Mechanical Engineer

FLSA Classification:
Exempt

Location:
Panama City Beach, FL

Date: 29 August 2026

Summary

New Venture Research Corporation (NVRC) is a leading provider of innovative technology solutions supporting critical defense programs.

NVRC is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, testing, and sustainment of mine warfare systems and related undersea/surface hardware. This position works on-site at NSWC PCD alongside government engineers, program office personnel, and fleet stakeholders on the full lifecycle of mine warfare hardware, from concept through fleet introduction and in-service support.

• Perform mechanical engineering design, analysis, and integration for mine warfare systems, including offensive mining, defensive mining, and mine countermeasures (MCM) hardware.
• Collaborate with senior staff such as systems engineers, electrical engineers, software engineers, and government program personnel to ensure integrated system performance.
• Assist with the development of mechanical designs, drawings, and specifications for pressure housings, deployment/launch mechanisms, sensor payloads, and related subsystems.
• Conduct engineering analyses (structural, thermal, hydrostatic, fatigue, shock/vibration) to support the design decision and qualification requirement process.
• Participate in testing and other hands-on evaluation of systems and subsystems, and document results.
• Support prototype fabrication, integration, and test activities, including in-water testing, environmental testing, and range events.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues on fielded and developmental systems and support root-cause analysis and corrective action development.
• Support technical reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.) and represent mechanical engineering considerations in program milestones.
• Ensure compliance with applicable military standards, safety requirements, and Navy engineering processes.
• Travel occasionally to support testing, fleet events, or coordination at other Navy or contractor facilities, as required.

• Hands-on experience with mechanical design tools (e.g., Solid Works, CREO, or similar CAD software).
• Working knowledge of GD&T, materials selection, and mechanical tolerancing.
• Experience supporting engineering analysis, testing, and design verification activities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to prepare technical documentation and brief technical content to government and program stakeholders.

• Prior experience supporting U.S. Navy mine warfare, undersea systems, or mine countermeasures programs.
• Experience working directly with a Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) or similar DoD engineering activity.
• Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) tools (e.g., ANSYS, NX Nastran).
• Experience with pressure vessel design, underwater vehicle systems, or ordnance-related hardware.
• Familiarity with military standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-1310, MIL-HDBK-217) and Navy acquisition processes.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related engineering discipline) from an ABET-accredited program;
  Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field highly preferred
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant mechanical engineering experience.

• Primary work environment will be in secure labs, test range, waterfront, or shop environments.
• May require lifting of test equipment/hardware (up to 25–40 lbs) and extended periods of standing, walking, or working in field/marine conditions during test events.

Travel up to 20% is required.

Due to our contracts with the U.S. federal government and the requirement for a…