Marine Robotics Mechanical Systems Research Associate

Virginia Tech; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech’s Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics seeks a Research Associate – Mechanical Systems to lead the design, fabrication, integration, testing, and deployment of advanced marine robotic platforms. You will contribute to autonomous underwater and surface vehicles and related marine technologies supporting sponsored research initiatives.

This position requires expertise in mechanical and electromechanical system design, fabrication, systems integration, and field deployment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or related field, or a bachelor’s with 5+ years post-bachelor’s experience.
• Experience designing mechanical and electromechanical subsystems for autonomous underwater vehicles or similar robotic platforms.
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks preferred) and mechanical design tools such as FEA.
• Experience manufacturing parts via CNC machining, sheet metal bending, composites, and 3D printing.
• Ability to create and maintain engineering documentation, including drawings, assemblies, wiring diagrams, BOMs.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex hardware, software, and system integration.
• Experience with hand and power tools.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Must be able to obtain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, fabrication, integration, testing, and deployment of marine robotic platforms.
• Contribute to development of autonomous underwater and surface vehicles and related marine technologies.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including faculty, staff, students, industry partners, and sponsors.

Skills

Mechanical design

Electromechanical systems

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Security clearance

Education

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree in Ocean Engineering

Bachelor’s degree + 5 years experience

Tools

SolidWorks

FEA

CNC machining

Sheet metal bending

3D printing

Wiring diagrams

Job description

Virginia Tech’s Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics seeks a Research Associate – Mechanical Systems to lead the design, fabrication, integration, testing, and deployment of advanced marine robotic platforms. You will contribute to autonomous underwater and surface vehicles and related marine technologies supporting sponsored research initiatives.

This position requires expertise in mechanical and electromechanical system design, fabrication, systems integration, and field deployment.