What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Engineer position at PEOPLE TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESSES LLC?
Position title: Mechanical Engineer
Location: Ft Story, VA
Clearance required: SECRET with TS/SCI eligibility
Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
- Provide a Mechanical Engineer that can integrate systems, model and create technical solutions to assist with launch and recovery of unmanned systems, and integrate operational systems and technology on to unmanned systems that enable flight, command and control, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance.
- Fabricate concealment, mounting, and housing solutions for manufactured printed circuit boards and various antenna solutions.
- Produce detailed technical drawings, 3D models, and design documentation to support fabrication, prototyping, and testing.
- Oversee prototype development, rapid fabrication, and testing activities to validate design functionality and mission readiness.
- Troubleshoot mechanical integration challenges and provide engineering recommendations to optimize system reliability and performance.
- Ensure all mechanical solutions meet operational, environmental, and safety requirements for fielded unmanned systems.
- Secret Clearance -TS/SCI Eligible
- B.S. in Mechanical/Robotics/ Aeronautical Engineering; or applicable engineering or science field.
- Minimum of 3 years of hands-on professional experience.
- Extensive knowledge of aviation principles and unmanned systems (UxS). - 3 years. Extensive knowledge in electric propulsion and combustible power systems - 3 years.
- Understanding of material properties (strength, weight, durability, thermal conductivity) and their impact on Unmanned Systems (UxS) performance.
- Proven ability to select appropriate materials and design structures that meet competing requirements for load-bearing capacity, vibration resistance, and environmental robustness.
- Experience designing and developing launch and recovery mechanisms for manned or unmanned systems, considering factors like weight, stability, and environmental conditions.
- Expertise in using computer aided design (CAD) software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Rhino) to model, analyze, and create technical solutions for UxS components and subsystems.
- Hands-on experience designing and fabricating enclosure solutions, mechanical and electrical housings, and custom mounting brackets for UxS components.
- Must be comfortable working in a shop environment with loud noises and industrial power tools. May be required to lift 50 lbs.
- Hands-on experience manufacturing with a CNC machine.
- Proven ability to incorporate analytical considerations for thermal management, shock absorption, stress, and vibration mitigation into designs.
- Proven ability to analyze complex UxS design problems, such as optimizing weight distribution for improved performance or developing innovative solutions for integrating sensitive payloads within tight space constraints.
- Experience in designing and installing antenna systems for UxS, considering optimal placement, signal strength, and interference mitigation.
- Understanding of electromagnetic principles and the potential impact of lightning strikes and RF interference on UxS electronics.
- Ability to implement design strategies (e.g., grounding techniques, shielding) to protect sensitive components and ensure safe operation.
- Hands on experience using various 3d printing technologies, such as FDM, SLS, SLA and strong understanding in selecting materiel e.g., PLA, PETG/ABS, and TPU.