Principal Mechanical Engineer – Thermal Analyst

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems

. Design, develop, and integrate mechanical components for solid rocket motor systems .

Posted 10/1/2026full-timeUnited StatesSeniorLead💰 $114,000 - $154,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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

Demonstrates expertise in Mechanical Engineering, including design, analysis, and testing of solid rocket motor systems. Proficient in CAD and CAE software, with strong problem-solving and analytical skills to optimize designs and ensure compliance with specifications.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Mechanical EngineeringCAD SoftwareDesign EngineeringThermal AnalysisProblem-Solving Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Applied MechanicsDesign OptimizationRequirements Engineering/AnalysisPrototypingThermal Protection Systems

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 SystemsMechanical ComponentsDesign ReviewsTechnical DrawingsAblative Materials

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, develop, and integrate mechanical components for solid rocket motor systems
Create CAD models, engineering drawings, and specifications for motor cases, nozzles, insulation systems, joints, and structural interfaces
Apply advanced engineering techniques to design, install, modify, analyze, repair, and test mechanical equipment
Interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports
Collaborate with engineers and other personnel to implement procedures, resolve system malfunctions, and provide technical information
Analyze customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, and other data for feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements
Specify system components or direct product modifications for conformance with engineering design and performance specifications
Investigate equipment failures, diagnose faulty operation, and recommend actions to maintenance crews
Perform detailed thermal analysis of solid rocket motor components
Size internal insulation, external thermal protection systems, and structural insulators
Validate models with test data and 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
Ability to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods
Ability to move throughout GD-OTS facilities
Up to 25% travel likely

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Short- and long-term disability insurance
Basic life insurance
Pre-tax spending accounts
401k 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
Career development and recognition programs
Remote work option