R&D Hardware Mechanical Engineering Scientist Associate

R&D Hardware Mechanical Engineering Scientist Associate

Hiring Department: Applied Research Laboratories

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled

Hours:

40

FLSA Status: Exempt

Earliest

Start Date:

Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

Contribute to research and development tasks and experimental sea-tests within the Environmental Sciences Laboratory (ESL) at Applied Research Laboratories (ARL).

• Design support of new and existing underwater acoustic systems and sensors. This includes scheduling, execution, calibration, characterization, testing, and data analysis.
• Deploy/recover subsea systems in field from offshore vessels / work boats and troubleshoot and repair equipment, as necessary.
• Assist with hardware procurement.
• Assist with fabrication facilities management, warehouse and shop organization, and coordinate maintenance and inventory of shop tools.
• Other related functions, as required.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Ocean Engineering.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Computer Aided Design (CAD) software (e.g., Creo, Solidworks) for 3D modeling and assembly.
• Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) concepts and experience using common software packages (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL) for basic linear static analysis.
• Experience generating detailed engineering drawings in accordance with industry standards (e.g., ASME Y14.5).
• Strong understanding of Engineering Mechanics, including statics, strength of materials, and the selection/application of common engineering materials (metals, polymers).
• Fundamental knowledge of mechanical components and systems (e.g., shafts, bearings, fasteners, gears, seals).
• Familiarity with programming engineering computation software such as MATLAB.

Applicant must be highly organized, have excellent attention to detail, and possess sound scientific judgment. The position will require effective management of their own time with the ability to plan, coordinate, and execute multiple tasks simultaneously. Regular and punctual attendance in the workplace is required.

US Citizen. Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.

• Master's degree in mechanical or ocean engineering and 3 years of experience.
• Three years of experience with the design, fabrication, and testing of prototype hardware in a commercial, research, or advanced academic setting. Proven ability to apply principles of structural integrity, materials science, and system performance to hardware design.
• Demonstrated experience or high aptitude in designing, building, or deploying oceanographic instrumentation or similar remote sensing/harsh-environment equipment.
• Practical field-testing experience with mechanical hardware.
• Demonstrated knowledge of various manufacturing and fabrication processes (e.g., machining, welding, 3D printing) and their impact on design.
• Experience with data processing, such as acoustic signal processing using software like MATLAB.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 with 3.2 in core engineering courses.

An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but are not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc.

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays

$88,500-$120,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications

• Standard office conditions
• Periodic offshore work on ships
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity
• Some weekend, evening and holiday work
• Intrastate/interstate/international travel
• Use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
• Will work outdoors, indoors and over water

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest
• Unofficial college transcripts

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

A criminal history background check will be…