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.
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Responsibilities:**
Research, conceptualize, analyze, design, proto@type, 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, proto@types, 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
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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 SolidWorks, 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, vibration, or other applicable simulation methodologies
Familiarity with rapid prototyping and manufacturing methods, including machining, additive manufacturing, composites, sheet metal, and other fabrication processes
Ability to design and conduct experiments and appropriately select instrumentation, sensors, data-acquisition equipment, and test methods
Proficiency with Python, MATLAB, or similar programming/scripting tools for modeling, simulation, data analysis, or engineering automation is preferred
Ability to analyze complex datasets, visualize results, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable engineering conclusions
Familiarity with UAS flight dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, composite structures, controls, or flight testing is beneficial
Ability to quickly research unfamiliar technical areas, evaluate available literature and technologies, and develop an engineering understanding sufficient to guide new research efforts
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Key Competencies**
Technical curiosity and willingness to explore unfamiliar engineering problems
Strong analytical problem-solving ability
Creativity and ability to develop solutions for open-ended technical challenges
Hands-on engineering mindset with an interest in building and testing hardware
Ability to balance analytical rigor with practical engineering considerations
Effective written and verbal communication
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
Strong collaboration in multidisciplinary engineering teams
Initiative, resourcefulness, and ability to work with limited direction
Strong organization and time-management skills
Ability to manage multiple technical tasks in a fast-paced R&D environment
Interest in developing technical leadership, customer interaction, and proposal-writing capabilities
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited institution
5 -- 7 years of experience in related engineering work (graduate degrees may be considered in lieu of experience)
Demonstrated strength in mechanical engineering fundamentals through academic research, internships, professional experience, or relevant technical projects
Experience performing engineering analysis, modeling, simulation, mechanical design, experimentation, or proto@type development
Familiarity with UAS/UAV technologies, aerospace systems, robotics, autonomous systems, or other relevant multidisciplinary platforms
Experience with CAD and engineering analysis or simulation tools
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to app
