Senior Mechanical Engineer

About the role

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division seeks experienced and eager Senior Mechanical Engineers for a variety of projects involving modernization of explosives and energetic materials production facilities, munitions production, and novel production system design. These projects require knowledge of and close coordination with explosives and munitions subject matter experts, federal stakeholders, research and development capabilities, and ongoing production operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the safe and cost-effective execution of manufacturing capabilities in complex production environments, collaborating with federal defense clients.
• Acquire in-depth understanding of design requirements for process and facility design to install new manufacturing processes.
• Apply analytical techniques to support process development, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Lead the development of test plans to validate proof on concept designs.
• Oversee the proper execution of projects, including detailed planning, scheduling, and procurement aligned with customer specifications.
• Collaborate closely with program management counterparts to develop comprehensive plans for technical deliverables and schedules.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors and subcontractors, clearly communicating design, fabrication, and testing requirements for process equipment.
• Develop, plan, and execute goals that align with client objectives and ensure timely, quality deliverables.
• Lead regular client-facing meetings to update progress and facilitate technical discussion.
• Implement and monitor safety and quality programs, ensuring all project staff adhere to contractual terms, scope of work, regulatory requirements, and client-specific quality and safety standards.
• Produce detailed process design documentation, including process flow diagrams, process narratives, equipment bills of material, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Advise on safety standards and regulations for the design and operation of complex manufacturing process facilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related scientific field with 8-10 years of related work experience, or a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering with 6-8 years of related work experience.
• S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance.
• Proven expertise in a range of analytical and technical skills for the synthesis, monitoring, and scaling of energetic materials.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple, complex projects, including the integration and coordination of diverse stakeholders such as government agencies, contractors, and vendors.
• Experience with process safety and material handling ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Excellent leadership and coordination skills, with a track record of leading and mentoring multi-disciplinary engineering teams across multiple project phases.
• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure, dynamic environments, managing rapid changes in program scope, funding, and priorities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to tailor presentations and reports to diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to undergo and pass a Department of Transportation compliant medical physical exam.
• Ability to undergo and pass a drug screening.

Qualifications

• Advanced Degree in an engineering or related technical field is preferred.
• Extensive experience in the design, handling, and production of energetic materials for defense applications.
• Deep understanding of process engineering integration, especially within complex production environments for explosives and energetic materials.
• Experience in managing production modernization projects, particularly in the design and implementation of new manufacturing capabilities.
• Active Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance is highly desired.
• Professional Engineering license.

Benefits

Applied Research Associates, Inc. offers a range of competitive benefits, including a 100% employee-owned structure, professional growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment. For more information, please visit our website.

Pay

Anticipated Salary Range: $135,000 - $150,000

Schedule

This position requires onsite work at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head (NSWC-IH) and does not allow for a remote or hybrid work schedule.