Principal Engineer
DIRECT HIRE OPPORTUNITY!!!Highly competitive benefits package snapshot: Medical/Dental/Vision/STD/LTD (100% paid for by the company), Max 401K Contribution, 3 weeks vacationThis location requires US CITIZENS only.Onsite only as this position will be actively mentoring the teams - 20+ people Principal Engineer. This individual will serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) within the technical arena, specializing in composites and structural mechanics, while acting a 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 (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Boeing, General Dynamics), the Department of Defense, or 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 with respect to performance of a engineering staff, training/advancement recommendations as well as manpower planning/project team organization.Mentorship & 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.Represent company at conferences, symposiums, and technical forums.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