Description
SAIC is seeking a motivated and experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our growing Unmanned Systems team. This is a highly multidisciplinary role that spans mechanical engineering, systems integration, software development, field operations, and customer support. This role will be ON-SITE in San Diego, CA.
The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with unmanned underwater vehicles, remotely operated vehicles, or unmanned aerial systems in both laboratory and operational field environments. You have a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, controls, and software development, and you are comfortable working across the full system lifecycle from design and prototyping through integration, testing, and fielded system support.
You will support programs serving the U.S. Navy, contributing to the development, integration, testing, and deployment of unmanned systems. You will work alongside experienced engineers, technicians and government customers to deliver systems that perform when it matters most.
JOB DUTIES:
SYSTEMS INTEGRATION AND TEST
Support test and integration activities for unmanned vehicle systems including ROVs, UUVs, and sUAS platforms
Create and maintain comprehensive test documentation including test plans, test procedures, and test reports
Ensure successful product releases through rigorous testing and verification against customer requirements
Support all phases of system development including design, implementation, testing, and deployment
Conduct bench testing, functional verification, and system-level integration testing
Perform field testing and evaluation at government test facilities and operational locations
Support government test events at facilities including NIWC Pacific and other DoD test ranges
Document test results, anomalies, and corrective actions in clear and organized engineering reports
Coordinate with cross-functional teams to resolve integration issues and system anomalies
CONTROLS ENGINEERING
Develop, tune, and implement PID controllers for unmanned vehicle navigation and control systems
Utilize simulation software to tune and validate control system behavior prior to hardware implementation
Implement validated control configurations into master software releases
Support navigation and controls software integration for unmanned vehicles
Assist with system and software configuration management for unmanned platforms
Develop and validate autonomous mission programs for unmanned vehicle systems
Support integration of advanced sensors including sonar, navigation, and imaging systems
Assist with hardware and software configuration for customer-specific mission requirements
MECHANICAL DESIGN AND PROTOTYPING
Design and develop CAD model proto@types for military unmanned systems technology
Perform rigorous testing and validation of mechanical proto@types
Support government demonstrations with proto@type hardware
Apply Design for Manufacturing principles to proto@type and production designs
Perform Finite Element Analysis for structural and mechanical components
Conduct DFMEA for critical system components and assemblies
Support rapid prototyping activities using available fabrication resources
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software teams on integrated system designs
Maintain design documentation including drawings, specifications, and change records
FIELD OPERATIONS AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Support unmanned vehicle field operations in both CONUS and OCONUS locations
Conduct shipboard operations for unmanned vehicle launch, tracking, and recovery
Perform field maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair for both software and mechanical issues
Support government test events and operational demonstrations
Develop and streamline pre-mission SOPs for unmanned vehicle operations
Communicate mission status through prescribed channels during field operations
Compile and analyze post-mission data products and prepare required reports
Provide on-site technical support during critical government demonstrations
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND DATA ANALYSIS
Develop mission programs for unmanned vehicle systems tailored to specific mission objectives
Write and maintain software in C++ and Python for robotics and control applications
Use Linux for system administration, troubleshooting, and software development
Perform data analysis and reporting on mission data and system performance
Compile, analyze, and archive embedded mission data from unmanned vehicle operations
Identify and address software bugs and hardware system failures during post-mission analysis
Support software integration and configuration management activities
Develop data products and technical reports for government customers
PROGRAM AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Participate in strategic planning and mission discussions with government stakeholders
Collaborate with partner companies including robotics and unmanned systems vendors
Support test and evaluation missions for new and upgraded system hardware and software
Assist with customer technical support and issue resolution
Contribute to proposal development and technical documentation
Participate in design reviews and technical interchange meetings
Support technology demonstrations to government customers and program officials
Qualifications
REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelors and five (5) years or more experience; Masters and three (3) years or more experience; PhD and 0 years related experience
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Must have an Active Secret Clearance to start
Must be able to obtain a TS/SCI after start
3 to 6 years of hands-on professional experience in robotics, unmanned systems, or related engineering field
Demonstrated experience with unmanned vehicle systems including ROV, UUV, or sUAS platforms
Experience with system integration and test including test plan development and execution
Hands-on experience with PID controller tuning and implementation
Experience with field operations and maintenance of complex electromechanical systems
Experience supporting U.S. Navy or DoD customers in operational or test environments
Solid understanding of mechanical engineering principles including statics, dynamics, and materials
Working knowledge of control systems theory including PID control and feedback systems
Understanding of unmanned vehicle navigation and control architectures
Familiarity with software development in C++ and Python
Working knowledge of Linux operating systems
Basic understanding of electrical systems and electronics
Familiarity with CAD modeling and FEA analysis
CAD Software: SolidWorks or equivalent with FEA capability
Programming: C++ and Python proficiency required
Simulation: MATLAB and Simulink working knowledge
Operating Systems: Linux proficiency required
DESIRED SKILLS:
Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineers, Systems Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
Version Control: Basic Git knowledge preferred
Experience with Mk 18 Family of Systems or similar Navy UUV platforms
Background with advanced UUV sensors including Edgetech, SSAM, and VCM/VATR
Experience with ROV systems including VideoRay or similar platforms
Familiarity with mine countermeasure operations and EOD mission support
Experience with sUAS operations and mission planning using Mission Planner or similar tools
Background in shipboard operations and maritime field environments
Experience with NIWC Pacific or other DoD test and evaluation facilities
Experience with Arduino development for proto@type systems
Soldering and basic electronics repair skills
Rapid prototyping experience with 3D printing and machining
Strong technical writing and documentation skills
Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
REQNUMBER: 2611243
SAIC is a premier technology integrator, solving our nation's most complex modernization and systems engineering challenges across the defense, space, federal civilian, and intelligence markets. Our robust portfolio of offerings includes high-end solutions in systems engineering and integration; enterprise IT, including cloud services; cyber; software; advanced analytics and simulation; and training. We are a team of 23,000 strong driven by mission, united purpose, and inspired by opportunity. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $6.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see Working at SAIC. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability
