Mechanical Engineer Associate

SAIC•Lakehurst, NJ

6h•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking motivated Mechanical Engineers to join our team supporting the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE), specifically the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) programs. These systems play a critical role in naval aviation operations, providing advanced solutions for aircraft launches and recoveries aboard Ford-class aircraft carriers. This role offers opportunities for entry to mid-level engineers to work on the design, development, testing, troubleshooting, and ongoing support of high-performance mechanical systems for defense applications. Candidates will contribute to innovative projects that align with national security priorities, including system installations and emergency troubleshooting aboard active vessels or at test sites. The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) uses cutting-edge electromagnetic technology to enable precise aircraft launches from Ford-class naval carriers. The Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) is a modular, high-performance system designed for safe and controlled recovery of naval aircraft. These systems are critical to operational success and national security, requiring innovative engineers dedicated to maintaining and advancing their capabilities. SAIC is a premier Fortune 500 mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

Requirements

Must be local to the Lakehurst, NJ area
Onsite a minimum of 4 days a week
Must be a US citizen
Able to qualify for a DoD Secret clearance
Travel of up to 20-30%, including internationally, is required
Ability to collaborate with engineering teams to design, develop, analyze, and optimize complex mechanical systems and components for AAG/EMALS
Ability to develop and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications using CAD software (e.g., CREO Parametric or AutoCAD)
Ability to perform detailed mechanical calculations, including stress analysis, thermal/fluid analysis, and bolted joint analysis
Ability to troubleshoot mechanical systems, including hydraulic systems, generators, and large motors, to determine suitability of repairs and provide recommendations
Ability to conduct engineering investigations, including failure analysis and root cause assessments, and present solutions to stakeholders
Ability to lead small- to large-scale design projects, ensuring proper interfacing with the greater system and adherence to quality standards
Ability to execute testing, validation, and troubleshooting procedures at various sites, including test locations, manufacturing facilities, and naval vessels
Ability to develop and review maintenance procedures and provide technical recommendations to improve system performance and operational safety
Ability to proactively respond to emergency calls, providing hands-on shipboard support to troubleshoot, repair, and test systems in high-pressure environments
Ability to support manufacturing activities, including engineering change reviews (e.g., REIs, waivers, variances), and verify compliance with system requirements
Ability to prepare technical documentation and reports for presentation to program leadership and other stakeholders

Responsibilities

Collaborate with engineering teams to design, develop, analyze, and optimize complex mechanical systems and components for AAG/EMALS.
Develop and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications using CAD software (e.g., CREO Parametric or AutoCAD).
Perform detailed mechanical calculations, including stress analysis, thermal/fluid analysis, and bolted joint analysis.
Troubleshoot mechanical systems, including hydraulic systems, generators, and large motors, to determine suitability of repairs and provide recommendations.
Conduct engineering investigations, including failure analysis and root cause assessments, and present solutions to stakeholders.
Lead small- to large-scale design projects, ensuring proper interfacing with the greater system and adherence to quality standards.
Execute testing, validation, and troubleshooting procedures at various sites, including test locations, manufacturing facilities, and naval vessels.
Develop and review maintenance procedures and provide technical recommendations to improve system performance and operational safety.
Proactively respond to emergency calls, providing hands-on shipboard support to troubleshoot, repair, and test systems in high-pressure environments (may fall outside normal working hours).
Support manufacturing activities, including engineering change reviews (e.g., REIs, waivers, variances), and verify compliance with system requirements.
Prepare technical documentation and reports for presentation to program leadership and other stakeholders.