R&D Hardware Mechanical Engineering Scientist Associate Full-time

R&D Hardware Mechanical Engineering Scientist Associate

Contribute to research and development tasks and experimental sea-tests within the Environmental Sciences Laboratory (ESL) at Applied Research Laboratories (ARL).

Responsibilities

• Design support of new and existing underwater acoustic systems and sensors. This includes scheduling, execution, calibration, characterization, testing, and data analysis.
• Deploy/recover subsea systems in field from offshore vessels / work boats and trouble shoot and repair equipment, as necessary.
• Assist with hardware procurement.
• Assist with fabrication facilities management, warehouse and shop organization, and coordinate maintenance and inventory of shop tools.
• Other related functions, as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Ocean Engineering.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Computer Aided Design (CAD) software (e.g., Creo, Solidworks) for 3D modeling and assembly.
• Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) concepts and experience using common software packages (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL) for basic linear static analysis.
• Experience generating detailed engineering drawings in accordance with industry standards (e.g, ASME Y14.5).
• Strong understanding of Engineering Mechanics, including statics, strength of materials, and the selection/application of common engineering materials (metals, polymers).
• Fundamental knowledge of mechanical components and systems (e.g., shafts, bearings, fasteners, gears, seals).
• Familiarity with programming engineering computation software such as MATLAB

Applicant must be highly organized, have excellent attention to detail, and possess sound scientific judgment. The position will require effective management of their own time with the ability to plan, coordinate, and execute multiple tasks simultaneously. Regular and punctual attendance in the workplace is required.

US Citizen. Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in mechanical or ocean engineering and 3 years of experience.
• Three years of experience with the design, fabrication, and testing of prototype hardware in a commercial, research, or advanced academic setting. Proven ability to apply principles of structural integrity, materials science, and system performance to hardware design.
• Demonstrated experience or high aptitude in designing, building, or deploying oceanographic instrumentation or similar remote sensing/harsh-environment equipment.
• Practical field-testing experience with mechanical hardware.
• Demonstrated knowledge of various manufacturing and fabrication processes (e.g., machining, welding, 3D printing) and their impact on design.
• Experience with data processing, such as acoustic signal processing using software like MATLAB.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 with 3.2 in core engineering courses.

Salary Range

$88,500-$120,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Standard office conditions
• Periodic offshore work on ships
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity
• Some weekend, evening and holiday work
• Intrastate/interstate/international travel
• Use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
• Will work outdoors, indoors and over water

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest
• Unofficial college transcripts