Principal Mechanical Engineer

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline

8+ years of progressively responsible experience in platform-level mechanical design and system integration for aerospace and defense applications

Proven experience integrating mechanical subsystems and mission systems into vehicles, mobile platforms, or fixed installations

Strong proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks or equivalent) for large assemblies and top-down design

Solid understanding of mechanical interfaces, tolerancing, alignment, installation practices, and interface control documents (ICDs)

Familiarity with structural analysis methods (hand calculations, FEA)

CHAOS is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide high-value, hands-on mechanical expertise for the integration of ruggedized electronics, effectors, and mission-critical hardware into ground- and sea-mobile platforms for aerospace and defense applications. In this role, you will own and lead the design for mechanical integration of military electronics and effector systems with critical platform structures and mechanisms. Design challenges may range from compact electronics enclosures to larger structural or mechanism assemblies, depending on platform and mission requirements.

The position spans the full product lifecycle, from early concept development and architecture through detailed design, analysis, prototyping, qualification testing, production, and sustainment of fielded systems.

The ideal candidate has strong hands-on mechanical CAD and system integration experience, demonstrated prototyping skills, a deep understanding of ruggedized hardware design, and a proven ability to work independently and guide cross-disciplinary engineering efforts.

This is a full-time, on-site position in Hawthorne, CA.

Provide technical leadership and hands-on prototyping and mechanical integration of mission systems: electronics, enclosures, effectors, launchers, mechanisms, and support equipment into ground- and sea-mobile platforms