Principal Mechanical Engineer – SRM Thermal Analysis

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems

. Conduct detailed thermal analysis of solid rocket motor components .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeRemote • Alabama • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $119,000 - $161,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in thermal analysis, design engineering, and applied mechanics, with a strong ability to collaborate across teams and communicate technical information effectively. Proficient in evaluating design feasibility and optimizing mechanical systems while adhering to project deadlines.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Thermal AnalysisMechanical EngineeringDesign EngineeringCAD SoftwareProblem-Solving Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Applied MechanicsDesign OptimizationRequirements Engineering/AnalysisPrototypingPredictive Ablation ModelingThermal Protection SystemsBlueprint InterpretationTest Data ValidationSystem Component SpecificationEquipment Failure Investigation

Soft Skills

Oral Communication SkillsWritten Communication SkillsAnalytical Thinking SkillsAbility to Meet DeadlinesTeam Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeComputer-Aided Engineering (CAE) Software

Certifications & Qualifications

Associate's DegreeEngineering Degree

Industry Keywords

Solid Rocket Motor ComponentsTechnical ExcellenceDesign ReviewsAblative MaterialsThermal Protection System Solutions

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct detailed thermal analysis of solid rocket motor components
Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams
Interface with customers and drive technical excellence
Apply advanced engineering techniques to design, install, modify, analyze, repair, and test mechanically functioning equipment
Guide interpretation of blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports
Collaborate with engineers and other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, and provide technical information
Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, and other data
Evaluate design or application feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements
Specify system components or direct product modifications to meet engineering design and performance specifications
Investigate equipment failures and recommend corrective actions
Size internal insulation, external thermal protection systems, and structural insulators
Validate models with test data
Develop predictive ablation and erosion models
Define sub-scale tests for characterizing insulator and ablator material properties
Evaluate and recommend ablative materials and thermal protection system solutions
Create reports and presentations documenting analysis and supporting work
Present to peers and customers in design reviews
May lead functional teams or projects

Requirements

What you’ll need

Associate's Degree and 8–10 years' experience
Engineering degree required
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Oral and written communication skills
Ability to meet deadlines
Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
Problem-solving skills
Analytical thinking skills
Applied mechanics
Design engineering
Design optimization
Design review
Mechanical engineering
Prototyping
Requirements engineering/analysis
CAD software
Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) software
Must be able to remain stationary at a desk and/or computer for extended periods
Requires regular movement throughout GD-OTS facilities
May need to stand for long periods
Work may require indoor and outdoor exposure to changing climate and/or machinery operation
May be requested to work a different shift
Up to 25% travel likely

Benefits

Comp & perks

Compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement, and work/life benefits
Career development and recognition programs
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Short- and long-term disability insurance
Basic life insurance
Pre-tax spending accounts
401(k) plan
Non-Contributory Retirement Contribution
Critical Illness Insurance
Accident Insurance
Identity Theft Protection
Enhanced Legal Services
Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Educational Assistance
Employee Assistance Program
Paid holidays
120 hours of PTO annually
Up to 3 weeks paid family leave
Gain Sharing Program eligibility
9/80 schedule
Remote work option
Up to 25% travel likely