Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; Master's preferred.
7+ years of experience in mechanical engineering with a focus on electro-mechanical systems and robotics.
Proven track record of leading projects from concept to deployment.
Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks and PDM/PLM environments.
Strong understanding of GD&T, DFMA principles, and manufacturing processes.
Responsibilities
Lead mechanical design and integration of robotic platforms and automation systems.
Develop mechanical architectures and conduct trade studies for performance and cost.
Independently plan and execute engineering efforts with minimal supervision.
Mentor junior engineers on best practices and design reviews.
Design electro-mechanical assemblies and custom mechanisms using SolidWorks.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanical solutions.
Perform analyses and develop test plans for mechanical systems.
Benefits
Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance plans.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
Competitive 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) package, including company holidays.
Professional development support and continuous learning opportunities.
Travel compensation policies for field deployment activities.
Full Job Description
Who We're Looking For
We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, integration, and testing of advanced robotic and autonomous systems. The ideal candidate combines strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with demonstrated experience developing complex electro-mechanical systems, robotic tooling, automation equipment, and custom mechanical assemblies from concept through deployment.
This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, enjoys solving challenging technical problems, and can independently lead mechanical development efforts while collaborating across software, electrical, systems, and manufacturing disciplines.
What You'll Be Doing
Technical Leadership
Lead the mechanical design and integration of complex robotic platforms, automation systems, sensor payloads, and vehicle subsystems.
Develop mechanical architectures and conduct trade studies evaluating performance, cost, manufacturability, reliability, and schedule impacts.
Independently plan and execute engineering efforts with minimal supervision while serving as a technical resource to project teams.
Mentor junior engineers and provide guidance on engineering best practices, design reviews, and problem resolution.
Product Development & Design
Design electro-mechanical assemblies, robotic tooling, end effectors, fixtures, test equipment, housings, brackets, and custom mechanisms using SolidWorks.
Create detailed manufacturing drawings, BOMs, and release packages utilizing GD&T and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles.
Collaborate with software, electrical, and systems engineering teams to integrate mechanical solutions into complete robotic systems.
Support supplier interactions, fabrication efforts, and prototype builds to rapidly mature designs.
Analysis, Testing & Validation
Perform structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses using engineering calculations and simulation tools to evaluate design performance.
Develop and execute test plans, qualification procedures, and verification activities for mechanical and integrated robotic systems.
Design and implement test fixtures and validation methods to improve system performance and reliability.
Support environmental, functional, and field testing activities and document results through technical reports and presentations.
Customer & Business Support
Interface directly with customers, suppliers, and program stakeholders to define requirements and communicate technical solutions.
Support proposal development, concept generation, feasibility studies, and technical reviews.
Participate in occasional travel (approximately 10% or less) to support customer meetings, demonstrations, and field activities.
What You'll Bring
Education
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline required.
Master's degree preferred.
Experience
7+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience developing complex electro-mechanical systems, robotics, automation equipment, autonomous platforms, or related technologies.
Demonstrated experience leading projects from concept development through manufacturing, integration, testing, and deployment.
Experience working within multidisciplinary engineering teams and collaborating across technical functions.
Technical Expertise
Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks and PDM/PLM environments.
Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, DFMA principles, manufacturing processes, and material selection.
Experience designing robotic tooling, end effectors, automation equipment, fixtures, and electro-mechanical assemblies.
Experience supporting hands-on prototyping, fabrication, assembly, and system integration.
Ability to independently solve complex technical problems and make sound engineering decisions while balancing cost, performance, schedule, and risk.
Communication & Leadership
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead technical efforts and influence engineering direction.
Experience mentoring engineers and providing technical guidance to project teams.
Work Authorization
U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency required due to defense contracting requirements.
How You'll Stand Out
Experience designing robotic end effectors, grippers, EOATs, or custom automation systems.
Experience with industrial robotics, robotic cell design, and automated material handling systems.
Familiarity with machine safety standards, risk assessments, and industrial automation best practices.
Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, sheet metal design, and weldments.
Experience with FEA, structural analysis, or thermal analysis tools.
Working knowledge of Python, C++, or other scripting languages used for engineering analysis and automation.
What We Offer
Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance plans
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
Competitive 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) package, including company holidays
Professional development support and continuous learning opportunities
Travel compensation policies for field deployment activities
About Applied Research Associates Inc
Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned research and engineering company that provides technical solutions to complex problems in various fields, including defense, homeland security, intelligence, transportation, and energy. The company was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Albuquerque, NM. ARA has over 1,600 employees and operates from more than 20 locations across the United States and Canada. The company's services include research and development, engineering, testing and evaluation, and consulting.
