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Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer

Leonardo DRS
Fitchburg, MA Contractor
POSTED ON 1/28/2026 CLOSED ON 2/26/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer position at Leonardo DRS?

Job ID: 112789

The Leonardo DRS Naval Power Systems business is a trusted provider of innovative naval gas and hybrid power systems, control technology and support solutions for the U.S. Navy and navies around the world.

Job Summary

DRS NPS has an immediate need for a Principal Shock and Structural Engineer to be the subject matter expert on the design and analysis of shock and vibration for high performance rotating equipment and associated static structures. You will provide direct contributor work in designing for mechanical shock survivability and vibration response of multiple product lines including large rotating electric motors, generators, and steam turbine assemblies, including static foundations.

The ideal candidate is an individual possessing strong mechanical engineering technical skills, a superior knowledge of finite element analysis, and an understanding of the design considerations for large rotating equipment.

This position is in-office or hybrid based out of DRS’s Fitchburg, MA location.

Job Responsibilities

You are expected to work independently or collaboratively as part of an integrated project team, using judgment and discretion in making complex decisions. You will act as a SME and mentor to more junior colleagues.

You will execute shock analysis on large assemblies, including:

Static Analysis

Transient Dynamic Analysis

Shock Spectra Response Analysis

US NAVY dynamic design analysis method, DDAM (T9070-AJ-DPC-120/3010)

Linear and non-linear contact analysis

Normal Mode Analysis

Forces Response Analysis

Critical to success in the role is the ability to breakdown complicated technical challenges and find innovative solutions that meet the program’s requirements without adding unnecessary weight or cost. You will need the ability to clearly document and communicate, orally and in writing, technical and programmatic information to technical and non-technical individuals including the team, project leadership, and to other functions including executive management. As part of regular activities, this role will have customer interaction where you will confidently and competently represent DRS in front of customers, including the US Navy.

You will review, analyze, and status project milestones and provide accurate estimates to complete projects or analyses.

You will design for EHS and manufacturability and demonstrate this skillset in support of manufacturing and field activities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor of Science degree from a 4-year accredited college or university in Mechanical Engineering or other suitable degree with a minimum of 8 years of experience in evaluating stresses, deflections and relative deflections of turbo machinery assemblies, large rotating machinery assemblies (e.g., motors and or generators) and type components such as rotors, stators, turbine casings, and bases.

Expert knowledge of MIL-S-901D IC2, MIL-DTL-901, familiarity with shock and vibration testing and experience working with various shock and vibration testing facilities.

Expert experience with the ANSYS Mechanical (Workbench) finite element analysis (FEA) software.

Demonstrated excellence applying fundamentals of mechanical design, including material selection.

Proven experience individually driving the product development cycle from concept to qualified / fielded systems.

Experience with system-level thinking and system engineering principles/methods

Experience with the design and analysis of large welded fabrications and complex rotating assemblies.

You must be a US citizen and be able to pass screening for a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with the development of rotating machinery and associated manufacturing drawings.

Familiarity with the full manufacturing process including casting, forging, welding, machining, and factory assembly best practices.

Experience with ANSYS ADPL (ANSYS Classic)

Proficient with Computer Aided Design (CAD) Tools (Siemens NX and/or Solidworks preferred).

Experience with MSC family of analysis and pre/post software: NASTRAN / PATRAN / APEX

Experience with various available shock and vibration analysis supporting programs: UERD, SIMPLE, etc.

Experience with Program Management tools (MS Project preferred) and/or agile Project Management tools- (Jira preferred).

Experience with execution of projects for the US military.

Active security clearance.

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

The salary range for this position is $111,709 to $178,111. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate’s qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Salary : $111,709 - $178,111

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