Lead Mechanical Engineer

Battelle; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Battelle in Columbus, OH seeks a Lead Mechanical Engineer to drive design, testing, and integration of advanced mechanical systems across platforms including marine, aerospace, robotics, and defense. The role covers product development, maintenance, troubleshooting, and collaboration with diverse teams.

The ideal candidate applies mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and materials science using CAD/FEA/CFD tools, while mentoring staff and coordinating client deliverables in a fast‑paced

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET‑accredited program with substantial experience (12+ years) or Master’s with 7+ years, or PhD with 4+ years.
• Proficiency with CAD/modeling programs: SolidWorks and/or Creo Pro/Engineer.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and train junior staff.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Curious, problem‑solving mindset with design and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with stringent client‑driven QA programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Project & Visio).
• Hands‑on lab/shop experience desired.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, test, manufacture, and maintain mechanical components and systems across diverse platforms.
• Lead technical projects and coordinate engineers and support staff within time and budget constraints.
• Mentor junior staff and foster professional growth.
• Build relationships with clients and present research results and schedules.
• Prepare design/test data, specifications, and engineering analyses.
• Collaborate across Battelle sites to design and integrate new systems.
• Analyze data to guide engineering decisions.
• Prepare technical reports, test plans, manuals, and maintenance instructions.
• Present findings to clients in formal and informal settings.
• Support proposals with technical sections and contribute to IR&D studies.
• Collaborate across disciplines to solve complex problems.

Skills

CAD/Modeling

Leadership / Mentoring

Written & Verbal Communication

Independent & Team Player

Education

ABET‑accredited B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

M.S. in related field (optional)

PhD in related field (optional)

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo Pro/Engineer

MS Project

Visio

Job description

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients - whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

We are currently seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer. This position is a full-time opportunity located in Columbus, OH. The selected candidate will be responsible for the design, testing, and integration of new systems, as well as supporting the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of existing mechanical systems. This role is part of a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and support staff providing design, integration, test, and maintenance support across a wide range of platforms - including electro-mechanical and hydraulic systems, marine and subsea systems, aircraft, robotics, weapon systems, and heat transfer systems. The ideal candidate will apply core engineering principles - including mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, structural analysis, and materials science - alongside tools such as computer-aided design (CAD), finite element analysis (FEA), and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, test, manufacture, and maintain mechanical components and systems across diverse platforms including marine, aerospace, robotic, and defense systems
• Lead and/or conduct technical projects or phases of larger projects, providing technical direction and coordinating the efforts of engineers and technical support staff within time and budget constraints
• Oversee, mentor, and train junior-level staff, fostering professional growth and technical excellence
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external clients, presenting research results and communicating project schedule and quality of deliverables
• Perform complex assignments by compiling and evaluating design and test data, preparing technical specifications, and analyzing data to determine appropriate limits and variables for product, process, or materials specifications
• Collaborate with Battelle engineers across multiple sites to design, fabricate, and integrate new mechanical systems
• Analyze and interpret collected data to inform engineering decisions
• Prepare written documentation including technical reports, test plans, test reports, system manuals, and operating and maintenance instructions
• Present technical reports to clients in both formal and informal settings
• Support business development efforts and assist with proposal preparation, including technical sections
• Contribute to IR&D studies and support Battelle-sponsored and scientific conferences, peer review panels, and publications to increase company visibility
• Collaborate across technical disciplines to solve challenging, real-world engineering problems

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program with a minimum of 12 years of demonstrated experience (relevant research, internship, and co-op experience counts toward total); or a master's degree in a related field with 7 years of experience; or a PhD in a related field with 4 years of experience
• Working knowledge of CAD/modeling programs, specifically SolidWorks and/or Creo Pro/Engineer
• Ability to lead, mentor, and train junior-level staff
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Curious, problem-solving mindset with a desire to develop creative solutions and perform system troubleshooting
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team
• Ability to work within stringent client-driven quality assurance programs
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Microsoft Project and Visio
• Desire for hands-on experience in lab and shop environments
• Must be a US citizen and must be willing to obtain and maintain a government TS/SCI security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Mechanical design of complex, integrated systems
• Maritime systems, naval architecture, or subsea structures
• Aircraft components or systems
• Troubleshooting of complex integrated systems
• Robotic systems
• Power hydraulic systems
• Pressure vessel design, certification, and testing (internal/external pressure)
• Applications of advanced materials in mechanical design
• Hands-on mechanical experience with standard tools and fabrication methods (mill, lathe, etc.)
• Welding and weld processes
• Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives (