Principal Mechanical Engineer

Rapidly growing Saab Inc. Land Systems division is seeking a dynamic and experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer responsible for leading efforts and individual contributions to development, implementation, and support to Saab's weapon systems and defense products, specifically mechanical and cross-disciplined integrated systems and subsystems, as well as Transfer of Technology (ToT) efforts.

The successful candidate will be the critical member of the Land Systems mechanical engineering team, working on various programs and projects, frequently on multiple efforts at the same time. The candidate is expected to provide significant amount of mechanical engineering knowledge, mentoring, and relevant leadership to the engineering team. The candidate will collaborate with other engineering disciplines, program management, chief engineer, and other functions to accomplish the assigned tasks.

Travel up to 30% is required, mainly domestic and some international. Currently the position is remote; eventual relocation will be required to Detroit, MI (2025-2026).

Responsibilities include:

• Support company's and division strategic technical and business path by implementing new technological solutions to identified capability gaps, including intellectual property retention and capture, as applied to the mechanical engineering and adjacent engineering disciplines.

• Interface with project leadership, engineering, operations, business development, program capture, supply chain, quality, finance, security, export control and other relevant functions to understand, define and develop engineering solutions, considering existing products (including commercial and off-the-shelf) availability, transfer of technology, company strategy and frequently limited customer inputs.

• Develop and downflow mechanical design methodologies and solutions, based on system level perspective, existing products' availability, design authorities, transfer of technology, industry standards, and the most advances technologies, to the engineering team.

• Identify levels of resources, in terms of personnel, materials, suppliers, and facilities, including analysis, fabrication, integration, and test, for the most optimum engineering solutions. Provide cost-effective inputs for planning, scheduling and estimating work.

• Plan, staff, organize, and control proper size teams of engineering development, integration, and demonstration, including schedule and budget planning.

• Provide relevant education and share all aspects of mechanical design and knowledge with the team. Actively contribute to mentoring and supporting engineering staff development.

• Actively participate in proposal efforts (including whitepaper and RFI responses), technical volume generation, estimates, basis of estimates, and reviews.

• Ensure personnel adherence to established company processes and procedures, provide feedback and contribute to updates to processes, forms, and templates.

• Support cost estimating activities, including proposals, IRAD, capital, and overhead budget developments.

• Actively assist Land Systems engineering leadership team in long-term engineering staffing planning and strategy development, including establishment of engineering home location, labs, and facilities.

• Contribute to Land Systems' technology roadmap planning from mechanical engineering capability perspective.

• Together with Land Systems mechanical engineering leadership, assist other divisions' efforts with engineering staffing efforts.

Compensation Range: $146,800-$190,800

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training.

• Minimum Bachelor of Science/Arts in Mechanical Engineering and 20 years of experience in related field, or equivalent combination of advanced degree and experience.

• Working experience with DoD and industry engineering processes, procedures, requirements, tools, and practices, as applied to mechanical engineering and adjacent disciplines.

• Working experience to provide discipline area guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers in the areas of the mechanical engineering, including design, analysis, implementation and requirements verification.

• Excellent leadership and communication skills across the function, as well as with leadership teams, peers, subordinates, and business partners, domestically and internationally, in-person and remotely.

• Exposure to functional engineering leadership aspects, such as recruiting, hiring, performance reviews, career development processes and other staffing functions.

• Experience and familiarity with other company functions operations, such as human resources, finance, supply chain, etc. Ability to collaborate on a cross functional team outside of engineering disciplines.

• Self-starter, working with minimum direction.

• Ability to obtain DoD Secret clearance (minimum, existing clearance a plus).

Citizenship Requirements:

Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Drug-Free Workplaces:

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, business-casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits:

• Medical, vision and dental insurance for employees and dependents

• Paid time off including: minimum of 3 weeks vacation, 5 floating holidays, 8 designated holidays, parental leave, personal illness, bereavement, jury duty, long-term and short-term disability

• 401(k) with immediate vesting on employer match

• Tuition assistance

• Student loan assistance

• Wellness account, Care.com subscription and employee assistance programs

• Employee stock purchase program with employer match

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 19,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in eight U.S. locations.

Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person's needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.