Staff Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer Position at Neya Systems

Neya Systems is a recognized leader in off-road autonomy and mission orchestration software, delivering cutting-edge robotic solutions for defense, commercial, and industrial applications. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Applied Research Associates (ARA), we develop ruggedized, field-proven platforms designed to solve complex, unstructured environments' toughest challenges.

We are a dedicated group of innovators focused on fielding mission-critical autonomous systems. Our culture thrives on high accountability, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a shared passion for pushing the boundaries of uncrewed ground systems. We welcome engineers who are eager to own difficult problems and bring practical, reliable robotics into the field.

As a Mechanical Engineer at Neya, you will collaborate with cross-functional software, electrical, and systems engineering teams to design and integrate robust hardware solutions for off-road autonomy and custom robotic platforms. Your work will span the entire design spectrum—from developing rugged sensor payloads and housing enclosures to engineering specialized ground vehicle sub-assemblies built to withstand extreme environmental conditions.

Your day-to-day will include:

• Full-Lifecycle Engineering: Drive mechanical systems from initial concept generation and trade studies through prototype fabrication, integration, and field deployment.
• Customer & Technical Requirements: Define mechanical and environmental requirements alongside customer technical leads and internal engineering teams.
• CAD Modeling & Design: Utilize SolidWorks to generate complex parts, assemblies, and high-precision mechanical layouts for integrated robotic systems.
• Engineering Analysis: Perform structural, thermal, and dynamic load analyses using a combination of hand calculations, scripting (Python), and FEA/CFD software (Ansys).
• Prototyping & Fabrication: Work directly with fabrication tools and engineering technicians to build and iterate rapidly on prototype concepts.
• Manufacturability & Quality: Apply GD&T standards to create detailed manufacturing drawings; partner with suppliers and internal teams to optimize Design for Manufacturability (DFM).
• Multi-Disciplinary Integration: Collaborate closely with autonomy, software, and electrical teams in a cohesive lab and high-bay vehicle test environment.
• Environmental & Functional Testing: Subject sensors, sub-assemblies, and vehicle components to rigorous environmental testing (thermal, vibration, ingress) and compile technical test reports.
• Proposal & Concept Guidance: Support technical proposal efforts and leadership reviews with feasibility studies and preliminary mechanical architectures.
• Field Support & Travel: Participate in occasional travel (5% or less) to support field demonstrations and customer testing.

What you'll bring:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated background in mechanical product design with a track record of integrating hardware, sensors, and electronics.
• Advanced modeling expertise in SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD platforms.
• Strong foundation in core mechanical analysis, including load cases, material selection, bearing life, and thermal dynamics.
• Practical experience making trade-off decisions between cost, weight, lead time, and mechanical complexity.
• High degree of personal initiative, self-direction, and clear technical writing and presentation skills.
• U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency required due to defense contracting requirements. (Neya Systems is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.)

What will make you stand out:

• A personal passion for building, machining, or tinkering with hardware outside of formal work requirements.
• Background in passive thermal management, IP-rated environmental sealing, or custom gear train design.
• Familiarity with PLM/BOM management systems and transition-to-production workflows.
• Working knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., Python, C++) for automating design calculations or data analysis.

What we offer:

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance plans
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Competitive 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) package, including company holidays
• Travel compensation policies for field deployment activities
• Professional development support and continuous learning opportunities

Neya Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.