About the posting
“Leidos’ is seeking an experienced System Architect Mechanical Engineer to solution tough engineering problems across some of the most challenging programs in our Defense Sector.”
Read the full posting on Leidos' site
Seen live Oct 23, 2026; first seen Oct 20, 2026.
Pay in context
Leidos does not list pay for this role. 35 percent of engineering (not software) postings in Alabama do; their median is $132,000.
How long it has been open
Posted Oct 8, 2026, 16 days ago, and seen on Leidos' careers page today.
At 16 days old, it is under the 17-day median.
Leidos' postings we have seen close took a median of 2 days.
Leidos at a glance
Leidos has 911 open postings that we can see, 48 in engineering (not software); 2 percent list pay.
The application
Applying goes through Workday.
This employer's system needs an account on their side; we guide you through the steps.
Seniority
The posting mentions 15+ years.
Place and cost of living
On site in Alabama; prices in AL run 11 percent below the US average.
More engineering (not software) jobs in Alabama that list pay
The engineering (not software) market in Alabama
46 engineering (not software) postings in Alabama are open right now, from 21 employers.
Half of them have been open 17 days or less.
From Leidos' posting
This is Leidos' own text, as published on its job board. We last checked it on Oct 23, 2026. Apply on Leidos' site. We remove a posting when the employer closes it.
Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?
At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.
Your greatest work is ahead!
Leidos’ is seeking an experienced System Architect Mechanical Engineer to solution tough engineering problems across some of the most challenging programs in our Defense Sector. This is a multi-faceted role that will leverage your experience in design, production, integration, and testing in myriad ways on multiple programs. You will be asked to solution tough, nebulous problems that span multiple engineering disciplines. This role requires a systems-minded leader with the ability to direct technical work based on cost, schedule, risk, and requirements. This is not your average engineering position. You will work on a team of the most talented engineers in the region who push you to be better every day. This is a dynamic role with unique technical challenges that will be a rewarding milestone in any engineering career.
If you are up for the challenge of joining this team, then apply today to be considered.
Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions. To explore and learn more, click here !
Are you ready to make an impact? Share your resume with us today!
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead technical teams to design, manufacture, and deliver complex defense systems
- Own the technical baseline across all lifecycle stages—engineering execution, system performance, and requirements compliance
- Balance technical solutions against cost and schedule constraints
- Direct subsystem leads, IPT leads, and specialty engineers to drive design maturity, integration, and risk mitigation
- Identify and manage program risks and opportunities
- Communicate technical progress, challenges, and opportunities to senior leadership and government stakeholders
- Mentor and develop technical staff, fostering innovation, rigor, and collaboration
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
- Masters + 15 years of progressive engineering experience (or Bachelors + 17 years experience).
- Proven success leading complex, multi-disciplinary teams through development, integration, test, and production
- Strong technical judgment, with the ability to communicate clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Hands-on experience with design reviews (PDR/CDR), configuration management, and risk management
- Active DoD security clearance, or eligibility to obtain
- Resident of Huntsville, AL or willing to relocate to the Huntsville, AL area.
Preferred Qualifications
- Full-lifecycle experience—design, manufacture, integration, test, and fielding—on at least one product
- Ability to quickly identify, assess, and communicate the downstream impacts of technical decisions
- Experience with launchers, canisters, and flight vehicles
- Experience integrating munitions into land- and sea-based launchers
- Familiarity with the Patriot launcher
- Familiarity with the Navy Vertical Launch System (VLS)
- Familiarity with Army offensive and defensive fires
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting
October 8, 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 $154,050.00 - $278,475.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and 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.