Mechanical Engineer

systemstechnologyresearch· Ocean Technology & Acoustic Systems (OTAS)
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📍 Arlington, VA💰 USD 100K–135K

About this role

About the Team: 

The Sensors Division at STR excels at applied research and advanced technology development of impactful sensor system technology to address warfighter and intelligence needs. Our contributions are the culmination of modeling, development, integration, and test and evaluation of new capabilities, with validation testing at each step of development. 

The Ocean Technology and Acoustic Systems (OTAS) Group within the Sensors Division executes a broad portfolio of undersea technologies to impact sensing capabilities in contested areas.  The Group develops signature exploitations, implements advanced algorithms and processing, and creates new sensing and payload technologies for critical undersea missions. The technologies can be stand-alone or for platforms such as AUVs. 

STR is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with experience in the design, fabrication, integration, and testing of subsystems or payloads for unmanned platforms with emphasis on undersea sensors, payloads and vehicles. You will work with teams to realize challenging undersea applications requiring novel and complex engineering solutions. These solutions can only be accomplished by working across multidisciplinary teams to implement and demonstrate them in specific warfighter and intelligence applications. 

What you will do: 

  • Develop technical solutions for mechanical deployable payloads and vehicles, taking into account their complex interactions with harsh maritime environments.   This work requires teamwork in key areas of design and simulation, fabrication, and validation testing of mechanical payloads and systems in underwater environments
  • Collaborate in all stages of undersea systems testing, including developing comprehensive test plans, building test infrastructure, and supporting teams both in the laboratory and at-sea to mature key technology and prototypes
  • Provide regular communication with internal leadership and teammates while providing key input to reports and presentations for customer reviews and engagement

Who you are: 

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by the U.S. Government
  • BS with 2+ years relevant experience or a MS in Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Physics, or related fields
  • Demonstrated background in the design, modeling, fabrication, integration, and validation of mechanical systems in support of first-concept undersea sensor payloads and vehicles
  • Familiarity with computer-aided CAD/CAM design tools such as COMSOL, ANSYS, SolidWorks and tools to design components and systems
  • Proficiency in thermal modeling, finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, or other multi-physics modeling and simulation required to quantify system performance in its operational environment
  • Experience combining multiple external vendors and fabricators with in-house fabrication and integration resources to arrive at complete systems that meet functional objectives
  • Experience with materials and designs to survive harsh conditions including temperature and overpressure Ability to design and implement testing methods and apparatus to quantify mechanical functionality, performance, and readiness against metrics
  • Adherence to best practices for development and testing using system engineering processes that allow for continuous risk-reduction and evolution of functionality
  • Ability to prepare and deliver briefings to customers, program managers, and senior management with messages appropriately tailored to the audience and purpose 

Even Better: 

  • Strong background in working with teams to field ocean-going unmanned systems and payloads. 

Pay Information 
Full-Time Salary Range: $100,000-135,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions. 

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.


STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [email protected] and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Mechanical Engineer role at systemstechnologyresearch?
The listed salary for this Mechanical Engineer position at systemstechnologyresearch is USD 100K–135K. This is an full-time role.
Where is the Mechanical Engineer position at systemstechnologyresearch located?
This Mechanical Engineer role at systemstechnologyresearch is based in Arlington, VA. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Which team or department does the Mechanical Engineer at systemstechnologyresearch belong to?
This Mechanical Engineer position is part of the Ocean Technology & Acoustic Systems (OTAS) department at systemstechnologyresearch. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Mechanical Engineer position at systemstechnologyresearch?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to systemstechnologyresearch's official application portal hosted on greenhouse where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Mechanical Engineer job at systemstechnologyresearch posted?
This Mechanical Engineer position at systemstechnologyresearch was posted on Sep 2, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Mechanical Engineer
systemstechnologyresearch · 💰 USD 100K–135K
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