Mechanical Engineer - Undersea Systems - 1718

Scientific Applications & Research Associates (SARA), Inc. • Colorado Springs, CO

11h • $100,000 - $150,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is seeking a Mechanical Engineer - Undersea Systems for its High Power Electromagnetics Division in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The role supports research and development and transition of innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors. The engineer will contribute to multidisciplinary programs from concept through operation, working with engineers, physicists, technicians, manufacturing, suppliers, and test personnel.

The position focuses on mechanical systems and components for deep-submergence applications, including hardware designed for depths of 5,000 feet. The engineer independently manages moderately to highly complex design projects, develops and validates designs through engineering calculations and finite-element analysis, and supports prototype fabrication, testing, qualification, and production. The role also involves technical documentation, supplier and cross-functional collaboration, and occasional travel for field testing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 5–8 years of demonstrated experience designing mechanical components for subsea applications.
• Advanced skills in SolidWorks 3D modeling or similar 3D CAD software such as Creo.
• Experience designing mechanical systems for underwater, subsea, marine, or other high-pressure environments.
• Strong understanding of pressure-vessel and external-pressure design principles.
• Experience with finite-element analysis, structural analysis, fatigue, and buckling analysis.
• Knowledge of sealing technologies, O-rings, mechanical seals, pressure barriers, and subsea connectors.
• Experience selecting materials for high-pressure seawater and corrosive environments.
• Experience taking designs from concept through prototype, testing, qualification, and production.
• Strong hands-on problem-solving skills and ability to work directly with prototype and test hardware.
• Ability to independently own a design task from initial requirements through final implementation.
• Willingness to work as part of a team and initiate communication.
• Reliability and dependability.
• Ability and willingness to travel for field testing in-state and out-of-state, less than 15% of the time.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
• May require moderate physical effort, including standing, sitting, using hands, and carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 8–10 years of demonstrated experience designing mechanical components for subsea applications.
• Experience designing and qualifying hardware for deep-submergence applications at pressures equivalent to 5,000 feet of seawater depth or greater.
• Experience using SolidWorks or Creo 3D CAD with PDM or a comparable data management system.
• Experience using Simulation for finite-element and thermal analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, including researching conceptual questions using internal and external resources.
• Active TS security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical systems and components for deep-submergence applications to depths of 5,000 feet.
• Perform mechanical design and analysis of pressure housings, connectors, enclosures, structural components, mechanisms, and subsea assemblies.
• Calculate and evaluate hydrostatic pressure, external-pressure loading, buckling, stress, fatigue, and structural margins.
• Select materials, seals, fasteners, coatings, and components suitable for high-pressure seawater environments.
• Develop designs that address water intrusion, corrosion, galvanic corrosion, sealing, and pressure cycling.
• Perform engineering calculations and use finite-element analysis to validate designs.
• Design for manufacturability, assembly, inspection, testing, and field serviceability.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, electrical engineering, technicians, suppliers, and test personnel to develop and qualify hardware.
• Support prototype fabrication, pressure testing, environmental testing, and design modifications.
• Analyze test results and failure data and implement design improvements.
• Work effectively in a rapid-prototyping environment and fabricate or concept prototypes quickly using 3D printing, models, and other mockup techniques.
• Prepare 3D models and GD&T input for manufacturing drawings, considering design intent and customer feedback.
• Independently handle moderately to highly complex mechanical design projects.
• Interact with engineering staff at all levels and with outside vendors.
• Apply knowledge of manufacturing processes, including milling, lathe, waterjet, laser, and typical heavy shop equipment.
• Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, and other data to evaluate product feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements.
• Work with cross-functional teams to resolve system issues and recommend design modifications to eliminate malfunctions.
• Prepare, conduct, and document simulation and mechanical testing to analyze equipment design, operation, and performance.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation for presentations.
• Travel to support in-state and out-of-state field testing as needed, less than 15% of the time.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, plus other supplemental programs.
• Generous PTO program including vacation, sick, and holiday time.
• Tuition and certification reimbursement.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Discretionary employee bonuses.
• 401(k) match and profit sharing.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

What This Job Offers

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