← Search all jobs

Principal Mechanical Engineer

V2X

Indianapolis, IN · Posted July 1, 2026

See every open role at V2X

More in Indiana job market · Aerospace & Defense · Engineering jobs

Pay compared with the market

This listing does not state pay. Across 31 open principal mechanical engineer listings that state pay, the middle half runs $156,000 to $218,000 and the median is $174,500.

Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.

Principal Mechanical Engineer salaries by state · Check your own pay

About the job

Overview

Working across the globe, V2X builds smart solutions designed to integrate physical and digital infrastructure from base to battlefield. We bring 120 years of successful mission support to improve security, streamline logistics, and enhance readiness. Aligned around a shared purpose, our $3.9B company and 16,000 people work alongside our clients, here and abroad, to tackle their most complex challenges with integrity, respect, responsibility, and professionalism.

To lead the charge, we seek an exceptional Principal Mechanical Design Engineer—someone ready to innovate, execute, and lead from the front. The Principal Mechanical Design Engineer is a senior technical authority responsible for solving the most demanding mechanical design challenges, guiding integrated product teams, and driving innovation and strategic alignment across programs.

Responsibilities

As a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer, you will:

Drive technical solutions of next-gen and novel defense platforms

Design, integrate, and iterate mechanical solutions for armament systems, support equipment, safety-critical hardware, avionics, and for flight hardware

Lead and mentor cross-functional teams to deliver results from concept through field deployment

Develop Solutions from concept to deployment

Generate technical data packages

Work hands on with equipment

Generating execution strategies and executing those strategies

Adaptability is paramount. You must operate at the speed of relevance—engineering real-time solutions that meet mission demands as they evolve. V2X Engineers have the opportunity to design and integrate a wide range of technologies. We design custom solutions to fit our customers’ needs and deliver what the mission requires. This gives a very broad exposure to defense technologies and adaptability and continuous learning are invaluable in this position.

Mission-first mindset. Be ready and willing to go where the mission goes—domestically and internationally—supporting integration, testing, and deployment in dynamic environments.

Hands-on mentality. This is not a desk-only role. Expect to roll up your sleeves and engage directly with the product—on the floor, in the field, and at the front lines of development.

Qualifications

Who We’re Looking For

10 years or more of mechanical design experience with growing technical and leadership responsibility

Proven background in the defense industry, including weapons systems integration, support equipment, or weapons development

Experience with bomb racks, missile launchers, and other safety-critical mechanical assemblies is a strong plus

Familiarity with MIL-STD-2088 and other relevant defense design standards

Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in high-consequence, fast-paced environments

Ambition to grow as a technical and organizational leader in a company redefining the defense landscape

Education Requirements:

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PHD Degree in Engineering, or related Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) degree program

Required Skills:

Must be a US Citizen with ability to obtain a DoD Secret level clearance

Ability to work onsite at our Indianapolis, Indiana facility with an Integrated Product Team being hands on with hardware.

A minimum of 10 years professional work experience required.

Experience in the design, integration, or testing of mechanical components and assemblies

Competent using 3-D CAD Modeling Tools (CREO preferred)

Working knowledge of data management systems (Windchill preferred)

Proficient in application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, (ASME Y14.5 standards)

Strong planning and organizational skills with ability to be adaptable to changing priorities and assignments

Performing trade studies

Must be familiar with the integration of weapons.

Desired Skills:

Mechanism Design: Expertise in the design and analysis of mechanisms (linkages, cams, gears, springs, etc.)

Kinematic Analysis: Proficiency in kinematic analysis techniques, including motion simulation and analysis software (e.g. MATLAB/Simulink, ADAMS, ANSYS Motion)

Airborne Hardware: Demonstrated experience with the design, analysis, and testing of airborne hardware, considering factors such as weight, size, environmental conditions, aerodynamic and inertial forces.

At V2X, we are deeply committed to both equal employment opportunity, including protection for Veterans and individuals with disabilities, and fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We ensure all individuals are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, recognizing the strength that comes from a workforce rich in diverse experiences, perspectives, and skills. This commitment, aligned with our core Vision and Values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, allows us to leverage differences, encourage innovation, and expand our success in the global marketplace, ultimately enabling us to best serve our clients.

#LI-VH1

As a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer, you will:

Drive technical solutions of next-gen and novel defense platforms

Design, integrate, and iterate mechanical solutions for armament systems, support equipment, safety-critical hardware, avionics, and for flight hardware

Lead and mentor cross-functional teams to deliver results from concept through field deployment

Develop Solutions from concept to deployment

Generate technical data packages

Work hands on with equipment

Generating execution strategies and executing those strategies

Adaptability is paramount. You must operate at the speed of relevance—engineering real-time solutions that meet mission demands as they evolve. V2X Engineers have the opportunity to design and integrate a wide range of technologies. We design custom solutions to fit our customers’ needs and deliver what the mission requires. This gives a very broad exposure to defense technologies and adaptability and continuous learning are invaluable in this position.

Mission-first mindset. Be ready and willing to go where the mission goes—domestically and internationally—supporting integration, testing, and deployment in dynamic environments.

Hands-on mentality. This is not a desk-only role. Expect to roll up your sleeves and engage directly with the product—on the floor, in the field, and at the front lines of development.

Who We’re Looking For

10 years or more of mechanical design experience with growing technical and leadership responsibility

Proven background in the defense industry, including weapons systems integration, support equipment, or weapons development

Experience with bomb racks, missile launchers, and other safety-critical mechanical assemblies is a strong plus

Familiarity with MIL-STD-2088 and other relevant defense design standards

Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in high-consequence, fast-paced environments

Ambition to grow as a technical and organizational leader in a company redefining the defense landscape

Education Requirements:

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PHD Degree in Engineering, or related Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) degree program

Required Skills:

Must be a US Citizen with ability to obtain a DoD Secret level clearance

Ability to work onsite at our Indianapolis, Indiana facility with an Integrated Product Team being hands on with hardware.

A minimum of 10 years professional work experience required.

Experience in the design, integration, or testing of mechanical components and assemblies

Competent using 3-D CAD Modeling Tools (CREO preferred)

Working knowledge of data management systems (Windchill preferred)

Proficient in application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, (ASME Y14.5 standards)

Strong planning and organizational skills with ability to be adaptable to changing priorities and assignments

Performing trade studies

Must be familiar with the integration of weapons.

Desired Skills:

Mechanism Design: Expertise in the design and analysis of mechanisms (linkages, cams, gears, springs, etc.)

Kinematic Analysis: Proficiency in kinematic analysis techniques, including motion simulation and analysis software (e.g. MATLAB/Simulink, ADAMS, ANSYS Motion)

Airborne Hardware: Demonstrated experience with the design, analysis, and testing of airborne hardware, considering factors such as weight, size, environmental conditions, aerodynamic and inertial forces.

At V2X, we are deeply committed to both equal employment opportunity, including protection for Veterans and individuals with disabilities, and fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We ensure all individuals are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, recognizing the strength that comes from a workforce rich in diverse experiences, perspectives, and skills. This commitment, aligned with our core Vision and Values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, allows us to leverage differences, encourage innovation, and expand our success in the global marketplace, ultimately enabling us to best serve our clients.

#LI-VH1