Mechanical Systems Engineer
The Opportunity
StaffRight Associates is recruiting for a Mechanical Systems Engineer to join an aerospace and defense R&D organization building advanced subsea systems for Department of Defense research agencies and the U.S. Navy. This is a full-time, on-site role based in Groton, CT, with occasional travel. Relocation assistance is available.
As the Mechanical Systems Engineer, you will drive the design, development, and integration of complex mechanical systems, components, and structures, carrying ideas from first concept through detailed engineering, build, and test. The role suits a mechanical, electromechanical, ocean, or advanced manufacturing engineer who can weigh multidisciplinary requirements, performance, producibility, reliability, and lifecycle needs to deliver creative answers for demanding maritime applications.
You will help shape next-generation unmanned undersea technology, including advanced propulsion, novel manufacturing approaches, and payload integration, working side by side with engineers, scientists, and mathematicians. Success calls for sound systems judgment, technical independence, and the ability to balance competing design factors into cohesive architectures. Hands-on exposure to laser welding, metal additive manufacturing, and specialty materials such as highly alloyed stainless steels, copper-nickel alloys, and titanium is especially valuable. The client offers a collaborative, entrepreneurial, fast-paced culture where initiative and innovation are rewarded and engineers own meaningful problems supporting critical national security missions.
What You'll Do
- Originate and mature inventive mechanical designs, architectures, and configurations for advanced maritime and subsea platforms.
- Run engineering calculations and numerical analyses, covering thermal, structural stress, buckling, electromagnetic, and related assessments, to confirm design performance.
- Lead system-level trade studies that weigh performance, function, cost, weight, size, power, and producibility as designs evolve.
- Track system-level requirements and demonstrate that designs meet performance and interface needs through analyses, reports, presentations, and supporting documents.
- Uncover, evaluate, and reduce technical risk tied to new architectures, subsystems, operating concepts, and manufacturing methods.
- Create detailed engineering and fabrication drawings and guide production through direct work with vendors and fabrication partners.
- Complete dimensional and tolerance analyses and set appropriate GD&T requirements.
- Define and maintain critical mechanical and system interfaces through Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and related drawings.
- Engineer specialized fixtures, tooling, and handling gear for assembly, rigging, integration, testing, and demonstrations.
- Prepare for design reviews by building and maintaining complete Technical Data Packages (TDPs).
- Write assembly, fabrication, and test procedures that enable technician-led build, integration, and test work.
- Mentor engineers and technicians, offering technical direction and leadership that strengthen team execution.
- Travel occasionally for government program reviews, supplier visits, manufacturing support, and test events.
- Strengthen proposals, capture efforts, and business development pursuits for new programs.
What You Bring
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electromechanical, Ocean, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field, plus 5+ years of relevant professional experience.
- Proven Mechanical Design and Fabrication experience on complex, Multidisciplinary Systems.
- Success in small, collaborative teams, with Vendor Coordination skills spanning subcontractors, suppliers, and government stakeholders.
- Strong Engineering Judgment, with the ability to assess design choices, explain technical impacts, and select sound System-Level Tradeoffs.
- Broad knowledge of Manufacturing Processes, including the strengths, limits, and fit of different methods for maritime hardware.
- Hands-on 3D CAD Modeling, Engineering Design, and Technical Drawings experience.
- Strong Analytical Skills, Organizational Skills, and Problem Solving ability.
- Excellent Technical Communication, written and verbal, including presenting concepts and recommendations to mixed technical audiences.
- Self-direction in early-stage development, including Rapid Design Iteration and SWaP-constrained redesigns.
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.
Preferred
- M.S., M.Eng., or Ph.D. in Mechanical, Electromechanical, Ocean, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field, with 10+ years of relevant experience.
- Background designing Underwater Systems, maritime, autonomous, or Subsea Systems.
- Experience on defense RDT&E programs.
- Work on teams combining mechanical, electrical, ocean, software, and systems engineers with applied mathematicians.
- General knowledge of subsea sensors, communications, actuators, and propulsion.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks, PDM systems, MATLAB, and/or Python.
- Tolerance analysis with SolidWorks TolAnalyst, CETOL 6, EZtol, 3DCS, or similar tools.
- Experience with CNC Machining, Laser Welding, and Metal Additive Manufacturing.
- Working knowledge of Electromechanical Components such as motors, transducers, and linear actuators.
Compensation & Total Rewards
- Salary: $125,000 - $185,000
- Engagement: Full-time, direct hire; on-site in Groton, CT, with occasional travel
- Benefits: Top-tier benefits and a generous 401(k)
- Relocation: Relocation assistance provided
Joining StaffRight Associates
When you partner with StaffRight Associates in your search for your next role, you're doing more than pursuing a job, you're aligning yourself with a team of experts committed to placing top-tier talent in truly impactful positions. We take pride in fostering professional growth and connecting forward-thinking individuals with organizations that value innovation and excellence. We look forward to showcasing your expertise in a way that resonates with our clients and opens the door to meaningful opportunities.
