Research Engineer (Mechanical / Electromechanical) - 1644

SARA • Colorado Springs, CO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Engineer with a focus on mechanical engineering to join our interdisciplinary team in Colorado Springs, CO. This role involves creating new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations, with expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics, and Threat Warning Systems. The ideal candidate will possess strong mechanical engineering fundamentals, an investigative mindset, and the ability to manage challenging technical problems from research and analysis through modeling, prototyping, testing, and demonstration. We are looking for someone who is technically curious, resourceful, creative, comfortable with undefined problems, and an excellent team participant with strong communication skills, thriving in a fast-paced research and engineering environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited institution
• 5 – 7 years of experience in related engineering work (graduate degrees may be considered in lieu of experience)
• Demonstrated strength in mechanical engineering fundamentals through academic research, internships, professional experience, or relevant technical projects
• Experience performing engineering analysis, modeling, simulation, mechanical design, experimentation, or prototype development
• Familiarity with UAS/UAV technologies, aerospace systems, robotics, autonomous systems, or other relevant multidisciplinary platforms
• Experience with CAD and engineering analysis or simulation tools
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to apply engineering fundamentals to unfamiliar problems
• Demonstrated ability to independently research technical topics and communicate findings
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to document technical work through reports, presentations, analyses, and engineering documentation
• Available for moderate levels of travel, field testing, flight testing, and off-site work.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering and research teams
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or equivalent DoD clearance
• May require moderate physical effort or carrying/lifting up to 50 pounds

Nice To Haves

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a closely related technical discipline. PhD strongly preferred for candidates with significant research specialization
• Graduate-level research experience involving mechanical systems, UAS, aerospace systems, robotics, structures, dynamics, materials, controls, or related technologies
• Hands-on experience designing, building, modifying, integrating, or testing UAS platforms or subsystems
• Experience performing structural, thermal, dynamic, vibration, aerodynamic, or multiphysics simulations
• Experience developing experimental test methods and correlating experimental results with analytical or computational models
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for engineering analysis, simulation, data processing, or automation
• Demonstrated research capability through graduate research, technical publications, patents, conference presentations, internally funded R&D, or similar technical accomplishments
• Familiarity with DoD research and development programs and the transition of emerging technologies from concept through prototype and demonstration
• Exposure to technical proposal development, including technical writing, literature research, concept development, cost estimating, statement-of-work development, or preparation of technical approaches
• Experience working directly with customers, government laboratories, universities, research organizations, or other external technical partners
• Active DoD Secret or Top Secret clearance

Responsibilities

• Research, conceptualize, analyze, design, prototype, and test mechanical systems and technologies supporting advanced R&D programs
• Support the development and integration of UAS platforms, payloads, airframes, mechanical subsystems, and related technologies
• Perform engineering analysis and simulation of mechanical systems, including structural, thermal, dynamic, vibration, aerodynamic, and other relevant analyses
• Develop analytical and computational models to evaluate system performance, understand design tradeoffs, and guide technical decisions
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies, materials, manufacturing methods, components, and mechanical concepts for potential application to current and future programs
• Conduct feasibility studies and trade studies to compare technical approaches and identify promising solutions to complex engineering problems
• Translate research concepts into practical designs, prototypes, test articles, and experimental systems
• Plan and conduct laboratory, bench-top, and field experiments to validate models, characterize system performance, and evaluate new technologies
• Analyze and interpret experimental and simulation data and use results to refine designs, models, and technical approaches
• Support mechanical design and integration activities, including CAD modeling, drawing development, tolerance analysis, material selection, and design for manufacturing and assembly
• Collaborate with electrical engineers, physicists, software engineers, technicians, machinists, manufacturing personnel, and other technical disciplines to develop integrated systems
• Support UAS system integration and testing, including payload integration, mechanical interfaces, structural modifications, ground testing, and flight-test activities
• Develop technical documentation including research findings, engineering analyses, design documentation, test plans, test reports, trade studies, and technical presentations
• Communicate research findings and engineering recommendations to technical teams, program leadership, and customers
• Maintain awareness of advancements in UAS, mechanical engineering, materials, manufacturing, modeling and simulation, and other technologies relevant to SARA's research programs
• Support technical proposal development by performing background research, developing concepts, preparing technical content, supporting estimates, and contributing to statements of work and technical approaches
• Develop an understanding of customer missions, technical needs, and funding opportunities and, with experience, contribute to the identification and development of new research and program opportunities
• Participate in technical reviews, brainstorming sessions, design reviews, customer discussions, and program planning activities
• Support field testing, demonstrations, and other off-site engineering activities as required

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
• Tuition & certification reimbursement
• Flexible work schedules
• Employee bonuses
• 401(k) match/profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

What This Job Offers

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