Principal Mechanical Engineer
Mercury Systems
Torrance, CA · Posted September 17, 2026
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Where Torrance, CA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #3Best cities for manufacturing and industrial pay after cost of living$157k · of 35
- #4Best cities for energy and utilities pay after cost of living$160k · of 18
- #5Best all-round cities for new graduates in the West Coast63 / 100 · of 39
- #8Cities with the most jobs that need no experience in the West Coast1.5% · of 66
- #10Cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the West Coast65 jobs · of 47
- #10Cities that post pay most often43% · of 100
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
How AI is used in this kind of work
AI use among mechanical engineers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for mechanical engineers: 8% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
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About the job
Job Summary:
Mercury Systems is seeking the best and brightest engineering talent to help us deliver cutting‑edge technology for mission‑critical aerospace and defense applications, advancing innovation where it matters most.
This is a great opportunity for a principal level mechanical engineer to join a high-performing enigneering team who brings technical experience and a fresh perspective to complex design challenges. You will play a hands‑on role in designing, analyzing, and testing rugged subsystems and complex PCB assemblies that are core to Mercury’s high‑performance product portfolio. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment and is driven to translate innovative ideas into impactful, mission‑ready solutions.
Job Responsibilities:
Lead products through the full lifecycle; from concept development to integration, testing, and production release.
Perform mechanical engineering activities for rugged subsystems and complex PCB assemblies, including mechanical packaging, connector selection, cable and label design, prototype inspection and assembly, environmental testing, and supporting hardware documentation procurement
Collaborate closely with cross‑functional partners such as Hardware/Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Engineering, and Procurement
Develop and maintain Bills of Material (BOMs/PLs) to support accurate configuration and production control
Draft, submit, and manage Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs)
Conceptualize, design, analyze, and document mechanical hardware and systems intended for rugged military and space environments
Conduct thermal and structural analysis and/or simulations to ensure robust mechanical and environmental performance
Design complex fixtures to support product testing and advanced manufacturing processes
Create detailed 3D models and engineering drawings
Communicate design concepts and produce clear, high‑quality product documentation for diverse internal and external audiences
Support environmental and functional design verification testing in accordance with MIL‑STD‑810 for severe operating conditions
Provide hands‑on support during initial build validation of new designs, ensuring form, fit, and function are met
Perform failure analysis of discrepant material in partnership with Manufacturing and Quality Engineering teams
Develop test plans, inspection reports, and associated documentation in support of verification and validation activities
Mentor and train junior engineers
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
Typically requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant mechanical engineering experience
Familiarity with GD&T, ASME Y14.5, Y14.100
Experience and understanding of PWA/CCA design and associated manufacturing processes
Proven experience designing electronics packaging for severe environments, including compliance with MIL‑STD‑810
Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks or CREO
Broad knowledge of both conventional and advanced manufacturing techniques, including machining and post‑processing for CCAs and metal components
Strong foundational understanding of heat‑transfer design principles and dynamic system design for shock and random vibration environments
Familiarity with configuration management and material control processes, including routers, work instructions, and related tools i.e. Agile, Oracle, EPDM Proficiency with standard engineering documentation and presentation tools
This role requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
Aerospace and Defense Industry experience
Expertise with GD&T, ASME Y14.5, Y14.100
Experience performing thermal analysis using tools such as 6Sigma, Celsius, SC Stream, or SC Flow
Experience performing Structural analysis using tools such as SolidWorks Simulation, Femap/NASTRAN)