Senior Mechanical Engineer - Energetics & UxS Design

Applied Research Associates, Inc.; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design equipment, tooling, and interfaces for energetic materials and unmanned systems. You will develop 3D models in SolidWorks, create 2D drawings in AutoCAD, and assemble release-ready drawing packages for manufacturing.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, 8+ years of experience, proficiency in GD&T, and experience with CAD data management. U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 8 years of relevant mechanical design experience.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks (modeling, assemblies, drawings) and AutoCAD.
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
• Experience with FEA/simulation tools for mechanical design validation.
• Experience using a PDM system for CAD data management.
• Ability to produce drawing packages suitable for manufacturing and assembly release.
• U.S. Citizenship required; must be eligible to obtain a security clearance.
• Willingness to travel regularly between Arlington, VA and Indian Head, MD.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical equipment, components, and interfaces for chemical/energetic material manufacturing systems and unmanned systems hardware.
• Develop 3D models and assemblies in SolidWorks and produce 2D drawings/layouts in AutoCAD.
• Create manufacturing- and assembly-ready drawing packages, including GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Perform structural and mechanical analysis (FEA) to validate designs for strength, fatigue, and operational loading.
• Manage CAD data and revisions through a PDM system (e.g., SolidWorks PDM/Vault).
• Coordinate with chemical and process engineers to align equipment design with process requirements and DoD facility standards.
• Support design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and site visits with government customers at Indian Head, MD.
• Generally consider hazard classification, explosive safety, and facility siting requirements when designing equipment for energetic material applications.
• Provide informal technical mentorship to junior engineers on design practices, drafting standards, and tools.

Skills

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

GD&T

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred)

PhD in Mechanical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

PDM/Vault

FEA/Simulation tools

3D modeling

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design equipment, tooling, and interfaces for energetic materials and unmanned systems. You will develop 3D models in SolidWorks, create 2D drawings in AutoCAD, and assemble release-ready drawing packages for manufacturing.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, 8+ years of experience, proficiency in GD&T, and experience with CAD data management. U.S.