Principal Mechanical Engineer

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Job Summary:

Nightwing is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer for our Springfield VA location to add to our technology development and mission support program. You will lead diverse, medium-to-large engineering projects, leveraging your expertise in mechanical engineering concepts and design practices to develop innovative solutions from initial concept through mission execution in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment.

Job Duties:

The engineer will work closely with teams to identify and develop innovative and practical solutions. The candidate must possess a positive attitude, initiative, strong problem-solving skills, and dedication to execute the program’s development and mission support efforts. Responsibilities include product design, advanced engineering analysis, developing and delivering drawings, coordinating hardware fabrication, and authoring complex technical procedures. You will play a critical role in project execution by managing technical requirements and balancing cost and schedule constraints, proactively stepping into challenges and providing solutions. This role includes informal mentoring of junior staff by empowering them to grow into confident and capable contributors. Your leadership will balance guidance with opportunities for independence to help foster an environment where shared knowledge and collaboration are key to success. An ideal candidate will bring strong communication and leadership skills, an ability to anticipate and navigate program challenges, and a passion for driving technical excellence to make a meaningful impact on the program’s outcomes.

Required Qualifications:

• Candidate must possess an active TS/SCI clearance with poly, or be willing to submit to a polygraph as part of the clearance process

• M.S. or B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (e.g., Mechatronic, Aerospace, Systems Engineering)

• Professional Engineer (PE) License in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

• Minimum eight (8) years of prior relevant experience

• Product development experience using rapid, iterative design and prototyping methods with frequent integration/test cycles

• Practical, hands-on experience building, testing, and troubleshooting prototypes, including motors, actuators, and sensors

• Experience with CAD software for mechanical design and documentation (SolidWorks & Revit preferred)

• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, with the ability to prepare reports, presentations, and documentation

• Proficient in mechanics of materials, statics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary, collaborative team environment balancing diverse project tasks and types

• Working knowledge of common hand and powered tools

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

• Willingness and ability to travel for temporary assignments (less than 10% travel) 

Desired Qualifications:

• Coursework in Finite Element Analysis and Mechanics of Materials

• Experience with engineering data analysis tools such as Matlab and Mathcad

• Experience designing for and using additive manufacturing

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we’ll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.