Research and Development Engineer - Mechanical - 1621

Job Description

Job Description

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We are world leaders in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Signal Processing; partnering with our customers to address real world problems with cost effective solutions… that work.

The Artificial Perception and Threat Awareness (APTA) division at Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is making the future of Aerospace and Autonomy happen now, with a charter to create new and emerging sensor perception technologies for Commercial & Military markets. Our innovative technologies include RF, optical and acoustic sensors enabled with innovative embedded algorithms, machine learning and robust networking.

The APTA division is looking for an exceptionally talented, motivated, and creative Research and Development Engineer to support research & development (R&D) as well as product prototyping and low-rate production efforts in Cypress, CA. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with other talented engineers, software developers, physicists, and technicians on varied programs supporting government agencies, their contractors, and commercial entities. The selectee will have the freedom to exercise their initiative, adaptability, drive, and of course, engineering skills in a fast-paced, highly technical environment.

The R&D Engineer will be a part of small R&D and/or product development teams – helping to bring ideas and theories to practice and then to physical reality. This is a hands-on job that will have you in the lab or workshop as much as you are on the computer. As part of R&D efforts, you will perform experiments, analyses, and design/build proof of concept hardware to demonstrate feasibility in practice. On product development teams, you will design, fabricate, assemble, integrate, and test prototype or low-rate production systems to meet customer or business needs. In either capacity, the R&D Engineer will support and embrace the roles and responsibilities defined by program leadership.

Core Responsibilities:

• Creating and maintaining comprehensive project documentation
• Using and continually developing technical skills
• Working with Functional Management to ensure continuity of training, tasking, and assignments
• Performing other related duties as assigned

Key Competencies:

• Solid knowledge of engineering principles
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Strong analytical skills
• Good judgement
• Excellent communication skills
• Independence and self-motivation
• Ability to work effectively within large and small teams
• Adaptability

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline (i.e., mechanical, electrical, software, aerospace, etc.)
  • GPA 3.5 or higher
• 0 to 5 years applicable experience
• Physical ability to assemble and manipulate small electronic and mechanical assemblies, as appropriate
• Physical ability to work with laboratory and test equipment, as appropriate
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office tool suite
• US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance
• May require Moderate physical effort, including standing, sitting, and use of hands while performing duties, and carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
• Working environment is indoor, moderately loud, reasonably clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in an engineering discipline or physics
  • GPA 3.5 or higher
• Experience with SolidWorks or other CAD software
• Experience with OrCAD or similar electronic design tool
• MATLAB experience
• LabVIEW experience
• Conversant in some of the following subjects: Mechanical design, Electrical and Electronic design & operation, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Signal Processing algorithms, Electromagnetic/Radio Frequency/Acoustic phenomenology

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
• Tuition & certification reimbursement
• Flexible work schedules
• Discretionary Employee bonuses
• 401(k) match/profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $70,000 to $90,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.