Principal Mechanical Engineer, Platform Integration

Designed by military veterans and engineers from leading technology companies, CHAOS operates at the intersection of defense and deep tech. The mission is straightforward: give operators time. Time to detect, decide, and act before threats evolve.

The company has grown to over 200 people across five global offices and continues to expand as demand for next-generation defense systems accelerates.

The Opportunity

CHAOS is looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical integration of mission systems into ground- and sea-mobile platforms. This is a hands-on, ownership-heavy role that spans the full product lifecycle, from early concept through qualification testing and fielded sustainment.

You will work directly on hardware that goes into operational environments. The problems are real, the constraints are tight, and the stakes are high. You will be expected to lead technical decisions, resolve integration challenges across disciplines, and serve as a primary interface with customers and platform providers.

What You'll Do

• •      Lead mechanical design and hands-on integration of electronics, enclosures, effectors, launchers, and mechanisms into ground- and sea-mobile platforms
• •      Architect structures, frames, mounts, and mechanisms that meet shock, vibration, thermal, and environmental requirements
• •      Own 3D CAD models, assemblies, and interface control documentation (ICDs) across multi-disciplinary programs
• •      Perform first-order structural and thermal analyses and drive requirements allocation to meet customer and military standards
• •      Lead integration, qualification, and acceptance activities including installation oversight, alignment, and fit-checks
• •      Serve as the primary hardware interface with customers, platform providers, and suppliers; conduct make/buy assessments
• •      Support production transition, configuration control, and resolution of integration issues on fielded systems

You Should Have

• •      8+ years of experience in platform-level mechanical design and system integration for aerospace or defense applications
• •      Demonstrated experience integrating mechanical subsystems into vehicles, mobile platforms, or fixed installations
• •      Strong proficiency with CAD tools such as SolidWorks or equivalent, including large assemblies and top-down design
• •      Solid understanding of mechanical interfaces, tolerancing, alignment, and interface control documents
• •      Familiarity with structural analysis methods including hand calculations and FEA
• •      Experience applying military standards such as MIL-STD-810 and related qualification requirements
• •      Ability to lead technical decisions and resolve cross-disciplinary integration challenges
• •      Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance

Nice to Have

• •      Experience with mechanisms and actuation systems: linkages, bearings, motors, hydraulics, gimbals, or rotary joints
• •      Hands-on prototyping experience using additive manufacturing, CNC machining, or similar fabrication techniques
• •      Experience with commercial FEA or multiphysics tools such as NASTRAN, ABAQUS, ANSYS, or COMSOL
• •      Familiarity with vehicle integration constraints including transport loads, shock, and vibration environments
• •      Knowledge of military-style connectors such as MIL-DTL-38999, ARINC, or micro-D
• •      Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Compensation and Benefits

Base Salary: $175,000 - $215,000, depending on experience