Mechanical Engineer - 1212

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; partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions... that work.

The Artificial Perception and Threat Awareness (APTA) division at SARA is making the future of Aerospace and Autonomy happen now, with a charter to create new and emerging sensor perception technologies for Commercial & Military markets. Our innovative technologies include RF, optical and acoustic sensors enabled with innovative embedded algorithms, machine learning and robust networking.

The APTA division in Cypress, CA is looking for an experienced Mechanical Engineer that will contribute to projects in the late R&D/pre-production/low-rate production phases of the product development lifecycle, some of which address drone navigation and safety, RF sensors on moving platforms, and hostile-fire warning. The Mechanical Engineer will have the chance to exercise their initiative, adaptability, drive, and of course, subject matter mastery in a fast-paced, highly-technical environment. The Mechanical Engineer will work alongside talented program managers, engineers, software developers, physicists, and technicians on long-term programs supporting the DoD, DoE, and their contractors. The Mechanical Engineer designs, develops, and tests all aspects of mechanical components, equipment, and machinery. Applies knowledge of engineering principles to design products. Conducts product testing and creates models and prototypes.

Core Responsibilities:

• Knowledge of manufacturing materials and their inherent properties
• In-depth understanding of manufacturing, process improvements, and documentation
• Ability to work in a rapid-prototyping environment with agility and openness to changes
  1. Fabricate and concept prototypes quickly
• Work closely with the R&D team to prepare models and detailed drawings which include multiple views and application of mathematics and physics to develop working prototypes to advance technology development
• Research, design, and evaluate mechanical products, systems, and processes using engineering principles
  1. Must consider relative costs and benefits of potential efforts to evaluate the most appropriate action and structural design
• Research and analyze data such as customer design proposals, specifications, and manuals to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and/or maintenance requirements of the product line
• Work as part of a cross-functional team to resolve system issues and provide technical information
  1. Recommend design modifications to eliminate system malfunctions
  2. Conduct research that tests or analyzes the design, operation, or performance of equipment
  3. Write performance requirements for the system
• Identify measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to goals of the system
• Ability to carry out various responsibilities such as purchasing, manufacturing, and others, to ensure the final delivered product meets end-user expectations

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3-7 years of demonstrated experience researching new designs or applications of mechanical or electromechanical equipment
• Experience in 3D SolidWorks modeling
• Proven time management skills; able to thrive in a deadline-driven environment juggling multiple priorities and projects
• Upbeat, positive, high energy with a "can do" attitude; reacts well under pressure
• Ability to work as part of a team, both in-house and on-site
• Extremely reliable and dependable
• Timely and complete deliverables are the norm. We are a results-oriented organization!
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
• US Citizenship required
• Light physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 25 pounds
• Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated

Benefits:

• SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include: medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, and other supplemental programs
• A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
• Tuition & certification reimbursement
• Flexible work schedules
• Employee bonuses
• 401(k)/profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Salary Range: $80,000 - $115,000

U.S. citizenship is required for most positions. (www.SARA.com)

SARA, Inc. is an EEOC/Title VII/ADA compliant federally contracted employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. Also, as a federal contractor, SARA must abide by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and maintains a drug-free workplace regardless of local and state allowance.