Mechanical Engineer II - ARFF Program

Battelle • Atlantic City, NJ

45d • Hybrid

About The Position

Battelle is seeking a Mechanical Engineer II to support the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Research Program. This is a full-time hybrid position located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. The role involves providing engineering expertise in research, testing, and evaluation of ARFF technologies and systems. The candidate will apply engineering principles, system analysis, and problem-solving to achieve program objectives. Responsibilities include independently executing and leading research and development efforts, developing test plans, experimental setups, data collection systems, and technical analyses. The Mechanical Engineer II is expected to deliver complete and timely results with minimal day-to-day supervision. The work may involve exposure to outdoor conditions, fire testing environments, and the use of personal protective equipment. Firefighting experience is not required but is strongly encouraged.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited college or university with a degree curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering principles including mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and materials science to solve technical problems.
• Experience planning and executing engineering projects, including research, system design, testing, and analysis.
• Experience developing engineering plans, cost estimates, schedules, and risk mitigation approaches.
• Experience with data collection systems, instrumentation, and engineering analysis tools.
• Proven ability to perform technical work independently and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills, including development of formal reports and presentations.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a dynamic research and test environment.
• Sole US Citizenship with eligibility and willingness to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting ARFF, fire testing, or fire protection research programs.
• Experience with fire testing, or evaluation of firefighting agents and tactics.
• Experience with computational modeling tools (e.g., CFD).
• Experience designing and implementing data acquisition and control systems (e.g., LabVIEW).
• Experience with fabrication, mechanical system integration, or instrumentation installation.
• Experience working in hazardous or industrial testing environments.
• Firefighting training or operational experience (e.g., ARFF, Firefighter I/II) strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with FAA research programs or aviation safety testing environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering expertise, principles, and analysis to support ARFF research, testing, and operational activities.
• Plan, design, and execute experiments involving fire testing, thermal systems, fluid flow, and mechanical systems.
• Develop detailed test plans, engineering drawings, instrumentation layouts, and data acquisition systems.
• Conduct system analysis, including evaluation of mechanical, thermal, fluid, and structural systems using engineering tools and methods.
• Perform data collection, reduction, and analysis to support research findings and technical conclusions.
• Develop cost estimates, schedules, risk assessments, and logistics plans for assigned tasks and projects.
• Identify and troubleshoot technical issues related to test setups, instrumentation, and facility systems.
• Support fabrication, installation, and validation of test articles, instrumentation, and experimental systems.
• Manage and organize project tasks to ensure timely and accurate completion of deliverables without daily supervision.
• Prepare technical reports, research summaries, and formal documentation for internal and FAA stakeholders.
• Present technical information to internal teams, management, and government clients.
• Maintain compliance with safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements during all activities.

Benefits

• Compressed work schedule allowing for every other Friday off.
• Hybrid work arrangement (60% in-office, 40% remote).
• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Wellness incentives and benefits.
• Optional supplemental benefits.
• Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer contribution (5% regardless of employee contribution, plus matching).
• Tuition assistance for higher education.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level