Lead Mechanical Engineer

Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients-whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.


Job Summary

We are currently seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer . This position is a full-time opportunity located in Columbus, OH.

The selected candidate will be responsible for the design, testing, and integration of new systems, as well as supporting the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of existing mechanical systems. This role is part of a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and support staff providing design, integration, test, and maintenance support across a wide range of platforms - including electro-mechanical and hydraulic systems, marine and subsea systems, aircraft, robotics, weapon systems, and heat transfer systems.

The ideal candidate will apply core engineering principles - including mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, structural analysis, and materials science - alongside tools such as computer-aided design (CAD), finite element analysis (FEA), and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

Responsibilities

As a Mechanical Engineer, the selected individual will take a leading role in technically complex, high-impact projects across a range of defense and engineering domains. Responsibilities may include:

• Design, analyze, test, manufacture, and maintain mechanical components and systems across diverse platforms including marine, aerospace, robotic, and defense systems
• Lead and/or conduct technical projects or phases of larger projects, providing technical direction and coordinating the efforts of engineers and technical support staff within time and budget constraints
• Oversee, mentor, and train junior-level staff, fostering professional growth and technical excellence
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external clients, presenting research results and communicating project schedule and quality of deliverables
• Perform complex assignments by compiling and evaluating design and test data, preparing technical specifications, and analyzing data to determine appropriate limits and variables for product, process, or materials specifications
• Collaborate with Battelle engineers across multiple sites to design, fabricate, and integrate new mechanical systems
• Analyze and interpret collected data to inform engineering decisions
• Prepare written documentation including technical reports, test plans, test reports, system manuals, and operating and maintenance instructions
• Present technical reports to clients in both formal and informal settings
• Support business development efforts and assist with proposal preparation, including technical sections
• Contribute to IR&D studies and support Battelle-sponsored and scientific conferences, peer review panels, and publications to increase company visibility
• Collaborate across technical disciplines to solve challenging, real-world engineering problems

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program with a minimum of 12 years of demonstrated experience (relevant research, internship, and co-op experience counts toward total); or a master's degree in a related field with 7 years of experience; or a PhD in a related field with 4 years of experience
• Working knowledge of CAD/modeling programs, specifically SolidWorks and/or Creo Pro/Engineer
• Ability to lead, mentor, and train junior-level staff
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Curious, problem-solving mindset with a desire to develop creative solutions and perform system troubleshooting
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team
• Ability to work within stringent client-driven quality assurance programs
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Microsoft Project and Visio
• Desire for hands-on experience in lab and shop environments
• Must be a US citizen and must be willing to obtain and maintain a government TS/SCI security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Mechanical design of complex, integrated systems
• Maritime systems, naval architecture, or subsea structures
• Aircraft components or systems
• Troubleshooting of complex integrated systems
• Robotic systems
• Power hydraulic systems
• Pressure vessel design, certification, and testing (internal/external pressure)
• Applications of advanced materials in mechanical design
• Hands-on mechanical experience with standard tools and fabrication methods (mill, lathe, etc.)
• Welding and weld processes
• Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives (CBRNE)
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or Creo CAD software
• Proficiency with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software
• Proficiency with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis software
• Prior experience working with government clients

Compensation Data

Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $110,000 - $141,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule : Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off-giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge : You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness : Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together : Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future : Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education : Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity's most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.


You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients' requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

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