Spectrum San Diego

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Posted 5 Days Ago

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Lakehurst, NJ, USA

In-Office

Senior level

Security

The Role

Designs, analyzes, tests, troubleshoots, and supports mechanical systems for EMALS and AAG naval aviation programs. Responsibilities include CAD and engineering drawings, mechanical calculations, failure analysis, system validation, maintenance procedure development, manufacturing support, technical reporting, and hands-on shipboard troubleshooting. The role requires onsite work near Lakehurst, New Jersey, U.S. citizenship, Secret clearance eligibility, and up to 30% domestic and international travel.

Summary Generated by Built In

We are seeking a motivated Mechanical Engineer to join our team supporting the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE), specifically the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) programs. These systems play a critical role in naval aviation operations, providing advanced solutions for aircraft launches and recoveries aboard Ford-class aircraft carriers.

This role offers opportunities for engineers to work on the design, development, testing, troubleshooting, and ongoing support of high-performance mechanical systems for defense applications. Candidates will contribute to innovative projects that align with national security priorities, including system installations and emergency troubleshooting aboard active vessels or at test sites.

Must be local to the Lakehurst, NJ area and open to working onsite. Must be a US citizen and able to qualify for a DoD Secret clearance. Travel of up to 20-30%, including internationally, is required.

Key Responsibilities:

Collaborate with engineering teams to design, develop, analyze, and optimize complex mechanical systems and components for AAG/EMALS
Develop and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications using CAD software (e.g., CREO Parametric or AutoCAD)
Perform detailed mechanical calculations, including stress analysis, thermal/fluid analysis, and bolted joint analysis
Troubleshoot mechanical systems, including hydraulic systems, generators, and large motors, to determine suitability of repairs and provide recommendations
Conduct engineering investigations, including failure analysis and root cause assessments, and present solutions to stakeholders
Lead small- to large-scale design projects, ensuring proper interfacing with the greater system and adherence to quality standards
Execute testing, validation, and troubleshooting procedures at various sites, including test locations, manufacturing facilities, and naval vessels
Develop and review maintenance procedures and provide technical recommendations to improve system performance and operational safety
Proactively respond to emergency calls, providing hands-on shipboard support to troubleshoot, repair, and test systems in high-pressure environments (may fall outside normal working hours)
Support manufacturing activities, including engineering change reviews (e.g., REIs, waivers, variances), and verify compliance with system requirements
Prepare technical documentation and reports for presentation to program leadership and other stakeholders

About the Systems:

The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) uses cutting-edge electromagnetic technology to enable precise aircraft launches from Ford-class naval carriers. The Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) is a modular, high-performance system designed for safe and controlled recovery of naval aircraft. These systems are critical to operational success and national security, requiring innovative engineers dedicated to maintaining and advancing their capabilities.

If you are passionate about contributing to technologically advanced defense systems that support the U.S. Navy’s mission, we encourage you to apply!

Qualifications

Typical Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field and five (5) years or more experience; Masters and three (3) years or more experience; PhD and 0 years related experience

Required Experience:

Proficiency in CAD software such as ProE/CREO or AutoCAD
Expertise in developing and reviewing engineering drawings and schematics, including proper geometric dimensioning and tolerancing
Strong understanding and application of materials science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and fatigue/fracture mechanics
Hands-on experience troubleshooting and testing mechanical systems, including analyzing and resolving system issues
Comfortable working in challenging environments, such as onboard naval vessels, test sites, or manufacturing facilities
Excellent problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
Ability to travel up to 30% of the time, including internationally and aboard ships
Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance (active clearance preferred)

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous experience working on EMALS, AAG, or similar electromagnetic/launch/recovery systems
Familiarity with military specifications/standards (e.g., MIL-STD)
Experience conducting engineering investigations and resolving manufacturing variances
Knowledge of non-destructive inspection (NDI) methods
Familiarity with the Systems Engineering Technical Review (SETR) process
Experience working aboard active naval vessels

About UsSAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

Skills Required

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field with at least five years of experience; alternatively, a master's degree with at least three years or a PhD with no related experience.
Proficiency with CAD software such as ProE, CREO, or AutoCAD.
Experience developing and reviewing engineering drawings and schematics, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
Knowledge of materials science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and fatigue/fracture mechanics.
Hands-on experience troubleshooting and testing mechanical systems and resolving system issues.
Ability to work onboard naval vessels, at test sites, and in manufacturing facilities.
Excellent problem-solving and communication skills with effective cross-functional collaboration.
Ability to travel up to 30%, including internationally and aboard ships.
U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance; active clearance preferred.
Experience with EMALS, AAG, or similar electromagnetic launch and recovery systems.
Familiarity with military specifications and standards, such as MIL-STD.
Experience conducting engineering investigations and resolving manufacturing variances.
Knowledge of non-destructive inspection methods.
Familiarity with the Systems Engineering Technical Review process.
Experience working aboard active naval vessels.