Mechanical Systems Engineer
Job no: 538539
Work type: Staff
Senior management: College of Engineering
Department: Electrical and ComputerEngineering
Location: Suffolk, Virginia
Categories: Engineering, Other, Research / Scientific
Job Description
The Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics (CMAR) at Virginia Tech seeks a Mechanical Systems Engineer to design, fabricate, integrate, test, and improve mechanical and electromechanical systems for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs), and related marine robotic platforms supporting sponsored engineering research. The engineer will translate defined performance requirements into CAD models, engineering drawings, component specifications, prototypes, and tested assemblies.
Working with faculty, senior engineering and research personnel, students, and project collaborators, the engineer will execute assigned engineering work using technical judgment and appropriate design review. Responsibilities include evaluating materials and manufacturing approaches, coordinating fabrication, assessing system performance, and supporting laboratory and field operations. This is a restricted staff appointment contingent upon continued funding and satisfactory performance.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, ocean engineering, or a closely related engineering field, and/or an equivalent level of training and experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of mechanical design, engineering fundamentals, or electromechanical systems through coursework, capstone projects, undergraduate research, internships, or employment.
• History of ability to create or revise CAD models and interpret engineering drawings, assemblies, and component specifications.
• Demonstrated knowledge of at least one fabrication or manufacturing process, such as machining, additive manufacturing, sheet metal, or composites, gained through academic or applied work.
• Demonstrated kbility to analyze technical problems, document design and test results, collaborate across disciplines, and follow workshop and field safety requirements.
• This position requires eligibility to access and handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), which requires U.S. citizenship. The position may also require the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with SolidWorks or comparable CAD software and basic finite element or mechanical analysis.
• Experience with prototype fabrication, CNC machining, composites, or additive manufacturing.
• History of knowledge of buoyancy, ballast, hydrodynamics, corrosion mitigation, pressure systems, or marine structures.
• Experience with motors, actuators, marine robotics, field deployment, or electromechanical integration.
Pay Band
4
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
$80,000-$105,000, Commensurate with Experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
November 25, 2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
Advertised: November 12, 2026
Applications close:
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