Lead Mechanical Engineer

Battelle•Columbus, OH

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply. Job Summary We are currently seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer. This position is a full-time opportunity located in Columbus, OH. The selected candidate will be responsible for the design, testing, and integration of new systems, as well as supporting the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of existing mechanical systems. This role is part of a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and support staff providing design, integration, test, and maintenance support across a wide range of platforms — including electro-mechanical and hydraulic systems, marine and subsea systems, aircraft, robotics, weapon systems, and heat transfer systems. The ideal candidate will apply core engineering principles — including mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, structural analysis, and materials science — alongside tools such as computer-aided design (CAD), finite element analysis (FEA), and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program with a minimum of 12 years of demonstrated experience (relevant research, internship, and co-op experience counts toward total); or a master's degree in a related field with 7 years of experience; or a PhD in a related field with 4 years of experience
Working knowledge of CAD/modeling programs, specifically SolidWorks and/or Creo Pro/Engineer
Ability to lead, mentor, and train junior-level staff
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Curious, problem-solving mindset with a desire to develop creative solutions and perform system troubleshooting
Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team
Ability to work within stringent client-driven quality assurance programs
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Microsoft Project and Visio
Desire for hands-on experience in lab and shop environments
Must be a US citizen and must be willing to obtain and maintain a government TS/SCI security clearance

Nice To Haves

Mechanical design of complex, integrated systems
Maritime systems, naval architecture, or subsea structures
Aircraft components or systems
Troubleshooting of complex integrated systems
Robotic systems
Power hydraulic systems
Pressure vessel design, certification, and testing (internal/external pressure)
Applications of advanced materials in mechanical design
Hands-on mechanical experience with standard tools and fabrication methods (mill, lathe, etc.)
Welding and weld processes
Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives (CBRNE)
Proficiency with SolidWorks or Creo CAD software
Proficiency with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software
Proficiency with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis software
Prior experience working with government clients

Responsibilities

Design, analyze, test, manufacture, and maintain mechanical components and systems across diverse platforms including marine, aerospace, robotic, and defense systems
Lead and/or conduct technical projects or phases of larger projects, providing technical direction and coordinating the efforts of engineers and technical support staff within time and budget constraints
Oversee, mentor, and train junior-level staff, fostering professional growth and technical excellence
Build and maintain relationships with internal and external clients, presenting research results and communicating project schedule and quality of deliverables
Perform complex assignments by compiling and evaluating design and test data, preparing technical specifications, and analyzing data to determine appropriate limits and variables for product, process, or materials specifications
Collaborate with Battelle engineers across multiple sites to design, fabricate, and integrate new mechanical systems
Analyze and interpret collected data to inform engineering decisions
Prepare written documentation including technical reports, test plans, test reports, system manuals, and operating and maintenance instructions
Present technical reports to clients in both formal and informal settings
Support business development efforts and assist with proposal preparation, including technical sections
Contribute to IR&D studies and support Battelle-sponsored and scientific conferences, peer review panels, and publications to increase company visibility
Collaborate across technical disciplines to solve challenging, real-world engineering problems