Autonomous Sensors Mechanical Engineer

We have an opening for a Mechanical Engineer to support the Autonomous Sensors Group within the National Security Engineering Division (NSED). The group develops advanced sensing technologies and integrated systems to enable mission-critical capabilities across a wide range of national security applications.  The team focuses on the design and deployment of multistatic, ultra-wideband sensing systems featuring modular, scalable architectures and compact form factors. These systems enable real-time data acquisition, imaging, and detection, paired with intuitive visualization tools to support rapid operator understanding and decision-making. Solutions are designed to operate across multiple platforms, including mobile and autonomous systems, and are adaptable to a wide range of operational environments and mission needs.

This role focuses on the mechanical design, integration, and deployment of ruggedized sensing systems operating in dynamic and austere environments. You will contribute to the development of modular hardware architectures, packaging solutions, and platform integration strategies that enable mobile, distributed sensing and real-time data delivery. Periodic field work and travel (approximately 2–4 weeks per year) will be required to support system integration and testing.  This position is in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) within the Engineering Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

In this role, you will

• Design, develop, and support mechanical systems and hardware for advanced sensing platforms, including sensor arrays and modular enclosures.
• Integrate mechanical subsystems into mobile and autonomous platforms operating in laboratory and field environments.
• Perform analysis, testing, and evaluation of mechanical designs to ensure performance, durability, and environmental robustness.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop integrated sensing solutions.
• Develop mechanical designs, models, and documentation to support system development and deployment.
• Support prototyping, fabrication, and assembly of hardware systems for laboratory and field use.
• Execute field testing activities, including system setup, troubleshooting, and data collection.
• Document designs, analyses, and test results to support program deliverables and milestones.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level

• Independently design and develop moderately complex mechanical systems and subsystems for sensing platforms.
• Lead integration of mechanical components across subsystems and contribute to system-level performance optimization.
• Apply engineering judgment to evaluate design trade-offs and recommend solutions to moderately complex technical challenges.