{"id":4213757,"url":"https://alion.io/job/applied-research-associates-senior-mechanical-engineer","title":"Senior Mechanical Engineer","company":{"id":2028479,"name":"Applied Research Associates","domain":"ara.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/ara-com","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"UltiPro","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":88,"open_postings":10,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.5,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":51,"computed_at":"2026-11-14T05:58:10Z"}},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":"senior","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Warrendale, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":7,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"C++","optional":false},{"name":"GD&T","optional":false},{"name":"Python","optional":false},{"name":"SolidWorks","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-11-12T19:44:47Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-11-12","last_verified_at":"2026-11-14T22:10:53Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":2,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":2},"description":"Who We Are\nNeya Systems LLC., a subsidiary of Applied Research Associates (ARA) is a recognized leader in off-road autonomy and mission orchestration software, delivering cutting-edge robotic solutions for defense, commercial, and industrial applications. As a wholly owned subsidiary of ARA, we develop ruggedized, field-proven platforms designed to solve complex challenges in unstructured environments through innovative autonomous and robotic technologies.\nWho We're Looking For\nWe are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, integration, and testing of advanced robotic and autonomous systems. The ideal candidate combines strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with demonstrated experience developing complex electro-mechanical systems, robotic tooling, automation equipment, and custom mechanical assemblies from concept through deployment.\nThis role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, enjoys solving challenging technical problems, and can independently lead mechanical development efforts while collaborating across software, electrical, systems, and manufacturing disciplines.\nWhat You'll Be Doing\nTechnical Leadership\nLead the mechanical design and integration of complex robotic platforms, automation systems, sensor payloads, and vehicle subsystems.\nDevelop mechanical architectures and conduct trade studies evaluating performance, cost, manufacturability, reliability, and schedule impacts.\nIndependently plan and execute engineering efforts with minimal supervision while serving as a technical resource to project teams.\nMentor junior engineers and provide guidance on engineering best practices, design reviews, and problem resolution.\nProduct Development & Design\nDesign electro-mechanical assemblies, robotic tooling, end effectors, fixtures, test equipment, housings, brackets, and custom mechanisms using SolidWorks.\nCreate detailed manufacturing drawings, BOMs, and release packages utilizing GD&T and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles.\nCollaborate with software, electrical, and systems engineering teams to integrate mechanical solutions into complete robotic systems.\nSupport supplier interactions, fabrication efforts, and prototype builds to rapidly mature designs.\nAnalysis, Testing & Validation\nPerform structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses using engineering calculations and simulation tools to evaluate design performance.\nDevelop and execute test plans, qualification procedures, and verification activities for mechanical and integrated robotic systems.\nDesign and implement test fixtures and validation methods to improve system performance and reliability.\nSupport environmental, functional, and field testing activities and document results through technical reports and presentations.\nCustomer & Business Support\nInterface directly with customers, suppliers, and program stakeholders to define requirements and communicate technical solutions.\nSupport proposal development, concept generation, feasibility studies, and technical reviews.\nParticipate in occasional travel (approximately 10% or less) to support customer meetings, demonstrations, and field activities.\nWhat You'll Bring\nEducation\nBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline required.\nMaster's degree preferred.\nExperience\n7+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience developing complex electro-mechanical systems, robotics, automation equipment, autonomous platforms, or related technologies.\nDemonstrated experience leading projects from concept development through manufacturing, integration, testing, and deployment.\nExperience working within multidisciplinary engineering teams and collaborating across technical functions.\nTechnical Expertise\nAdvanced proficiency with SolidWorks and PDM/PLM environments.\nStrong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, DFMA principles, manufacturing processes, and material selection.\nExperience designing robotic tooling, end effectors, automation equipment, fixtures, and electro-mechanical assemblies.\nExperience supporting hands-on prototyping, fabrication, assembly, and system integration.\nAbility to independently solve complex technical problems and make sound engineering decisions while balancing cost, performance, schedule, and risk.\nCommunication & Leadership\nStrong verbal and written communication skills.\nDemonstrated ability to lead technical efforts and influence engineering direction.\nExperience mentoring engineers and providing technical guidance to project teams.\nWork Authorization\nU.S. Citizenship or permanent residency required due to defense contracting requirements.\nHow You'll Stand Out\nExperience designing robotic end effectors, grippers, EOATs, or custom automation systems.\nExperience with industrial robotics, robotic cell design, and automated material handling systems.\nFamiliarity with machine safety standards, risk assessments, and industrial automation best practices.\nHands-on experience with rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, sheet metal design, and weldments.\nExperience with FEA, structural analysis, or thermal analysis tools.\nBackground developing standardized products, reducing manufacturing costs, and improving engineering processes.\nWorking knowledge of Python, C++, or other scripting languages used for engineering analysis and automation.\nWhat We Offer\nComprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance plans\nFlexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options\nCompetitive 401(k) retirement plan with company matching\nGenerous Paid Time Off (PTO) package, including company holidays\nProfessional development support and continuous learning opportunities\nTravel compensation policies for field deployment activities\nNeya Systems LLC., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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