Mechanical Engineer II - ARFF Program

Society of Fire Protection Engineers; Egg Harbor Township, Northern (NJ, KY); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

Battelle in Egg Harbor Township, NJ is seeking a Mechanical Engineer II for a full‑time hybrid role supporting the FAA ARFF program. You will lead experiments, develop test plans, data acquisition, and analyses across ARFF research areas with minimal supervision.

Experience with fire testing and data systems is preferred; U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a Public Trust Clearance are desired. This role involves outdoor and lab environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from ABET-accredited program.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Ability to apply mechanics, thermodynamics, fluids, heat transfer, and materials science.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering expertise to support ARFF research, testing, and operations.
• Plan, design, and execute experiments involving fire testing and thermal systems.
• Develop test plans, instrumentation layouts, and data acquisition systems.
• Perform data collection, reduction, and analysis to support findings.
• Develop cost estimates, schedules, and risk assessments for tasks.
• Identify and troubleshoot issues with test setups and facility systems.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for FAA stakeholders.
• Maintain safety policy compliance during activities.

Skills

5+ yrs exp

Technical writing

Independent work

Multitasking

Communication skills

Public Trust clearance

Travel ready

Education

ABET-accredited ME degree

Tools

LabVIEW

CFD

Data acquisition

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 Mechanical Engineer II. This is a full-time hybrid position located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.

This is a full-time position supporting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Research Program. The Mechanical Engineer II provides engineering expertise in support of research, testing, and evaluation of ARFF technologies and systems. Work includes applying engineering principles, system analysis, and problem solving to meet program objectives across multiple ARFF research areas.

The candidate will independently execute and lead research and development efforts, including development of test plans, experimental setups, data collection systems, and technical analyses. The Mechanical Engineer II is expected to accomplish complete and timely deliverables with minimal day-to-day supervision.

Work will involve exposure to outdoor conditions, fire testing environments, and use of personal protective equipment. Firefighting experience is not required but is strongly encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering expertise, principles, and analysis to support ARFF research, testing, and operational activities.
• Plan, design, and execute experiments involving fire testing, thermal systems, fluid flow, and mechanical systems.
• Develop detailed test plans, engineering drawings, instrumentation layouts, and data acquisition systems.
• Conduct system analysis, including evaluation of mechanical, thermal, fluid, and structural systems using engineering tools and methods.
• Perform data collection, reduction, and analysis to support research findings and technical conclusions.
• Develop cost estimates, schedules, risk assessments, and logistics plans for assigned tasks and projects.
• Identify and troubleshoot technical issues related to test setups, instrumentation, and facility systems.
• Support fabrication, installation, and validation of test articles, instrumentation, and experimental systems.
• Manage and organize project tasks to ensure timely and accurate completion of deliverables without daily supervision.
• Prepare technical reports, research summaries, and formal documentation for internal and FAA stakeholders.
• Present technical information to internal teams, management, and government clients.
• Maintain compliance with safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements during all activities.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited college or university with a degree curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering principles including mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and materials science to solve technical problems.
• Experience planning and executing engineering projects, including research, system design, testing, and analysis.
• Experience developing engineering plans, cost estimates, schedules, and risk mitigation approaches.
• Experience with data collection systems, instrumentation, and engineering analysis tools.
• Proven ability to perform technical work independently and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills, including development of formal reports and presentations.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a dynamic research and test environment.
• Occasional travel (e.g., 2–3 times per year) may be required.
• Sole US Citizenship with eligibility and willingness to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting ARFF, fire testing, or fire protection research programs.
• Experience with fire testing, or evaluation of firefighting agents and tactics.
• Experience with computational modeling tools (e.g., CFD).
• Experience designing and implementing data acquisition and control systems (e.g., LabVIEW).
• Experience with fabrication, mechanical system integration, or instrumentation installation.
• Experience working in hazardous or industrial testing environments.
• Firefighting training or operational experience (e.g., ARFF, Firefighter I/II) strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with FAA research programs or aviation safety testing environments.

Compensation Data

Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $72,000 to $101,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate’s salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited college or university with a degree curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering principles including mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and materials science to solve technical problems.
• Experience planning and executing engineering projects, including research, system design, testing, and analysis.
• Experience developing engineering plans, cost estimates, schedules, and risk mitigation approaches.
• Experience with data collection systems, instrumentation, and engineering analysis tools.
• Proven ability to perform technical work independently and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills, including development of formal reports and presentations.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a dynamic research and test environment.
• Occasional travel (e.g., 2–3 times per year) may be required.
• Sole US Citizenship with eligibility and willingness to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting ARFF, fire testing, or fire protection research programs.
• Experience with fire testing, or evaluation of firefighting agents and tactics.
• Experience with computational modeling tools (e.g., CFD).
• Experience designing and implementing data acquisition and control systems (e.g., LabVIEW).
• Experience with fabrication, mechanical system integration, or instrumentation installation.
• Experience working in hazardous or industrial testing environments.
• Firefighting training or operational experience (e.g., ARFF, Firefighter I/II) strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with FAA research programs or aviation safety testing environments.