NPS Sr. Research Development Engineer

Summary

HII is seeking a highly experienced Sr. Research Development Engineer to support the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Energy Academic Group in Monterey, CA. The selected candidate will serve as a senior technical contributor and research leader supporting advanced Mechanical and Systems Engineering initiatives focused on scientific research, technology innovation, operational energy, and emerging defense capabilities. This position supports the development and execution of complex research programs involving interdisciplinary collaboration across government, academia, industry, and Department of Defense stakeholders.

Location:

Arlington, VA, Remote, United States

Employment Type:

Part Time/Hourly/Non-Exempt
Required Travel: 0 - 10%
Salary Range: $ - $
Security Clearance:
Ability to Obtain
Level of

Experience:

Senior

• Lead and execute advanced Mechanical and Systems Engineering research initiatives supporting defense and operational energy objectives.
• Initiate, design, develop, implement, and manage scientific research projects involving complex engineering systems and emerging technologies.
• Develop theories, analytical models, and engineering methodologies used to understand, characterize, and organize complex natural and engineered phenomena into systematic research applications.
• Conduct applied research supporting potential new products, inventions, prototypes, and operational concepts.
• Coordinate interdisciplinary research efforts among faculty, engineers, scientists, government agencies, laboratories, and industry partners.
• Support intellectual property evaluations, invention disclosures, and development of patent applications associated with research outcomes.
• Lead technical assessments, modeling efforts, experimentation, and systems analysis activities.
• Prepare technical reports, white papers, briefings, publications, and research documentation for senior leadership and government sponsors.
• Support proposal development, research planning, technology transition strategies, and program execution activities.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers, researchers, interns, and cross‑functional project teams.
• Participate in strategic planning efforts related to advanced energy systems, mechanical engineering applications, systems engineering integration, and operational capability development.
• Interface with Department of Defense sponsors, academic institutions, warfare centers, and research organizations to align technical objectives and research priorities.

• 15 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 13 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 10 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 19 years relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading scientific research and advanced engineering development initiatives.
• Strong background in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, research methodologies, modeling and simulation, or advanced technology development.
• Experience supporting Department of Defense, Navy, federal laboratory, university, or research institution programs.
• Knowledge of engineering analysis, systems integration, technology maturation, and research program execution.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary technical teams and research activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to deliver executive‑level technical briefings and documentation.
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced research and development environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD secret clearance.

• Experience supporting Navy or DoD operational energy, experimentation, or advanced capability development initiatives.
• Familiarity with Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), digital engineering methodologies, or advanced systems integration concepts.
• Experience with intellectual property development, patent support activities, or technology commercialization efforts.
• Active DoD Secret Clearance.
• PMP, INCOSE, or related technical/professional certifications desirable.

• Medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs;
  Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools; life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; early childhood and post‑secondary education scholarships.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.