Senior Mechanical Engineer

Leidos Holding$131K — $237K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Active TS/SCI clearance required; willing to obtain polygraph.
  • Strong grasp of engineering principles applied in national security contexts.
  • Bachelor's degree + 12 years or Master's degree + 10 years of relevant experience.
  • Experience in facility analysis and infrastructure vulnerability assessments.
  • Expertise in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems within complex facilities.
  • Proficient in handling large datasets and conducting visual analyses of systems.
  • Skilled in 3D modeling and physical simulation methodologies.

Responsibilities

  • Analyze complex facility layouts to assess operational capability.
  • Identify security vulnerabilities and assess potential mission impacts.
  • Develop high-fidelity 3D models for facility operation simulations.
  • Evaluate infrastructure systems integrating Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing components.
  • Translate data into detailed technical reports and CAD/BIM products.
  • Support R&D initiatives to enhance analytical and modeling capabilities.
  • Provide engineering expertise to inform mission development and requirements.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
  • Retirement savings plan with company match.
  • Flexible work schedules and remote work opportunities.
  • Continuous learning and professional development support.
  • Collaboration with a diverse and interdisciplinary team.
Full Job Description

Leidos is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to support critical national security missions in Reston, Virginia. This role focuses on the assessment, reverse engineering, and characterization of complex above-ground and subterranean facilities located in denied-access environments.

The successful candidate will leverage strong engineering expertise to analyze facility designs, spatial layouts, operational workflows, and supporting infrastructure to determine functional capabilities and mission relevance. You will evaluate facility systems, model critical infrastructure, identify vulnerabilities, and provide technical insights that support complex intelligence and defense initiatives.

This position requires an innovative engineer who can develop sound technical assessments in situations where complete information is inherently unavailable. The ideal candidate combines creativity, analytical rigor, and exceptional attention to detail with the ability to make informed decisions based on incomplete data. You will work alongside an interdisciplinary team of government and contractor professionals in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment while serving as a subject matter expert within your technical discipline.


Primary Responsibilities
Reverse Engineering & Facility Characterization

Analyze and characterize the physical and functional attributes of facility layouts, building architecture, and operational workflows within denied-access environments to determine facility purpose, capability, and operational capacity.

Vulnerability Assessments

Evaluate facility and infrastructure designs to identify security vulnerabilities, single points of failure, operational bottlenecks, and potential mission impacts.

3D Modeling & Simulation

Develop high-fidelity 3D models and conduct engineering simulations to replicate facility operations, workflow efficiencies, and structural or mechanical limitations.

Infrastructure Analysis

Apply multidisciplinary engineering expertise to assess supporting facility systems, with a primary focus on Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) integration and functionality.

Technical Documentation & Reporting

Translate field-collected data, intelligence information, and engineering assessments into comprehensive technical reports, CAD/BIM products, and simulation-based analyses for Department of Defense stakeholders.

Research & Development

Support customer-approved research and development initiatives independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team to advance analytical methodologies, modeling capabilities, and mission solutions.

Subject Matter Expertise

Serve as a subject matter expert within your technical domain, providing engineering insight and technical guidance to support mission requirements.


Required Qualifications
  • Active and in-scope TS/SCI clearance required and willingness to obtain a polygraph. Must be a U.S. Citizen.

  • Demonstrated understanding of engineering principles, theories, and concepts and their application across a broad range of technical programs and mission challenges.

  • Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with 10+ years of relevant experience.

  • Relevant experience includes facility analysis, infrastructure vulnerability assessments, and mechanical engineering within commercial, Department of Defense, or Intelligence Community environments.

  • MEP Systems Expertise: Strong multidisciplinary understanding of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) system design, integration, and operational functionality within complex industrial or military facilities, including specialized containment systems, filtration systems, and backup power infrastructure.

  • Ability to identify industrial HVAC equipment, estimate system size and capacity, and assess operational capabilities through visual analysis.

  • Ability to evaluate, organize, and utilize large datasets from diverse sources, including field-collected data, equipment technical manuals, and existing facility models.

  • Expertise in 3D modeling, engineering analysis, and physical simulation methodologies.

  • Experience interpreting engineering drawings, facility layouts, blueprints, and intelligence-derived technical data.

  • Demonstrated ability to make sound technical judgments with incomplete information while clearly communicating assumptions, uncertainties, and recommended paths forward.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Five or more years of field experience working with industrial HVAC systems, including air-cooled and water-cooled chillers, condensers, cooling towers, air handlers, heat exchangers, boilers, and related equipment.

  • Working knowledge of air management systems supporting critical environments, including medical laboratories, clean rooms, chemical laboratories, and similar specialized facilities.

  • Hands-on experience with advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) and engineering simulation tools, including Autodesk Revit, VENTSIM, ETAP, and other industry-standard CAD and modeling platforms.

  • Experience supporting forensic engineering investigations, industrial accident analyses, or Department of Defense facility vulnerability studies.

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license and/or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

  • Experience identifying mechanical system vulnerabilities and developing effective mitigation or corrective action strategies.



Original Posting:
June 19, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:
Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos Holding

Leidos Holding Careers

Joining Leidos Holding presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance one's career with a leader in innovation and technology. The company offers a plethora of job opportunities aimed at fostering professional growth and development in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Explore Career Opportunities

Leidos Holding is actively seeking skilled professionals who are passionate about leveraging their expertise to drive innovation and leadership in their fields. With a variety of open positions, Leidos Holding provides a platform for individuals to challenge themselves in a dynamic work environment.

Innovation and Professional Growth

At Leidos Holding, innovation is at the core of everything they do. Employees are encouraged to think creatively and push boundaries. The company supports this drive for innovation through comprehensive professional development and diversity training programs that are designed to enhance skills and foster leadership.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Leidos Holding is committed to creating a workplace where diversity is not only recognized but celebrated. With a culture that values and promotes diversity, Leidos Holding ensures that all team members have the opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow.

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For those starting their career, Leidos Holding offers internship programs that provide a robust foundation in the industry. Internships are a great way to develop essential skills, gain valuable work experience, and build professional networks.

Benefits and Culture

Employees at Leidos Holding enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. The company culture is built on a foundation of respect and integrity, providing a supportive and collaborative environment where every team member is valued.

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Leidos Holding is hiring! Explore job opportunities that match your skills and interests. Leidos Holding looks for driven, curious, and innovative individuals to join their team. Positions are available across various disciplines and experience levels.

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Leidos Holding encourages its employees to engage in networking within the company to discover new opportunities for career advancement. The leadership team at Leidos Holding is dedicated to supporting employees in their career paths with ample opportunities for networking and growth.

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