Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer – Thermal Analysis

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems

. Conduct detailed thermal analysis of solid rocket motor components .

Posted 10/7/2026full-timeRemote • Alabama • United StatesSenior💰 $130,000 - $175,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in thermal analysis, design engineering, and mechanical engineering, with a strong focus on applied mechanics and design optimization for solid rocket motor components. Proficient in CAD and CAE software, with excellent communication and problem-solving skills to collaborate effectively with cross-disciplinary teams and customers.

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

Thermal Protection SystemsApplied MechanicsDesign OptimizationRequirements Engineering/AnalysisPrototypingAblative Materials EvaluationModel ValidationBlueprint InterpretationTechnical Report WritingPredictive Modeling

Soft Skills

Oral Communication SkillsWritten Communication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsAnalytical Thinking SkillsAbility to Meet Deadlines

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeComputer-Aided Engineering (CAE) SoftwareCAD Software

Certifications & Qualifications

Associate's DegreeEngineering Degree

Industry Keywords

Solid Rocket MotorThermal AnalysisDesign ReviewCross-Disciplinary CollaborationEquipment Failure Investigation

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 engineering techniques to design, install, modify, analyze, repair, and test mechanically functioning equipment
Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports
Confer 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 to evaluate feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements
Specify system components or direct product modifications to ensure conformance with engineering design and performance specifications
Investigate equipment failures and difficulties, diagnose faulty operation, and make recommendations to maintenance crews
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 for solid rocket motor applications
Create reports and presentations documenting analysis and supporting work
Present to peers and customers in design reviews

Requirements

What you’ll need

Associate's Degree and 10-12 years' experience
Engineering degree required
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Oral and written communication skills
Ability to meet deadlines
Interpersonal skills
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
Up to 25% travel likely
Must be able to remain in a stationary position 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 working inside and outside with exposure to changing climate and/or operating machinery

Benefits

Comp & perks

Healthcare, wellness, retirement, and work/life benefits
Career development and recognition programs
Paid holidays
120 hours of PTO annually
Up to 3 weeks paid family leave
9/80 schedule
Remote work option or work at Huntsville, AL or Hampton, AR facility