Mechanical Engineer

Applied Research Associates, Inc; Warrendale (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Neya Systems seeks a Mechanical Engineer to design rugged hardware for off‑road autonomy and robotic platforms. You will collaborate with software, electrical, and systems teams to deliver robust mechanical solutions for extreme environments.

Responsibilities include CAD modeling, structural/thermal analysis, and supporting fabrication and field testing. Strong GD&T, DFx, and supplier coordination are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Drive mechanical systems from concept through prototype and field deployment.

Skills

Mechanical design

Cross‑functional collaboration

CAD modeling

Analytical thinking

Prototyping

Python scripting

SolidWorks

Sheet-metal design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Aerospace or related discipline (bonus)

Tools

SolidWorks

Ansys

Python

Job description

Who We Are

Neya Systems is a recognized leader in off-road autonomy and mission orchestration software, delivering cutting‑edge robotic solutions for defense, commercial, and industrial applications. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Applied Research Associates (ARA), we develop ruggedized, field‑proven platforms designed to solve complex, unstructured environments' toughest challenges.

Who We’re Looking For

We are a dedicated group of innovators focused on fielding mission‑critical autonomous systems. Our culture thrives on high accountability, cross‑disciplinary collaboration, and a shared passion for pushing the boundaries of uncrewed ground systems. We welcome engineers who are eager to own difficult problems and bring practical, reliable robotics into the field.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Mechanical Engineer at Neya, you will collaborate with cross‑functional software, electrical, and systems engineering teams to design and integrate robust hardware solutions for off‑road autonomy and custom robotic platforms. Your work will span the entire design spectrum—from developing rugged sensor payloads and housing enclosures to engineering specialized ground vehicle sub‑assemblies built to withstand extreme environmental conditions.

What Your Day‑to‑Day Looks Like

• Full‑Lifecycle Engineering: Drive mechanical systems from initial concept generation and trade studies through prototype fabrication, integration, and field deployment.
• Customer & Technical Requirements: Define mechanical and environmental requirements alongside customer technical leads and internal engineering teams.
• CAD Modeling & Design: Utilize SolidWorks to generate complex parts, assemblies, and high‑precision mechanical layouts for integrated robotic systems.
• Engineering Analysis: Perform structural, thermal, and dynamic load analyses using a combination of hand calculations, scripting (Python), and FEA/CFD software (Ansys).
• Prototyping & Fabrication: Work directly with fabrication tools and engineering technicians to build and iterate rapidly on prototype concepts.
• Manufacturability & Quality: Apply GD&T standards to create detailed manufacturing drawings; partner with suppliers and internal teams to optimize Design for Manufacturability (DFM).
• Multi‑Disciplinary Integration: Collaborate closely with autonomy, software, and electrical teams in a cohesive lab and high‑bay vehicle test environment.
• Environmental & Functional Testing: Subject sensors, sub‑assemblies, and vehicle components to rigorous environmental testing (thermal, vibration, ingress) and compile technical test reports.
• Proposal & Concept Guidance: Support technical proposal efforts and leadership reviews with feasibility studies and preliminary mechanical architectures.
• Field Support & Travel: Participate in occasional travel (5% or less) to support field demonstrations and customer testing.

What You’ll Bring

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Technical Experience: Demonstrated background in mechanical product design with a track record of integrating hardware, sensors, and electronics.
• CAD Proficiency: Advanced modeling expertise in SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD platforms.
• Analytical Foundation: Strong foundation in core mechanical analysis, including load cases, material selection, bearing life, and thermal dynamics.
• System Integration: Practical experience making trade‑off decisions between cost, weight, lead time, and mechanical complexity.
• Communication & Ownership: High degree of personal initiative, self‑direction, and clear technical writing and presentation skills.
• Work Authorization: U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency required due to defense contracting requirements. (Neya Systems is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.)

How You’ll Stand Out

• Hands‑on Curiosity: A personal passion for building, machining, or tinkering with hardware outside of formal work requirements.
• Specialized Analysis: Background in passive thermal management, IP‑rated environmental sealing, or custom gear train design.
• Production Operations: Familiarity with PLM/BOM management systems and transition‑to‑production workflows.
• Software Literacy: Working knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., Python, C++) for automating design calculations or data analysis.
• SolidWorks Proficiency: Strong experience modeling complex parts and assemblies using SolidWorks.
• Sheet‑metal Expertise: Experience designing sheet‑metal brackets and enclosures.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance plans
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Competitive 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) package, including company holidays
• Travel compensation policies for field deployment activities
• Professional development support and continuous learning opportunities

Neya Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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