The Mechanical Engineer designs, models, fabricates, integrates, and evaluates mechanical solutions for unmanned systems. The position focuses on adapting commercial and developmental unmanned platforms to support specialized operational payloads, sensors, communications equipment, and mission technologies.

Job duties:

• Design and integrate mechanical systems, structures, and components for Group 1 and Group 2 unmanned systems.
• Develop technical solutions supporting the launch, recovery, transport, operation, and sustainment of unmanned platforms.
• Design custom mounting brackets, equipment housings, electronics enclosures, antenna mounts, and concealment solutions.
• Integrate payloads and mission systems supporting flight, command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
• Develop three-dimensional models, fabrication drawings, prototypes, and production-ready designs using CAD software.
• Use SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Rhino, or comparable CAD applications to model and analyze unmanned-system components and subsystems.
• Evaluate materials based on strength, weight, durability, thermal conductivity, environmental resistance, and manufacturability.
• Design structures that balance load-bearing capacity, vibration resistance, weight limitations, and environmental requirements.
• Conduct weight-distribution, stress, vibration, shock, and thermal-management analyses.
• Develop solutions for integrating sensitive payloads within limited space and weight constraints.
• Design and evaluate launch-and-recovery mechanisms considering stability, weight, terrain, and environmental conditions.
• Design antenna installations based on placement, signal strength, interference, grounding, and shielding requirements.
• Incorporate protection against radio-frequency interference, electromagnetic effects, and lightning-related hazards.
• Manufacture and modify components using CNC equipment, additive manufacturing, and conventional shop tools.
• Select and use appropriate 3D-printing technologies, including FDM, SLS, and SLA, and materials such as PLA, PETG, ABS, and TPU.
• Assemble, test, troubleshoot, and refine prototypes through iterative design and operational evaluation.
• Participate in field tests, demonstrations, exercises, and operational assessments.
• Document designs, test results, deficiencies, corrective actions, and recommended improvements.
• Coordinate with software engineers, technicians, operators, and Government stakeholders throughout the development lifecycle.

Minimum profile:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Robotics, Aeronautical Engineering, or a related engineering or science discipline.
• At least three years of hands-on professional experience.
• Recent experience with Group 1 or Group 2 unmanned systems is preferred; relevant Group 3 experience may be considered.
• Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility.