Principal Mechanical (Design) Engineer

Company Information

Elbit America is a leading provider of high-performance products, system solutions, and support services focusing on the defense, homeland security, commercial aviation, and medical instrumentation markets. With facilities throughout the United States, Elbit Systems of America is dedicated to supporting those who contribute daily to the safety and security of the United States. Elbit Systems of America, LLC is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT and TASE: ESLT), a global high-technology company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications. For additional information, visit: ElbitAmerica.com or follow us on YouTube.

Fueled by more than 800 talented employees and a proud 65‑year legacy of night vision production excellence, Elbit America’s Warfighter Systems business is rooted in the heart of Virginia’s Roanoke Valley. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll find a unique blend of southern hospitality, outdoor adventure, and the energy of a thriving city – all alongside a purpose you can be proud of coming to work each day.

As a world leader in low‑light sensor technology, the Warfighter Systems team is engineering the future of image intensifiers and night vision goggle systems as we enter a new era of the networked battlespace. Trusted by the U.S. and nearly 100 allied countries, our technology provides support to those in harm's way during the most critical moments with one goal in mind: bring them home safely.

The work our employees perform each day plays a direct role in national security, and our shared purpose is what truly makes Warfighter Systems so extraordinary. Come join our collaborative team where each voice is valued in a setting where you can thrive, develop, and make a true impact!

Job Summary

Leads the mechanical design of electro‑optical (EO) systems and opto‑mechanical assemblies from concept through production. Designs major components or major portions of a functional system to develop or improve products and facilitate manufacturing operations. Translates customer and market requirements into robust mechanical architectures, balancing performance, manufacturability, cost targets, and configuration control. Utilizes CAD/PLM tools to create detailed models, drawings, and documentation; performs mechanical and thermal analyses; and works as a cross‑functional liaison to ensure seamless system integration and production readiness. Coaches and trains junior and senior engineers, establishes reusable design patterns and playbooks, and serves as final technical approver for critical designs.

Responsibilities And Tasks

• Own the mechanical architecture and design of electro‑optical enclosures, precision mounts, thermal frames, seals, and structural elements. Ensure optical alignment stability, thermal management, EMI/ESD robustness, and environmental durability.
• Create 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, and engineering documentation per internal standards (Creo Parametric preferred; Windchill PLM).
• Generate system‑level mechanical layouts and thoroughly detailed component designs with minimal supervision. Perform component‑level and assembly‑level tolerance analyses and stack‑ups to guarantee fit, function, and alignment.
• Analyze and optimize designs using structural (FEA) and thermal simulations (Ansys or Creo Simulation), material selection, finishes, and fabrication processes to meet performance and reliability goals. Translate CTQs into tolerance budgets and verify with analytical stack‑ups and build data.
• Design for manufacturing and cost: apply DFM/DFA and Design‑to‑Unit‑Production‑Cost (DTUPC) principles. Partner with manufacturing engineering to design or revise tooling, fixtures, and assembly methods.
• Document Critical‑to‑Quality (CTQ) characteristics for purchased parts and assemblies. Define drawing GD&T and datum strategies; lead tolerance analysis, approve component‑level and assembly‑level stack‑ups, select worst‑case or statistical approaches, and correlate tolerance budgets to supplier capability and inspection plans.
• Own supplier technical engagement: define capability targets (Cp/Cpk) for CTQs, review first articles, and resolve process gaps; escalate and lead corrective actions.
• Prepare for and lead/contribute to design reviews (internal and external), risk assessments (DFMEA/PFMEA), and reliability planning; participate in peer reviews of complex mechanical approaches. Present tolerance budgets, key stack‑ups, and inspection plans.
• Prototype, assemble, and debug early units; support fabrication, inspection, and iterative refinement; assist production during initial builds and resolve build issues rapidly. Measure critical dimensions and update drawings/processes to close gaps.
• Mentor and train: provide structured training for junior engineers and peers in CAD best practices, tolerance analysis, GD&T per ASME, thermal and structural analysis, DFM/DFA, and EO integration. Pair on critical designs and conduct regular coaching sessions.
• Integrate cross‑functionally with Project Engineering Managers (PEMs), Systems Engineers (SEs), Technical Product Managers (TPMs), Supply Chain, external Vendors, and Program Managers (PMs) to align requirements, schedules, budgets, and trade‑offs through NPI gates.
• Capture voice of the customer and apply Human Factors principles to improve usability, serviceability, and safety. Ensure compliance with applicable standards and company policies (e.g., GD&T per ASME, product safety, environmental test methods, configuration control).

Education, Experience/Knowledge & License/Certification

• BS in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) and 10+ years product/tool design experience with CAD tools (preferably Creo Parametric with Windchill); or MS in ME and 8+ years relevant experience.
• CAD/PLM: Expert‑level parametric modeling per best practices (Creo preferred); Windchill PLM; surfacing and mechanism design experience a plus.
• Analysis: Proven depth in structural FEA (Ansys or Creo) and thermal analysis experience.
• Standards & methods: Advanced GD&T per ASME standards; complex tolerance analysis; DFM/DFA; DTUPC; able to teach and certify others on internal standards.
• Manufacturing knowledge: Machining, sheet metal, injection molding, adhesives/sealants, and additive manufacturing (3D printing a plus).
• Systems integration: Extensive experience with sensors, imaging modules, fiber‑optic, electro‑mechanical or opto‑electronic subassemblies, and EMI/ESD practices.
• Cross‑functional collaboration: Demonstrated capability to mentor, train, and develop junior engineers; lead across PEMs, SEs, TPMs, Supply Chain, Vendors, and PMs; chair reviews and approve designs.
• Innovation and IP: identify opportunities for new mechanisms, materials, and processes; assist with disclosures and patent filings where appropriate.
• Tools: Proficiency with MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Clearance: Must be able to obtain a U.S. Secret Clearance.
• Training pre‑requisites (within one year of taking position): ESD; Safety Training as dictated by the Safety Department.

Skills And Abilities

• Expert in Creo Parametric, tolerance analysis, GD&T, FEA (Ansys or Creo), and thermal modeling; able to teach methodologies and review others’ work effectively.
• Strong communication: can write standards, playbooks, and training materials; can present to executives and external customers.
• Influence and negotiation aligns stakeholders on complex trade‑offs and risk mitigation.

Travel/Physical Requirements

• Occasional travel up to 10%.
• Ability to work in lab and production areas, use PPE as required, and lift up to 25 lbs.

#onsite

Why Roanoke, Virginia?

• Lower cost of living
• Family‑friendly area
• Career and economic growth
• Scenic beauty
• Outdoor enthusiast’s dream

Here Are Some Of The Great Benefits We Offer

• Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off
• Competitive compensation & 401(k) program to plan for your future
• Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts
• Basic Life Insurance and Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available
• Flexible Vacation & PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Generous Employee Referral Program
• Voluntary Benefits Available: Longer Term Care, Legal, Identity Theft, Pet Insurance, and more
• Voluntary Tricare Supplement available for military retirees

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This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not an employment contract. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Elbit America is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

• If you encounter issues with your application, please email TalentAcquisition@ElbitAmerica.com***