Mechanical Systems Engineer

Virginia Tech • Suffolk, VA

1d • $80,000 - $105,000

About The Position

The Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics (CMAR) at Virginia Tech seeks a Mechanical Systems Engineer to design, fabricate, integrate, test, and improve mechanical and electromechanical systems for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs), and related marine robotic platforms supporting sponsored engineering research. The engineer will translate defined performance requirements into CAD models, engineering drawings, component specifications, prototypes, and tested assemblies.

Working with faculty, senior engineering and research personnel, students, and project collaborators, the engineer will execute assigned engineering work using technical judgment and appropriate design review. The role includes evaluating materials and manufacturing approaches, coordinating fabrication, assessing system performance, and supporting laboratory and field operations. This is a restricted staff appointment contingent upon continued funding and satisfactory performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, ocean engineering, or a closely related engineering field, and/or an equivalent level of training and experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of mechanical design, engineering fundamentals, or electromechanical systems through coursework, capstone projects, undergraduate research, internships, or employment.
• Ability to create or revise CAD models and interpret engineering drawings, assemblies, and component specifications.
• Knowledge of at least one fabrication or manufacturing process, such as machining, additive manufacturing, sheet metal, or composites, gained through academic or applied work.
• Ability to analyze technical problems, document design and test results, collaborate across disciplines, and follow workshop and field safety requirements.
• Eligibility to access and handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance may also be required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with SolidWorks or comparable CAD software and basic finite element or mechanical analysis.
• Experience with prototype fabrication, CNC machining, composites, or additive manufacturing.
• Knowledge of buoyancy, ballast, hydrodynamics, corrosion mitigation, pressure systems, or marine structures.
• Experience with motors, actuators, marine robotics, field deployment, or electromechanical integration.

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, integrate, test, and improve mechanical and electromechanical systems for AUVs, ASVs, and related marine robotic platforms.
• Translate performance requirements into CAD models, engineering drawings, component specifications, prototypes, and tested assemblies.
• Execute assigned engineering work using technical judgment and appropriate design review.
• Evaluate materials and manufacturing approaches.
• Coordinate fabrication and assess system performance.
• Support laboratory and field operations.

What This Job Offers

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