Sierra Nevada Corporation

Mechanical Engineer III

Dayton, OH
Full-time
Posted Oct 16, 2026

Skills

Agile
GD&T
Logistics
Operations
Problem Solving

Job description

Do you enjoy designing and developing innovative solutions to solve tough, meaningful problems? In this role, your technical leadership directly shapes advanced aerospace systems while driving high‑visibility engineering outcomes. As the mechanical engineering site lead, you’ll guide the design, development, testing, and deployment of cutting‑edge mechanical systems in a rapid, agile production environment—where your decisions have immediate operational impact. You’ll leverage deep aircraft and airframe expertise, partner across multidisciplinary teams, and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, ensuring that critical mechanical solutions transition seamlessly from concept to real‑world performance. This is a high‑influence position where your engineering insight, leadership presence, and ability to navigate complex challenges collectively advance both mission success and the future of aerospace innovation.

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

Responsibilities:

•Lead the design and development of advanced mechanical systems and components.

•Perform complex analyses and simulations to validate and optimize designs.

•Develop and oversee the execution of detailed test plans and procedures.

•Review and approve technical documentation and reports.

•Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful integration of mechanical systems.

•Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.

Must-Haves:

•A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

•6 years of experience in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline.

•A higher‑level relevant degree may substitute for equivalent experience.

•Proven experience serving as a site lead , including coordinating engineering activities, supporting on‑site operations, and working closely with cross‑functional partners.

•Hands‑on aircraft or airframe experience , with the ability to apply that knowledge to design, development, and problem‑solving.

•Advanced understanding of mechanical design principles and proficiency with CAD software .

•Strong practical knowledge of engineering principles and real-world application .

•Experience with Computer‑Aided Engineering (CAE) tools .

•Success collaborating within multi‑disciplinary design and development teams .

Qualifications We Prefer

•A Master’s degree in a related engineering field.

•Ability to apply and interpret GD&T (ASME Y14.5) .

•Background in the Aerospace and Defense industry .

•Familiarity with industry mechanical design standards such as parametric design , model‑based definition , material selection , and manufacturing/production processes .

Essential Functions:

•Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.

•Occasional travel may be required.

•Ability to work in an office or hybrid environment.

•Applying systematic and logical problem-solving techniques to develop mechanical designs

•Clearly convey technical information, design specifications, and project updates to team members, stakeholders, and management

•Ability to understand technical documents, designs and test reports.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more .

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.