards.
• Background in aerospace, defense, shipboard, or energy sector programs.
• Experience leading design reviews (PDR/CDR) and managing hardware through formal change control processes.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification is a plus.
• Familiarity with vendor management, fabrication oversight, and factory acceptance testing.
• Experience mentoring or guiding junior engineers or technicians.

Security & Clearance

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S government security clearance. Note: US Citizenship is required to obtain a U.S government security clearance.

Work Environment

• This position is based in China Lake, CA. Travel expected is approximately 33% of working time and is typically planned well in advance.

The role involves a blend of office-based design and analysis work with periodic field presence during installation, testing, and commissioning activities, requiring the ability to work in varied environments including industrial and outdoor settings

Compensation Details

$147,380.00 - $208,899.00

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax-saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting

11/12/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.