Principal Engineer (SME)

Join our dynamic team in Horsham, PA, where innovation meets expertise. We are seeking an individual who will serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) within the technical arena, specializing in composites and structural mechanics, while acting as a mentor to our engineering team. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience gained through a distinguished career at either a leading defense contractor, the Department of Defense, or a highly accredited research institution/university.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Expertise:
  • Provide technical leadership and act as the organization's SME in composites, mechanics of materials, engineering design, and structural analysis, inclusive of Finite Element methods.
  • Offer advanced solutions to complex engineering challenges, ensuring the highest standards of innovation, timeliness, and quality.
  • Oversee and guide the development of new methodologies, technologies, and processes.
  • Provide input to the Chief Technical Officer regarding the performance of engineering staff, training/advancement recommendations, and Client planning/project team organization.
• Mentorship and Leadership:
  • Mentor and develop engineering staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
  • Lead technical reviews, provide constructive feedback, and ensure adherence to industry best practices.
  • Cultivate a collaborative and high-performing engineering team.
• Project Oversight:
  • Provide technical oversight on major projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
  • Review and approve critical drawings, specifications, analysis, and technical reports.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to drive project success and meet deliverables.
• Industry Collaboration:
  • Maintain strong relationships with external partners, contractors, and key stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience:
  • A minimum of 15 years of experience specializing in composite structural analysis and mechanics of materials, with proven expertise in structural analysis, material modeling, and advanced engineering practices.
  • Held senior technical roles typically known as Technical Fellow, Engineering Specialist, Senior Structures Analyst, or equivalent.
• Educational Background:
  • Advanced degree in Engineering, or a related technical field (Ph.D. preferred, but not required).
  • Candidates transitioning from academia and/or government must demonstrate extensive practical experience in relevant fields and projects.
• Industry Background:
  • Extensive experience with defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, General Dynamics, or the Department of Defense. Experience with other leading aerospace or defense organizations is also acceptable.
• Skills and Competencies:
  • In-depth understanding of composite materials, design, manufacturing, and testing.
  • Software competency:
    • ABAQUS (required)
    • Mathematica (recommended)
  • Program languages (Recommended):
    • Python / Fortran / C
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a track record of providing oversight and approval of critical deliverables.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to mentor team members and liaise with external partners.
  • Proven ability to lead technical initiatives from concept to completion.