Senior Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

Description


SAIC is seeking a motivated and experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our growing Unmanned Systems team. This is a highly multidisciplinary role that spans mechanical engineering, systems integration, software development, field operations, and customer support. This role will be ON-SITE in San Diego, CA.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with unmanned underwater vehicles, remotely operated vehicles, or unmanned aerial systems in both laboratory and operational field environments. You have a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, controls, and software development, and you are comfortable working across the full system lifecycle from design and prototyping through integration, testing, and fielded system support.

You will support programs serving the U.S. Navy, contributing to the development, integration, testing, and deployment of unmanned systems. You will work alongside experienced engineers, technicians and government customers to deliver systems that perform when it matters most.

JOB DUTIES:

SYSTEMS INTEGRATION AND TEST

• Support test and integration activities for unmanned vehicle systems including ROVs, UUVs, and sUAS platforms.
• Create and maintain comprehensive test documentation including test plans, test procedures, and test reports.
• Ensure successful product releases through rigorous testing and verification against customer requirements.
• Support all phases of system development including design, implementation, testing, and deployment.
• Conduct bench testing, functional verification, and system-level integration testing.
• Perform field testing and evaluation at government test facilities and operational locations.
• Support government test events at facilities including NIWC Pacific and other DoD test ranges.
• Document test results, anomalies, and corrective actions in clear and organized engineering reports.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to resolve integration issues and system anomalies.

CONTROLS ENGINEERING

• Develop, tune, and implement PID controllers for unmanned vehicle navigation and control systems.
• Utilize simulation software to tune and validate control system behavior prior to hardware implementation.
• Implement validated control configurations into master software releases.
• Support navigation and controls software integration for unmanned vehicles.
• Assist with system and software configuration management for unmanned platforms.
• Develop and validate autonomous mission programs for unmanned vehicle systems.
• Support integration of advanced sensors including sonar, navigation, and imaging systems.
• Assist with hardware and software configuration for customer-specific mission requirements.

MECHANICAL DESIGN AND PROTOTYPING

• Design and develop CAD model prototypes for military unmanned systems technology.
• Perform rigorous testing and validation of mechanical prototypes.
• Support government demonstrations with prototype hardware.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing principles to prototype and production designs.
• Perform Finite Element Analysis for structural and mechanical components.
• Conduct DFMEA for critical system components and assemblies.
• Support rapid prototyping activities using available fabrication resources.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software teams on integrated system designs.
• Maintain design documentation including drawings, specifications, and change records.

FIELD OPERATIONS AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT

• Support unmanned vehicle field operations in both CONUS and OCONUS locations.
• Conduct shipboard operations for unmanned vehicle launch, tracking, and recovery.
• Perform field maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair for both software and mechanical issues.
• Support government test events and operational demonstrations.
• Develop and streamline pre-mission SOPs for unmanned vehicle operations.
• Communicate mission status through prescribed channels during field operations.
• Compile and analyze post-mission data products and prepare required reports.
• Provide on-site technical support during critical government demonstrations.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND DATA ANALYSIS

• Develop mission programs for unmanned vehicle systems tailored to specific mission objectives.
• Write and maintain software in C++ and Python for robotics and control applications.
• Use Linux for system administration, troubleshooting, and software development.
• Perform data analysis and reporting on mission data and system performance.
• Compile, analyze, and archive embedded mission data from unmanned vehicle operations.
• Identify and address software bugs and hardware system failures during post-mission analysis.
• Support software integration and configuration management activities.
• Develop data products and technical reports for government customers.

PROGRAM AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT

• Participate in strategic planning and mission discussions with government stakeholders.
• Collaborate with partner companies including robotics and unmanned systems vendors.
• Support test and evaluation missions for new and upgraded system hardware and software.
• Assist with customer technical support and issue resolution.
• Contribute to proposal development and technical documentation.
• Participate in design reviews and technical interchange meetings.
• Support technology demonstrations to government customers and program officials.

Qualifications


REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelors and five (5) years or more experience; Masters and three (3) years or more experience; PhD and 0 years related experience.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must have an Active Secret Clearance to start.
• Must be able to obtain a TS/SCI after start.
• 3 to 6 years of hands-on professional experience in robotics, unmanned systems, or related engineering field.
• Demonstrated experience with unmanned vehicle systems including ROV, UUV, or sUAS platforms.
• Experience with system integration and test including test plan development and execution.
• Hands-on experience with PID controller tuning and implementation.
• Experience with field operations and maintenance of complex electromechanical systems.
• Experience supporting U.S. Navy or DoD customers in operational or test environments.
• Solid understanding of mechanical engineering principles including statics, dynamics, and materials.
• Working knowledge of control systems theory including PID control and feedback systems.
• Understanding of unmanned vehicle navigation and control architectures.
• Familiarity with software development in C++ and Python.
• Working knowledge of Linux operating systems.
• Basic understanding of electrical systems and electronics.
• Familiarity with CAD modeling and FEA analysis.
• CAD Software: SolidWorks or equivalent with FEA capability.
• Programming: C++ and Python proficiency required.
• Simulation: MATLAB and Simulink working knowledge.
• Operating Systems: Linux proficiency required.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineers, Systems Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
• Version Control: Basic Git knowledge preferred.
• Experience with Mk 18 Family of Systems or similar Navy UUV platforms.
• Background with advanced UUV sensors including Edgetech, SSAM, and VCM/VATR.
• Experience with ROV systems including VideoRay or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with mine countermeasure operations and EOD mission support.
• Experience with sUAS operations and mission planning using Mission Planner or similar tools.
• Background in shipboard operations and maritime field environments.
• Experience with NIWC Pacific or other DoD test and evaluation facilities.
• Experience with Arduino development for prototype systems.
• Soldering and basic electronics repair skills.
• Rapid prototyping experience with 3D printing and machining.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

Overview


SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.


We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.