Research Engineer, Mechanical, Early Career

SRI International, in Princeton, NJ, has an immediate opening on-site for a Mechanical Engineer within the Advanced Technology and Systems Division, to support a variety of activities from cyber-physical to quantum sensing systems. 

The researcher will be part of a team of applied physicists and engineers, working on R&D projects to realize proof-of-concept demonstrations and field tests for government and commercial customers. A motivated and driven researcher will have opportunities to work across the full span of design, implementation, and testing of advanced prototype systems. They should contribute at the individual level with guidance from more senior group members.

ATSD performs research and development across a wide range of disciplines spanning design to implementation of advanced optical, quantum, radar, and imaging systems, transitioning technology from basic R&D to fieldable prototypes. We conduct this R&D for a wide variety of US government clients with applications ranging from basic scientific exploration to national security.

• Collaborate with physicists and other engineers to design and develop mechanical components and systems for R&D programs
• Design mechanical assemblies and precision fixtures using CAD (SolidWorks preferred) software for experiments and prototype systems
• Perform simulations (FEA) to predict the behavior of mechanical systems
• Conduct hands-on prototyping and testing to validate designs
• Documentation of engineering designs, test results, and processes; ensuring clear communication between teams
• Work closely with the team to integrate mechanical systems with experimental systems and prototypes

• BS or MS with 1+ years’ experience in Mechanical Engineering or other similar disciplines
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain/maintain/transfer a DOD Security Clearance is required

Skills and experience should include multiple of the following:

• Experience with hands-on fabrication and assembly
• Experience in a research or R&D environment
• Strong hands-on prototyping and fabrication skills
• Additive/subtractive manufacturing (3D printing, machining)
• Mechanical, thermal, and/or RF modeling experience (COMSOL, MATLAB/Simulink)
• Knowledge and experience designing and fabricating using GD&T
• Hardware design and debugging
• Experience with systems engineering/control engineering and design
• Vacuum system design, assembly, and testing
• Tabletop optics and laser alignment
• Experience with small parts and/or micro-optical elements
• Technical knowledge of electrical engineering principles (electronics, circuit design, soldering)
• Knowledge of common electrical test and measurement equipment (function generator, oscilloscope, etc.)
• Electromechanical systems and integration
• Experience in a cleanroom environment is a plus

Intangible qualities:

• Self-motivated
• Detail-oriented
• Effective in a laboratory environment
• Able to work in a team environment
• Must possess a results-oriented approach
• An interest in multiple technical areas
• Physical and mechanical intuition
• Comfortable working in ambiguous and changing environments
• Able to independently research solutions to technical problems, even outside of specific area of expertise

The salary range is: $77,220-$114,862. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/.

SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.