We are looking for a hands‑on Mechanical/Robotics Engineer III to join our growing engineering team. This role is central to the design, analysis, and integration of mechanical and electromechanical systems for fielded and developmental defense platforms. You will work closely with embedded systems engineers, autonomy developers, and program leadership to take designs from concept through prototype and into production.The ideal candidate is comfortable both at the CAD workstation and on the bench - someone who can derive kinematic equations in the morning and help assemble a gimbal in the afternoon.RequirementsMechanical Design & CADDesign mechanical assemblies, structural components, and electromechanical housings using SolidWorks or CREODesign for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) across CNC, sheet metal, and COTS‑integration workflowsKinematics, Mechanisms & RoboticsDerive and validate kinematic equations for multi‑DOF mechanisms including slider‑crank, four‑bar, and serial/parallel linkagesDevelop forward and inverse kinematic models; implement rotation matrices, homogeneous transforms, and Euler/quaternion representationsDesign and analyze motion profiles for actuator selection and trajectory planningSupport integration of brushless motors, ballscrew drives, and servo systems into precision mechanismsPan‑Tilt Gimbal & Stabilization SystemsLead mechanical design of two‑axis and three‑axis gimbaled sensor payloads (EO, IR, LRF)Perform bearing selection, torque budgets, and load path analysis for gimbal structuresCollaborate with electrical and embedded teams on cable routing, connector selection, and slip ring integrationValidate pointing accuracy requirements through analysis and prototype testingStructural & Thermal AnalysisPerform FEA‑based structural analysis using SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, or equivalent toolsExecute thermal analysis for electronic enclosures and dissipating subassemblies; define thermal mitigation strategiesDevelop and execute DVT/EVT test plans; document results against design requirementsMotor & Actuator SelectionSelect motors (brushless DC, stepper, servo) based on torque, speed, inertia, and duty cycle requirementsSize gearboxes, couplings, and drive trains; verify margin against dynamic loading conditionsGenerate motor selection analysis reports suitable for design reviewsRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related field5+ years of relevant engineering experience with at least 2 years in defense, robotics, or precision hardware developmentProficiency in SolidWorks or CREO (3D modeling, assemblies, drawings, simulation)Demonstrated experience designing gimbal or pan‑tilt mechanisms for optical or sensor payloadsStrong foundation in kinematics: rotation matrices, Denavit‑Hartenberg parameters, transformsExperience with motor/actuator selection methodologies and drive system sizingAbility to perform and document structural FEA and thermal analysisActive Secret clearance (or ability to obtain; interim acceptable for non‑CUI work)Strong written and verbal communication; ability to produce engineering analysis packages for CDRLs and design reviewsPreferred QualificationsMaster's degree in Mechanical Engineering or RoboticsExperience with ROS 2 or equivalent middleware in hardware‑in‑the‑loop contextsFamiliarity with MIL‑SPEC environmental requirements (MIL‑STD‑810, MIL‑STD‑461)Experience with ATAK/WinTAK plugin integration or defense C2 systemsBackground in UGV, UAV, or unmanned systems developmentBenefitsHealth Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance401k with a match up to 6 holidaysUp to 4 weeks of PTO#J-18808-Ljbffr