Senior Mechanical Engineer

The Analytical Solutions Division (ASD) of Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc., has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Senior Mechanical Engineer onsite at the Huntsville, AL location. The ideal candidate must be proficient with SOLIDWORKS Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and provide engineering design and prototype build support for testing and customer demonstration.  Will design, develop, evaluate, and modify systems and systems-oriented products applying advanced analytical and investigative methods and techniques. Perform original design work after receiving the design goal or problem, general method of processing and engineering advice on related theoretical aspects to be considered in the design. Complexity of assignments requires the exercise of considerable initiative, latitude, independent judgment, and the ability to design independently with only general technical direction.

What you’ll do as a Senior Mechanical Engineer (may not be all inclusive):

• Design, model, and validate parts and assemblies of varying levels of complexity utilizing SOLIDWORKS software to include sheet metal, weldments, simulation, surfaces, and drawings
• Evaluate operational systems and designs modification to eliminate causes of malfunctions or changes in system requirements
• Design and create models using advanced surface modeling features, such as, boundary surfaces, datum and projected curves, variable section sweeps and fillets, and splines
• Generate complex and high-quality digital surface models according to designer specifications from sketches, renderings, concept designs and scan data
• Prepares cost estimates for entire project of piece of the equipment
• Provide technical guidance and/or briefings and updates to staff and leadership involved with producing design fabrication drawings
• Provide oversight and input to manufacturing teams, ensuring the accuracy and quality of all systems
• Assist project teams in preparing presentations and demonstrations
• Ability to manage and prioritize numerous assignments
• Apply analytical, evaluative, and constructive expertise to meet the critical deadlines assigned
• Work under only general direction and independently determines and develops approach to solutions
• Responsible to identify and evaluate new manufacturing technologies and integrate innovative materials and process improvements

Must Haves as a Senior Mechanical Engineer:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering AND 8+ years relevant work experience; OR a H.S. diploma (or equivalent) and 12+ years’ relevant experience in Mechanical Design Engineer DoD manufacturing field
• Must be a US Citizen with ability to obtain & maintain DoD Secret Clearance
• Advanced skills, with ability to create mechanical drawings using SOLIDWORKS CAD software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage and prioritize numerous assignments
• Apply analytical, evaluative, and constructive expertise to meet the critical deadlines assigned
• Be detail-oriented individual to design new equipment, supporting the needs of various clients
• Extensive knowledge of mechanical systems and tools
• Provide engineering design and prototype build support for testing and customer demonstration
• Independently determine and develop approach to solutions
• Lifting up to 50lbs, standing for long periods of time to include stoop, bend, crouch, crawl, push and pull
• Be physically capable of wearing all required personal protective equipment to include, but not limited to safety glasses, respirator, safety shoes, hearing protection and hand protection as required

Senior Mechanical Engineer Wish List/Preferred:

• Active / current SECRET Clearance from the US Department of Defense
• Experience working with and designing composite molds and plugs
• Experience working in a fast-paced prototyping environment
• Advanced knowledge of SOLIDWORKS Surfacing

ARA Company & Division Information

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2278 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technolo