Senior Mechanical Engineer

ARA•Marshall Township, PA

About The Position

Neya Systems LLC., a subsidiary of Applied Research Associates (ARA), develops ruggedized robotic and autonomous platforms for defense, commercial, and industrial applications. The Senior Mechanical Engineer leads the design, development, integration, and testing of advanced robotic and autonomous systems, including complex electro-mechanical systems, robotic tooling, automation equipment, and custom mechanical assemblies from concept through deployment. This hands-on role independently leads mechanical development efforts while collaborating with software, electrical, systems, and manufacturing disciplines. Responsibilities include mechanical design and integration, trade studies, detailed design and manufacturing documentation, analysis, prototyping, testing, validation, and customer and supplier engagement. The role also provides technical leadership and mentorship to project teams. Occasional travel of approximately 10% or less may be required for customer meetings, demonstrations, and field activities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
At least 7 years of progressive mechanical engineering experience developing complex electro-mechanical systems, robotics, automation equipment, autonomous platforms, or related technologies.
Demonstrated experience leading projects from concept development through manufacturing, integration, testing, and deployment.
Experience working in multidisciplinary engineering teams and collaborating across technical functions.
Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks and PDM/PLM environments.
Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, DFMA principles, manufacturing processes, and material selection.
Experience designing robotic tooling, end effectors, automation equipment, fixtures, and electro-mechanical assemblies.
Experience supporting hands-on prototyping, fabrication, assembly, and system integration.
Ability to independently solve complex technical problems and make sound engineering decisions while balancing cost, performance, schedule, and risk.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead technical efforts and influence engineering direction.
Experience mentoring engineers and providing technical guidance to project teams.
U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required due to defense contracting requirements.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
Experience designing robotic end effectors, grippers, EOATs, or custom automation systems.
Experience with industrial robotics, robotic cell design, and automated material handling systems.
Familiarity with machine safety standards, risk assessments, and industrial automation best practices.
Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, sheet metal design, and weldments.
Experience with FEA, structural analysis, or thermal analysis tools.
Background developing standardized products, reducing manufacturing costs, and improving engineering processes.
Working knowledge of Python, C++, or other scripting languages used for engineering analysis and automation.

Responsibilities

Lead mechanical design and integration of robotic platforms, automation systems, sensor payloads, and vehicle subsystems.
Develop mechanical architectures and conduct trade studies considering performance, cost, manufacturability, reliability, and schedule.
Plan and execute engineering efforts with minimal supervision and provide technical support to project teams.
Mentor junior engineers and guide design reviews, engineering practices, and problem resolution.
Design electro-mechanical assemblies, robotic tooling, end effectors, fixtures, test equipment, housings, brackets, and custom mechanisms using SolidWorks.
Create manufacturing drawings, bills of materials, and release packages using GD&T and Design for Manufacturability principles.
Collaborate with software, electrical, and systems engineering teams to integrate mechanical solutions into robotic systems.
Support supplier interactions, fabrication, and prototype builds.
Perform structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses using calculations and simulation tools.
Develop and execute test plans, qualification procedures, and verification activities for mechanical and integrated robotic systems.
Design test fixtures and validation methods to improve system performance and reliability.
Support environmental, functional, and field testing and document results in technical reports and presentations.
Interface with customers, suppliers, and program stakeholders to define requirements and communicate technical solutions.
Support proposal development, concept generation, feasibility studies, and technical reviews.
Travel occasionally, approximately 10% or less, for customer meetings, demonstrations, and field activities.