Prin Mechanical Engineer (SRM Thermal Analysis)

Accountabilities:: Perform Advanced Thermal Analysis: Conduct detailed thermal analyses of solid rocket motor components to evaluate thermal performance and support engineering design decisions. Design Thermal Protection Systems: Determine sizing requirements for internal insulation, external thermal protection systems, and structural insulators. Develop and Validate Models: Validate analytical models against test data and develop predictive models for material ablation and erosion. Plan Material Characterization Tests: Define sub-scale testing approaches to characterize the thermal and mechanical properties of insulation and ablative materials. Evaluate Materials and Solutions: Assess and recommend suitable ablative materials and thermal protection systems for solid rocket motor applications. Apply Advanced Engineering Methods: Design, analyze, modify, test, and evaluate mechanical systems and components using established engineering principles and advanced analytical techniques. Review Technical Documentation: Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, specifications, and computer-generated reports to assess design feasibility and performance. Resolve Technical Challenges: Investigate equipment or system failures, identify potential causes, recommend corrective actions, and collaborate with relevant engineering and operational teams. Support Design Reviews: Prepare technical reports and presentations documenting analysis, modeling, and supporting engineering work, and present findings to peers and customers. Coordinate Cross-Functional Activities: Collaborate with engineers and other stakeholders to establish procedures, resolve technical issues, communicate engineering requirements, and ensure designs meet performance specifications. Manage Engineering Work Independently: Apply sound technical judgment to complex assignments, contribute to project or functional team leadership, and deliver work in accordance with established deadlines. Requirements: Education and Experience: An engineering degree and an associate-level educational credential or equivalent combination as specified in the role requirements, with 8–10 years of relevant professional experience. A bachelor's degree is preferred. Thermal Engineering Expertise: Demonstrated understanding of thermal analysis principles and experience evaluating thermal performance in complex mechanical or engineering systems. Mechanical Engineering Knowledge: Strong knowledge of applied mechanics, mechanical design, design optimization, design reviews, prototyping, and requirements engineering or analysis. Computer-Aided Engineering Skills: Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) software, as well as tools used for thermal analysis and engineering modeling. Modeling and Testing Experience: Ability to validate engineering models against test data, evaluate material properties, and support the development of predictive analytical methods. Technical Documentation Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, with the ability to prepare clear technical reports and presentations. Communication and Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical findings and participate effectively in design reviews with colleagues and customers. Analytical and Problem-Solving Ability: Demonstrated critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to investigate complex technical problems and recommend practical solutions. Independent Work and Team Leadership: Ability to manage assignments independently, collaborate across disciplines, mentor or guide others, and exercise sound professional judgment. Deadline Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and meet project commitments in a technically demanding environment. Travel Availability: Willingness to travel as needed, with travel expected to reach approximately 25%. Work Environment Flexibility: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods, move throughout facilities as required, and accommodate occasional standing, exposure to indoor or outdoor environments, machinery, or different work shifts. Benefits: Competitive Compensation: Annual salary range of approximately $119,000–$161,000, with final compensation determined by work location, relevant skills, experience, education, training, and internal equity. Additional Compensation: Potential eligibility to participate in a gain-sharing program. Healthcare Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance. Insurance Protection: Short-term and long-term disability coverage and basic life insurance. Retirement Benefits: Access to a 401(k) plan and eligibility for a non-contributory retirement contribution. Flexible Spending Options: Pre-tax spending accounts. Voluntary Insurance and Protection: Options that may include critical illness insurance, accident insurance, identity theft protection, enhanced legal services, and hospital indemnity insurance. Paid Time Off: 120 hours of paid time off annually, in addition to paid holidays. Paid Family Leave: Up to three weeks of paid family leave. Professional and Personal Support: Educational assistance and an employee assistance program. Flexible Work Arrangement: Remote work option or the opportunity to work at designated facilities in Huntsville, Alabama, or Hampton, Arkansas. Work Schedule: Full-time position with a 9/80 schedule, allowing an alternative arrangement across a two-week work period.