General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) is a global leader in the design, engineering and production of munitions, energetics, weapons, armaments, and missile subsystems around the world. OTS empowers the U.S. military and its allies with an extensive range of overarching product segments applied across all levels of strategic and tactical operations, providing a cutting-edge advantage to our warfighters.

Our Ethos of Honesty, Trust, Transparency, and Alignment, are the guiding principles that form the foundation of everything we do. Integrity is paramount, innovation fuels our passion, customer satisfaction is at the core of our mission, and collaboration is key to our success - fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual respect among employees, partners, and stakeholders.

Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement, and work/life benefits that include career development and recognition programs.

If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

We are seeking a motivated, creative, and experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team and lead new product development and engineering services efforts within our aircraft weapon systems product family. In this role, you will engage with customers to define product needs, develop estimates and statements of work, design and analyze mechanical solutions, and lead the development, testing, troubleshooting, and manufacturing implementation of new products and product upgrades. The ideal candidate will serve as a technical authority within the product family and provide guidance to ensure design integrity, manufacturability, and long-term product performance.

General Profile

• Requires specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise in own job discipline or field
• Uses advanced techniques, theories, and processes to complete work
• Leads others to solve complex problems
• Works independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations
• May lead functional teams or projects
• Consistent exercise of discretion & judgment

• Applies advanced engineering techniques to design, install, modify, analyze, repair and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment.
• Guides the interpretation of blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.
• Collaborates with engineers and other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, and provide technical information.
• Researches and analyzes customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, and other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements of designs or applications.
• Specifies system components or directs modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design and performance specifications.
• Investigates equipment failures and difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and makes recommendations to maintenance crew.

Lead full product development lifecycle from initiation through closeout. Drive project execution through requirements, design, integration, verification, and production readiness. Provide technical leadership, manage risks, and support proposals. Maintain and improve legacy products by becoming a subject matter expert. Mentor engineers and collaborate across teams to transition designs into production.

• Required education and experience: Associate's Degree and 8-10 years' experience
• Discipline/Major: Engineering degree required
• Critical professional related technical skills; computer skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

• Preferred education and experience: Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or other closely related field
• Knowledge, skills & abilities: Strong oral and written communication skills; Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities; Ability to work independently and collaboratively; Advanced problem‑solving and analytical skills; Applied mechanics, design engineering, design optimization, design review; Mechanical prototyping; Requirements engineering and analysis; Proficiency with CAD and CAE software tools; GD&T
• Key Qualifications:
• Experience in a technical leadership role, including direct customer engagement and mentoring of engineers.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a technical authority, resolve complex engineering issues, mitigate risks, and provide guidance across product lifecycles.
• Proficiency with primary CAD/CAE tools including Creo, Mathcad, Ansys Workbench, and internally developed design software.
• Manufacturing process knowledge including CNC machining, forging, assembly, and testing of precision mechanical components.
• Ability to support sustainment and troubleshooting of legacy mechanical systems with limited historical documentation.
• Strongly preferred specific product family experience includes: Medium‑caliber gun systems, including design, analysis, testing, integration, or field support; Ammunition handling systems, including feed systems, linkless mechanisms, storage, transfer, and system‑level integration; Gun barrel design and manufacturing, including material selection, stress/fatigue analysis, thermal considerations, and barrel life management.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time.
• Requires regular movement throughout GD-OTS facilities.
• May need to stand for long periods of time.
• Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.
• Work may require employee to work inside and outside with exposure to changing climate and/or operate machinery.
• May be requested to work a different shift.

Up to 25% travel likely.

$119,425.00 - $161,578.00

The salary range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum for salary for this position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, internal equity, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the range during the hiring process.

Hired applicant may be eligible to participate in the Company’s Gain Sharing Program.

Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and basic life insurance as well as pre-tax spending accounts. Employees are also able to enroll in the company's 401k plan and are eligible for the Non-Contributory Retirement Contribution. In addition to the benefits discussed above, the company offers the following voluntary benefits: Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Identify Theft Protection, Enhanced Legal Services, Auto and Home Insurance, Pet Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Educational Assistance.

Employees will receive 11 paid holidays and 120 hours of PTO annually and up to 3 weeks paid family leave.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. The statements do not represent an exhaustive list of required responsibilities and skills. Other duties may be added or this job description may be amended at any time. This job description does not alter an employee's at-will employment status or create an employment agreement or contract, implied or otherwise.