Principal Mechanical Engineer

Description: Viken Detection is seeking a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership and architectural ownership across our advanced detection and imaging systems. This highest-level individual contributor role sets mechanical design strategy, drives cross-platform alignment, and tackles complex system-level challenges. The Principal Mechanical Engineer partners closely with Engineering, Physics, Program Management, and Operations to deliver high-performance, manufacturable, reliable, and cost-effective solutions from concept through sustaining engineering.

Responsibilities Serve as mechanical system architect for major product platforms  Lead system-level design decisions, trade studies, and risk mitigation  Establish mechanical standards, best practices, and reusable design architectures  Drive cross-functional alignment across mechanical, electrical, software, and physics teams  Lead development of complex electromechanical systems including structures, mechanisms, and enclosures  Drive early-stage innovation by assembling and testing proof-of-concept prototypes to validate concepts and reduce technical risk Own mechanical execution across the full product lifecycle from concept through sustaining  Resolve high-impact, cross-subsystem technical challenges  Oversee tolerance analysis, structural integrity, environmental robustness, and reliability  Partner with Operations to ensure manufacturable, scalable, and cost-effective designs  Lead mechanical NPI efforts, production readiness, and supplier engagement  Incorporate production, quality, and field feedback into continuous improvement  Mentor engineers and lead technical design reviews  Influence engineering roadmaps, resourcing, and long-term technical strategy  Advise engineering leadership on mechanical risk, capability, and execution  Promote engineering rigor, documentation quality, and technical excellence Travel as needed (e.g., to suppliers, manufacturing partners, field deployments, or customer sites) to support development, integration, and issue resolution Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering  10+ years of mechanical engineering experience in complex product development  Proven technical lead or system owner on shipped products  Experience designing electromechanical systems such as handheld devices, large-scale industrial or vehicle-mounted equipment, or precision mechanisms  Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes including injection-molded plastics, structural metals, welded assemblies, and tolerance management  Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks or Onshape; working knowledge of FEA and mechanical simulation  Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills  Demonstrated ownership of designs from concept through full-rate production  Experience with ruggedized, safety-critical, or harsh-environment products; collaboration with Physics or Imaging teams preferred  Passion for mission-driven engineering and real-world impact Additional Information Location: This role is based in Burlington, MA.

We are seeking local candidates, as relocation assistance is not available. Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. PI287031776