CHAOS is seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of advanced missile and UAV launcher systems. This role owns end-to-end mechanical design from concept development through production and sustainment, of launcher systems supporting solid rocket motor effectors, turbine-powered UAVs, and electrically powered UAV systems across mobile ground and maritime platforms. This role collaborates closely across functions and provides technical management of subcontracts.

This role is suited for engineers who thrive in fast-paced, hands-on environments and are comfortable owning hardware from concept through field deployment.

The ideal candidate has strong hands-on mechanical CAD and system integration experience, demonstrated launcher design and integration success, a deep understanding of ruggedized hardware design, and a proven ability to work independently and guide cross-disciplinary engineering efforts.

This is a full-time, on-site position in Hawthorne, CA. Level (Principal vs Sr Principal) will be determined based on relevant technical and leadership experience.

Own mechanical architecture and integration of launcher systems across multiple platforms (ground and maritime)

Define and manage mechanical and electro-mechanical interfaces between missile, canister, and platform

Develop solutions for environmental protection and blast, plume, and thermal effects including gas management, shielding, and structural protection

Ensure compliance with safety interlock requirements and launch sequencing constraints.

Design mechanical safing features and contribute to system-level hazard analyses.

Design and develop mechanisms and actuation systems for deployment, retention, and release

Ensure compliance with relevant military standards

Serve as a primary technical hardware interface with customers, platform providers, suppliers, and manufacturing partners. Perform make/buy assessments

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Responsibilities

Qualification

Required

Preferred

Benefits

Company

Chaos Industries

More roles at Chaos Industries