Senior Mechanical Engineer

HDT Global; Fredericksburg (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

HDT Global is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer - Robotics in the Fredericksburg, VA area to lead design, analysis, and testing of robotic systems. You will guide a multidisciplinary team, translate objectives into deliverables, and ensure project documentation and compliance with military-grade requirements.

The role requires BS in Mechanical Engineering (MS preferred), 5+ years in government contracting, and hands-on experience with robotics, GD&T, FEA, and CAD tools.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Mechanical Engineering required, MS preferred.
• Experience with robotics/mechatronics and GD&T.
• Experience with FEA and SolidWorks COSMOS or equivalent.
• Sizing actuators (brushless motors) and transmissions.
• Experience with various sensors (hall-effect, angular position, temp).
• Strong MS Excel/Word skills and general computer proficiency.
• Able to read/speak English and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Oversees a team of engineers tracking and reporting progress.
• Knowledge of 3D mechanical CAD design (SolidWorks preferred).
• Manage design process & drafting of production drawings.
• Perform static and dynamic structural analysis (FEA).
• Select materials to optimize strength, weight, cost, performance.
• Understand machining/manufacturing processes to optimize cost.
• Design and implement complex mechanisms and mechatronic systems.
• Conduct experiments, analyze data, and support testing.
• Ensure adherence to quality and safety standards.

Skills

Robotics

GD&T

FEA

Actuator sizing

Sensors

English proficient

Independent worker

Education

BS Mechanical Engineering

MS preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

COSMOS

Job description

Some jobs aren’t just tough — they’re brutal. Too toxic. Too remote. Too dangerous for humans to handle. That’s where we come in.

At HDT, we build robotic arms and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) with military-grade strength and precision engineering, built for the extremes and adaptable to any challenge. Behind the toughest hardware is a team energized by complex problems. Bring us a challenge, and we’ll engineer the solution.

That’s the mindset. That's the mission. That’s Built for Brutal.

The Senior Mechanical Engineer - Robotics will manage and drive all aspects of design and engineering including requirements analysis, concept generation, mechanical design, implementation, testing, and documentation. The candidate will work on multiple projects of moderate size or on portions of major projects.

The successful candidate will have experience with machine design, sensors, transmissions, electric motors, bearings, kinematic linkages, material selection, structural analysis, people management, as well as hands‑on debugging. The Sr. ME‑ Robotics will have the ability to translate objectives to results and deliverables, while working in a highly‑collaborative, multi‑disciplinary team environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees a team of engineers tracking and reporting progress
• Knowledge of 3D mechanical CAD design (Solidworks preferred)
• Managing the design process & drafting of production drawings for machined parts, fabrications and weldments, COTS parts, and assemblies
• Static and dynamic structural analysis using a variety of tools including both hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA)
• Understands materials needed to optimize strength, weight, cost, and performance
• Understands machining and manufacturing processes to optimize cost without sacrificing performance
• Ability to conceptualize and implement the design of complex mechanisms
• Performs complex design and research tasks; develops mechanical products and systems such as robots, actuators, instruments, sensors, and overall mechatronic systems
• Designs a complete project, system, component, or process and preparing complete project documents
• Designs and conducts experiments, analyzes and interprets data, formulates and solves problems
• Manages testing efforts
• Adheres to all quality and safety standards.
• Supports other projects and performs duties as assigned.
• Supports, communicates, reinforces and defends the mission, values and culture of the organization.

EXPERIENCE / KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES :

• Experience with robotics/mechatronics
• Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA). SolidWorks COSMOS or equivalent is sufficient.
• Experience with sizing actuators i.e. brushless electric motors, including the design of custom motors, and transmissions
• Experience with strain gages and load cells described
• Experience with other sensors such as hall-effect, angular position, and temperature sensors
• Possesses strong computer skills with demonstrated proficiency in standard business software packages (e.g., Microsoft Office). Must possess excellent skills with Microsoft Excel and Word
• Quality orientation and high attention to detail
• Must be able to read, speak and understand English
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and in a team environment

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• BS degree in Mechanical Engineering required, MS preferred
• 5+ years work experience (Government contractor experience preferred)

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Work is accomplished in a typical office environment with adequate environmental (heating/cooling) control. The noise level in the work environment is moderate due to noises associated with computer equipment and environmental control systems.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers and filing cabinets
• Access to operations and manufacturing areas may involve exposure to loud noises, dust, fumes, oils, and fluctuations in temperature

* This specific position requires U.S. Citizenship. The applicant must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance. An active Secret clearance is preferred but not required.