Staff Mechanical Engineer

ARA is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to support the design of equipment, tooling, and equipment interfaces for energetics chemical manufacturing systems and unmanned systems (UxS) programs supporting U.S.

Government customers.

This role spans a broad range of mechanical design applications, from process equipment and facility integration to mobile/field hardware platforms.

The ideal candidate is an expert in SolidWorks and AutoCAD, capable of taking concepts through detailed design and producing release-quality drawings for manufacturing and assembly.

The salary range is between $105K - $123K.

This is a hybrid position with occasional travel to Arlington, VA and Indian Head, MD (15% travel). 

Key Responsibilities


* Design mechanical equipment, components, and equipment-to-facility interfaces for chemical/energetic material manufacturing systems and unmanned systems hardware.


* Develop 3D models and assemblies in SolidWorks and produce 2D drawings/layouts in AutoCAD.


* Create manufacturing- and assembly-ready drawing packages, including GD&T per ASME Y14.5.


* Perform structural and mechanical analysis (FEA) to validate designs for strength, fatigue, and operational loading.


* Manage CAD data and revisions through a PDM system (e.g., SolidWorks PDM/Vault).


* Coordinate with chemical and process engineers to align equipment design with process requirements and DoD facility standards.


* Support design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and site visits with government customers at Indian Head, MD.


* Generally consider hazard classification, explosive safety, and facility siting requirements when designing equipment for energetic material applications.


* Provide informal technical mentorship to junior engineers on design practices, drafting standards, and tools.

Required Qualifications


* Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.


* 5+years of relevant mechanical design experience.


* Demonstrated proficiency in SolidWorks (modeling, assemblies, drawings) and AutoCAD.


* Strong working knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5).


* Experience with FEA/simulation tools for mechanical design validation.


* Experience using a PDM system for CAD data management.


* Ability to produce drawing packages suitable for manufacturing and assembly release.


* U.S.

Citizenship required; must be eligible to obtain a security clearance.


* Willingness to travel regularly between Arlington, VA and Indian Head, MD.

Preferred Qualifications


* Masters in Mechanical Engineering with 3-5 years of relevant mechanical design experience.


* PhD in Mechanical Engineering with 0-2 years of relevant mechanical design experience.


* Experience designing equipment for chemical processing, energetics, or hazardous material manufacturing environments.


* Familiarity with DoD facility design standards (UFC) and explosive safety requirements.


* Experience supporting unmanne...