Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Draper; Odon (IN); On-site; USD 82,300 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper, based in Odon, Indiana, seeks an experienced Mechanical Engineer to develop innovative solutions for complex problems in mechanical design. This role involves full-cycle mechanical design, from concept to prototyping and testing. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, 5-10 years of relevant experience, and proficiency in CAD software such as Creo. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $82,300 to $220,000, based on various factors. Join Draper's collaborative team to tackle national challenges.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years in mechanical engineering or full cycle of mechanical design experience.
• Strong understanding of applied math and physics.
• Experience with customer-driven problems as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical design concept exploration, trade study analysis, and prototyping.
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction.
• Plan and execute complex electro-mechanical design.

Skills

Curiosity-driven problem solving

Effective communication

Team player

Organizational skills

Strong analytical skills

Proficient with CAD tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

MATLAB

CAD software (Creo preferred)

ANSYS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross‑fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation.

Job Description Summary

Draper Mechanical Engineers develop novel solutions to customer‑driven problems including ruggedized miniature electro‑mechanical systems, systems for harsh environments (e.g., high‑g, high temperature, high vibration), dynamic mechanisms, and autonomous systems. The mechanical design team is responsible for the full cycle of mechanical design from concept exploration of multiple potential solutions through trade study analysis, down‑selection, prototyping and testing, and finally delivery. Mechanical design engineers work to solve some of our nation’s most challenging problems.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs mechanical design concept exploration, trade study analysis, down‑selection, prototyping, and testing with some guidance.
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction – contribute to requirements development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
• Plan and execute complex electro‑mechanical design from the ideation stage through hardware fabrication and testing, including trade study, concept down‑select, and detailed design phases.
• Identify program/system‑level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them.
• Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Curiosity‑driven approach to solving complex, customer‑driven problems as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multi‑disciplinary program team members, program leadership, and non‑technical personnel.
• Team player able to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Thorough understanding of applied math and physics.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficient with general modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, computer‑aided design (CAD) software, and/or other design & analysis tools relevant to your discipline.

Education

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or another relevant field. Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience

Requires 5‑10 years in mechanical engineering or full cycle of mechanical design experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient with Computer Aided Design (CAD) for hardware and assemblies (Creo preferred).
• Familiar with mechanical design of electronic enclosures, circuit boards, and microelectronic component packaging.
• Experience with general modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB and ANSYS.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Applications.

Clearance and Travel

• Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Strong preference will be given to candidates holding an active Secret level clearance or higher or to those who have held an active clearance within the past two years.
• Occasional travel to Draper’s main campus in Cambridge, MA, partner sites, suppliers, and test facilities is required, less than 15% expected.

Job Location

City: Odon

State: Indiana

Postal Code: 47562

Salary

US base salary range for this full‑time position: $82,300.00 - $220,000.00. The range reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail].