Mechanical Design IPT Lead

Orion Edge is a defense technology leader driving the future of electronic warfare and advanced hardware systems. Join our team where you will support the full lifecycle of complex, mission-critical hardware design!

Job Title: Mechanical Engineering IPT Lead

Role OverviewAs the Mechanical Engineering IPT Lead, you will be the technical cornerstone of our hardware development programs. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers to design, prototype, and manufacture cutting-edge defense systems. This role requires a "player-coach" mentality, driving the technical direction of physical hardware while mentoring junior engineers and ensuring seamless integration between mechanical, electrical, and thermal domains.

Key ResponsibilitiesTeam Leadership: Supervise and mentor a team of mechanical engineers. Manage workflows, conduct design reviews, and foster a culture of technical excellence.

Hardware Ownership: Lead the full lifecycle of hardware development, from initial conceptual design through Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP).

Design & Integration: Direct the physical architecture of systems, ensuring tight integration between mechanical enclosures and PCBAs (working closely with Altium-based designs).

Simulation & Analysis: Oversee and perform thermal, structural, and fluid dynamics simulations to ensure survivability in harsh defense environments.

Manufacturing Strategy: Define the "Make vs. Buy" strategy. Oversee prototyping using 3D printing (SLA/SLS/DMLS) and traditional CNC machining/subtractive manufacturing.

Material Selection: Select high-performance materials (alloys, composites, and polymers) based on weight, thermal conductivity, and environmental ruggedness requirements.

Required Qualifications

Education: BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

Experience: 5+ years in mechanical design, with at least 1 year of prototyping experience.

CAD Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in SolidWorks for complex assemblies and configuration management.

ECAD Awareness: Experience collaborating with electrical teams using Altium Designer to ensure mechanical fitment and thermal dissipation of electronics.

Technical Breadth: Deep knowledge of CNC machining and DFM (Design for Manufacturing).

Experience with Additive Manufacturing for rapid prototyping and flight-ready parts.

Hands-on experience with Thermal and Heat Simulation tools (e.g., SolidWorks Flow Simulation, ANSYS, or SimScale).

Regulatory: Familiarity with MIL-STD-810 (environmental testing), Ingress Protection, (IP), and AS9100 standards is highly preferred.