Mechanical Systems Engineer

Job Description

The Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics (CMAR) at Virginia Tech seeks a Mechanical Systems Engineer to design, fabricate, integrate, test, and improve mechanical and electromechanical systems for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs), and related marine robotic platforms supporting sponsored engineering research. The engineer will translate defined performance requirements into CAD models, engineering drawings, component specifications, prototypes, and tested assemblies.

Working with faculty, senior engineering and research personnel, students, and project collaborators, the engineer will execute assigned engineering work using technical judgment and appropriate design review. Responsibilities include evaluating materials and manufacturing approaches, coordinating fabrication, assessing system performance, and supporting laboratory and field operations. This is a restricted staff appointment contingent upon continued funding and satisfactory performance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, ocean engineering, or a closely related engineering field, and/or an equivalent level of training and experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of mechanical design, engineering fundamentals, or electromechanical systems through coursework, capstone projects, undergraduate research, internships, or employment.
• History of ability to create or revise CAD models and interpret engineering drawings, assemblies, and component specifications.
• Demonstrated knowledge of at least one fabrication or manufacturing process, such as machining, additive manufacturing, sheet metal, or composites, gained through academic or applied work.
• Demonstrated kbility to analyze technical problems, document design and test results, collaborate across disciplines, and follow workshop and field safety requirements.
• This position requires eligibility to access and handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), which requires U.S. citizenship. The position may also require the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SolidWorks or comparable CAD software and basic finite element or mechanical analysis.
• Experience with prototype fabrication, CNC machining, composites, or additive manufacturing.
• History of knowledge of buoyancy, ballast, hydrodynamics, corrosion mitigation, pressure systems, or marine structures.
• Experience with motors, actuators, marine robotics, field deployment, or electromechanical integration.

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$80,000-$105,000, Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

November 25, 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes.A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Cole Tankersley at [email protected] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.