Research Engineer; Mechanical​/Electromechanical

Research Engineer

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.

The SARA, Inc. High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is looking for a highly motivated and skilled Research Engineer with a focus on mechanical engineering to join our interdisciplinary team in our Colorado Springs, CO location. The ideal candidate will combine strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with an investigative mindset and the ability to take technically challenging problems from initial research and analysis through modeling, prototyping, testing, and demonstration.

The successful candidate will be technically curious, resourceful, creative, and comfortable working on problems where the solution may not initially be well defined. Candidates must be strong team participants, possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, and be willing to contribute in a multidisciplinary, fast-paced research and engineering environment.

Responsibilities:

• Research, conceptualize, analyze, design, prototype, and test mechanical systems and technologies supporting advanced R&D programs
• Support the development and integration of UAS platforms, payloads, airframes, mechanical subsystems, and related technologies
• Perform engineering analysis and simulation of mechanical systems, including structural, thermal, dynamic, vibration, aerodynamic, and other relevant analyses
• Develop analytical and computational models to evaluate system performance, understand design tradeoffs, and guide technical decisions
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies, materials, manufacturing methods, components, and mechanical concepts for potential application to current and future programs
• Conduct feasibility studies and trade studies to compare technical approaches and identify promising solutions to complex engineering problems
• Translate research concepts into practical designs, prototypes, test articles, and experimental systems
• Plan and conduct laboratory, bench-top, and field experiments to validate models, characterize system performance, and evaluate new technologies
• Analyze and interpret experimental and simulation data and use results to refine designs, models, and technical approaches
• Support mechanical design and integration activities, including CAD modeling, drawing development, tolerance analysis, material selection, and design for manufacturing and assembly
• Collaborate with electrical engineers, physicists, software engineers, technicians, machinists, manufacturing personnel, and other technical disciplines to develop integrated systems
• Support UAS system integration and testing, including payload integration, mechanical interfaces, structural modifications, ground testing, and flight-test activities
• Develop technical documentation including research findings, engineering analyses, design documentation, test plans, test reports, trade studies, and technical presentations
• Communicate research findings and engineering recommendations to technical teams, program leadership, and customers
• Maintain awareness of advancements in UAS, mechanical engineering, materials, manufacturing, modeling and simulation, and other technologies relevant to SARA's research programs
• Support technical proposal development by performing background research, developing concepts, preparing technical content, supporting estimates, and contributing to statements of work and technical approaches
• Develop an understanding of customer missions, technical needs, and funding opportunities and, with experience, contribute to the identification and development of new research and program opportunities
• Participate in technical reviews, brainstorming sessions, design reviews, customer discussions, and program planning activities
• Support field testing, demonstrations, and other off-site engineering activities as required

Technical Skillsets:

• Strong foundation in mechanical engineering fundamentals, including mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, materials, structures, and mechanical design
• Knowledge of or experience with UAS/UAV development, integration, testing, or operation, including familiarity with airframes, propulsion, payload integration, structures, or related subsystems
• Experience with mechanical modeling and simulation tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, COMSOL, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar engineering analysis software
• Experience with 3D CAD software such as Solid Works, Creo, NX, or equivalent
• Ability to develop analytical models and use first-principles engineering calculations to evaluate complex mechanical systems
• Understanding of finite element analysis (FEA), structural analysis, thermal analysis, dynamics,…