Ocean Mechanical Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland is seeking an Ocean Systems Mechanical Engineer to join the Engineering and Test Group. You will design mechanical parts and assemblies using SolidWorks and prepare fabrication documentation for maritime systems, while using CAD/FEA tools to support design decisions.

You will lead integration and field tests, support at-sea demonstrations, and collaborate with DoD partners to address risks and advance innovative ocean sensing technologies

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related technical field.
• 5+ years of demonstrated relevant engineering experience.
• Experience with design, analysis, qualification and testing of large marine winches and/or launch and recovery systems.
• Experience with electro-mechanical systems from concepts through fabrication and testing.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret security clearance and ultimately a Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical parts and assemblies using SolidWorks; perform modeling, simulation, and FEA as needed.
• Lead fabrication, assembly, integration, and troubleshooting of electro-mechanical systems for maritime applications.
• Develop project and test plans; conduct land/ocean-based field tests and demonstrations; document results and brief sponsors.
• Support at-sea testing, ship checks, deployment planning, and back-deck operations; coordinate field test hardware and shipping.

Skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Technical writing

Communication

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related technical field

Tools

SolidWorks

Ansys

CAD

FEA

Job description

Description

Are you searching for an opportunity to apply your engineering skills in a creative and collaborative laboratory environment working on research, development, and integration of groundbreaking maritime technology?

Do you have a desire to help solve some of the US Navy's most exciting challenges in the undersea domain?

Would you love to engage in meaningful, hands-on work in the exciting field of Ocean Systems Mechanical Engineering with an employer that prioritizes impact, innovation, and personal development?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a creative Mechanical Engineer to join the Engineering and Test Group (KME) where we specialize in advancing technological capabilities for Navy operations through development and testing of sophisticated sensor systems and complex electro-mechanical systems for maritime and undersea applications. As a member of our team, you'll contribute to critical system development and experimental efforts. You will be joining a team committed to crafting an environment of innovation.

As an Ocean Systems Mechanical Engineer...

• Your primary responsibility will be working with a multidisciplinary team to design mechanical parts and assemblies using computer aided design (CAD) programs such as SolidWorks. Use modeling, simulation, and finite element analysis (FEA) software as needed to support system design. Generate documentation for design reviews and fabrication/assembly. Work with fabrication staff and other specialists to plan for and lead fabrication and assembly. Analyze and test systems destined for a maritime environment.
• You will support, lead, and manage projects with mechanical design, fabrication, assembly, integration and trouble-shooting techniques on a variety of electro-mechanical systems for maritime applications in the laboratory or on a field project while working independently or as part of a project team.
• You will assist in the brainstorming and development of new initiatives/concepts in maritime applications through research and development (R&D) efforts including conceptualizing components and assemblies, as well as generating formal design drawings and documentation using SolidWorks and other software tools.
• You will develop project plans and test plans and conduct land/ocean-based field tests/demonstrations of advanced sensor systems to ensure that program objectives are satisfactorily addressed through simulation, subsystem integration testing, and full system testing. Write test reports and brief designs, test plans, and test reports to upper management and sponsors.
• You will support at-sea testing by conducting ship checks, planning for deployment and recovery of systems, coordinating field test hardware preparation and shipping, and preparing and installing winches, cranes, and other electro-mechanical equipment as well as assisting with and leading back-deck operations.
• You will collaborate with multiple DoD system partners to evaluate current designs, identify risks, and develop solutions to address those risks.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related technical field with5+ years of demonstrated relevant engineering experience.
• Have demonstrated experience with the design, analysis, qualification and testing of large marine winches and/or launch and recovery systems.
• Have demonstrated experience with the design, development, testing, and deployment of electro-mechanical systems, from initial concepts through fabrication and bench/field tests and hands‑on experience with design, development, deployment, operations and testing of ocean systems.
• Show proven ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team and possess strong interpersonal, speaking, and technical writing skills to communicate effectively with staff and management at all levels
• Are experienced with engineering software packages for design and finite element analysis such as SolidWorks and Ansys.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related technical field with5+ years of demonstrated relevant engineering experience.
• Have demonstrated experience with the design, analysis, qualification and testing of large marine winches and/or launch and recovery systems.
• Have demonstrated experience with the design, development, testing, and deployment of electro-mechanical systems, from initial concepts through fabrication and bench/field tests and hands‑on experience with design, development, deployment, operations and testing of ocean systems.
• Show proven ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team and possess strong interpersonal, speaking, and technical writing skills to communicate effectively with staff and management at all levels.
• Are experienced with engineering software packages for design and finite element analysis such as SolidWorks and Ansys.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually