Senior Principal Engineer – Systems Design & Mechanical Architecture
Location: Tucson, AZ | Employment Type: Full-Time | Industry: Defense & Aerospace
Clearance: TS
Are you a hands-on engineer with deep mechanical systems experience and a passion for leading high-impact projects? We’re looking for a Senior Engineer to lead the design, integration, and execution of next-generation missile and counter-UAS systems.
This is a high-visibility role that blends technical leadership with cross-functional team management in a fast-paced, rapid development environment.
What You’ll Do
- Lead airframe and launcher design for advanced missile and UAS systems
- Oversee mechanical architecture of seeker, warhead, propulsion, and guidance components
- Direct a multi-disciplinary engineering team (mechanical, electrical, test, structural)
- Serve as Cost Account Manager (CAM) for over $10M in development and integration budgets
- Spearhead rapid prototyping efforts and transition designs into production
- Own all phases of mechanical integration, from CAD modeling to environmental testing
- Support strategic planning, hiring, mentoring, and performance development for your team
What We’re Looking For
- BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (MS preferred)
- 15+ years in aerospace or defense engineering, with deep missile systems experience
- Expertise in Creo, SolidWorks, surfacing/solid modeling.
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and deliver results
- Hands-on experience with composites, injection molding, prototyping, and testing
- MIL-STD testing knowledge
Bonus Points For
- Experience in counter-UAS, directed energy, or rapid prototyping labs
- Background in tooling, fabrication, or supplier coordination
- Track record of innovative design and successful transitions to production
- Experience with Servo/electric design
Why Join Us
- Work on mission-critical defense programs with real-world impact
- Lead next-generation systems in a high-velocity engineering environment
- Join a team that values innovation, autonomy, and technical excellence
- Competitive salary, performance incentives, and a full benefits package
Flexible work from home options available.
About Foxhound Federal
Foxhound Federal is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business specializing in helping federal agencies and consulting organizations acquire high-caliber candidates for business development, internal operations and program delivery. Our past performance and reasonable pricing are your guarantee that we will deliver the high-caliber candidates our clients need to meet any and all contractual obligations.