Mechanical Research, Test & Analysis Engineer

TDI Technologies is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Test & Evaluation Engineer to support Navy Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) in laboratory research, testing, and analysis of submarine hull, mechanical, and electrical (HM&E) systems.

About the role

This position is ideal for an early- to mid-career mechanical engineer who enjoys hands-on testing and experimental work, moving between laboratory activities, engineering analysis, data processing, and technical documentation. The successful candidate will collaborate with government engineering and technical personnel to develop and execute test plans, collect and organize test data, maintain laboratory machinery and instrumentation, perform measurements of HM&E components, analyze experimental results using MATLAB, and communicate findings through technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Test Planning and Execution
  • Develop and support detailed test plans for laboratory testing of HM&E machinery and components.
  • Document test procedures, operating instructions, and safety procedures for safe and effective laboratory testing.
  • Review test objectives, equipment, instrumentation requirements, and expected results prior to execution.
  • Execute approved test procedures and collect experimental data in accordance with established plans.
  • Monitor test activities and equipment to identify anomalies or issues requiring engineering attention.
  • Coordinate with engineering and laboratory personnel during test preparation and execution.
  • Document test activities, observations, equipment conditions, and relevant results.
• Instrumentation, Data Acquisition, and Measurements
  • Configure, operate, maintain, and calibrate laboratory machinery, sensors, and data acquisition (DAQ) hardware.
  • Perform measurements of HM&E machinery and components using appropriate engineering techniques.
  • Verify instrumentation and DAQ equipment are properly configured and functioning prior to testing.
  • Troubleshoot sensors, instrumentation, and DAQ systems during testing.
  • Maintain documentation of instrumentation configuration, calibration status, and test setup.
  • Ensure collected data is complete, accurately identified, and suitable for analysis.
• Data Management and Analysis
  • Collect, organize, catalog, and process experimental test data.
  • Ensure test data is structured, labeled, documented, and prepared for model ingestion.
  • Review collected data for completeness, consistency, and anomalies.
  • Conduct engineering analysis of test results using MATLAB.
  • Develop or modify MATLAB scripts and analysis routines to process and evaluate test data.
  • Identify trends, relationships, anomalies, and significant findings within experimental data.
  • Compare test results against expected or baseline performance.
  • Communicate significant findings and data-analysis results to engineering and project personnel.
• Technical Reporting
  • Prepare technical documentation describing test objectives, procedures, equipment, data collection methods, results, analysis, and conclusions.
  • Develop charts, plots, tables, and other engineering presentations of test data and results.
  • Maintain clear and traceable documentation of test activities and engineering analyses.
  • Support preparation and review of technical reports and other engineering deliverables.
  • Present technical findings to engineering personnel and stakeholders as required.
• Laboratory and Engineering Support
  • Support preparation, setup, operation, and teardown of laboratory test equipment and machinery.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment and test setups in a safe and operational condition.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues with test equipment, instrumentation, and machinery.
  • Follow established laboratory, engineering, quality, and safety procedures.
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, test, laboratory, and other engineering personnel.
  • Perform additional engineering analysis and laboratory support activities as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited college or university.
• Minimum of three (3) years of engineering experience.
• Experience in laboratory research and development, engineering testing, data acquisition, data processing, and data analysis.
• Experience using MATLAB for engineering data analysis.
• Experience working with laboratory instrumentation, sensors, and/or data acquisition systems.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, test procedures, technical documentation, and equipment specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, organize, analyze, and communicate engineering data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with engineers, technicians, laboratory personnel, and project management.
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment and perform hands-on engineering activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mechanical or machinery testing.
• Experience developing engineering test plans and procedures.
• Experience with experimental data collection and analysis.
• Experience with laboratory data acquisition (DAQ) systems.
• Experience with sensors, instrumentation, and measurement systems.
• Experience with MATLAB scripting or development of automated data analysis tools.
• Experience with LabVIEW or other laboratory/test automation software.
• Experience supporting naval, maritime, submarine, defense, or other government engineering programs.
• Experience with hull, mechanical, and electrical (HM&E) systems.
• Experience troubleshooting mechanical machinery and laboratory test equipment.
• Familiarity with engineering test and evaluation processes and technical reporting.

Special Requirements

• U.S. citizenship required; must possess or be able to obtain a Secret clearance within 90 days of hire.
• Must have a valid U.S. passport or the ability to obtain one upon position acceptance.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, hybrid engineering position located in the Philadelphia, PA area, combining laboratory and office-based activities. The role requires hands-on work with machinery, instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition equipment in a laboratory environment, alongside computer-based engineering analysis and technical documentation. An active Secret security clearance is required due to access to classified information.

Pay

$81,120 - $91,520/year