Staff Mechanical Engineer – DoD Systems & SolidWorks Expert

Applied Research Associates, Inc.; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to design equipment, tooling, and interfaces for energetics chemical manufacturing systems and unmanned systems for U.S. Government customers.

Expect expertise in SolidWorks and AutoCAD with detailed release-quality drawings for manufacturing and assembly. The role involves 3D modeling, GD&T per ASME Y14.5, FEA validation, and strong collaboration with process engineers, while traveling between Arlington, VA and Indian

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is required.
• 5+ years of relevant mechanical design experience.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks (modeling, assemblies, drawings) and AutoCAD.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
• Experience with FEA/simulation tools for validation.
• Experience using a PDM system for CAD data management.
• Ability to produce drawing packages for manufacturing and assembly release.
• U.S. Citizenship required; must be eligible for a security clearance.
• Willingness to travel regularly to 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 with GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Perform structural and mechanical analysis (FEA) to validate designs.
• 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.
• Consider hazard classification, explosive safety, and facility siting requirements for energetic material designs.
• Provide informal technical mentorship to junior engineers on design practices and drafting standards.

Skills

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

GD&T (ASME Y14.5)

FEA/Simulation tools

PDM / CAD data management

Drawing packages for manufacturing

U.S. Citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks PDM/Vault

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to design equipment, tooling, and interfaces for energetics chemical manufacturing systems and unmanned systems for U.S. Government customers.

Expect expertise in SolidWorks and AutoCAD with detailed release-quality drawings for manufacturing and assembly. The role involves 3D modeling, GD&T per ASME Y14.5, FEA validation, and strong collaboration with process engineers, while traveling between Arlington, VA and Indian