Mechanical Engineer (Entry Level) - SEAL - Open Rank

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing more than $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry.GTRI's renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.

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Smyrna, GA (Metro Atlanta)

The Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory (SEAL) of the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is looking for bright, curious, and motivated hardware-oriented engineers and scientists who enjoy creating and fielding innovative solutions to challenging technical problems. Researchers in SEAL apply interesting cutting-edge technologies to problems of vital importance for the nation's security, work with nationally recognized technical leaders, and enjoy a satisfying work-life balance. They investigate and develop radio frequency (RF) sensor systems, with particular emphasis on radar and electronic warfare (EW) systems, through digital and RF design engineering, signal and data processing algorithm development, and performance modeling and simulation.
This position is within SEAL's Spectrum Warfare and Operations Research Division (SWORD) where engineers develop applied solutions addressing current and future critical needs in RF sensors and electronic countermeasures. The breadth of activities includes definition and analysis of requirements, embedded systems design and development, rapid prototyping, laboratory and field testing, and building and fielding deployable systems.

The Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the research and development of state-of-the-art mechanical and electro-mechanical systems. This includes ideation, design, analysis, manufacture, implementation, integration, and testing of components, subsystems, and full systems, as well as guiding their successful deployment and implementation in a variety of environments. Applications include aeronautics, aerospace, transportation, military equipment, radar and electromagnetic systems, electronics, optical systems, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), and remote sensing. Mechanical Engineers evaluate materials, structures, kinematics, thermodynamics, and fabrication methods, combining theoretical and experimental results to meet and manage complex system requirements. Core functions encompass modeling, simulation, and analysis of proposed designs, including finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), vibration, shock, and fatigue analysis, and thermal analysis. Functions may include reverse engineering and redesign of existing mechanical assemblies and components, research in emerging and advanced manufacturing methods, creation of technical data packages to communicate design and manufacturing intent to project teams and stakeholders, or development and evaluation of prototypes.

• Design and document mechanical systems using 2D and 3D modeling tools
• Contribute to the preparation of technical data packages
• Execute basic mechanical analysis and test tasks
• Perform mechanical measurements, component selection, and limited prototyping

• Candidates currently enrolled in an accredited degree program relevant to this position will be considered. The candidate must have a graduation date of no later than May 2026
• 1+ years of experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD software

• Active Secret Clearance
• Experience designing application based electronic warfare packaging to be used in ground, air, surface, and unmanned applications.
• Experience with rapid prototyping design and manufacturing projects.
• Experience with deliverable design and manufacturing projects.
• Experience designing and modifying custom electronic payloads for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
• Experience designing and modifying vehicle mechanical and electrical components to integrate custom electronic and mechanical payloads.
• Experience working on custom mobile command centers.
• Experience operating basic machine shop tools.
• Experience operating CNC machining tools such as mills, water jets, laser engraver/cutters, etc.
• Experience running and maintaining 3D printers.
• Understands the fundamentals of RF and Digital systems hardware.
• Experience working in dynamic field-testing environments testing electronic and mechanical hardware.
• Experience working on US DoD projects

10% - 25% travel

This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook

• 0 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related field.

Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link: https://benefits.hr.gatech.edu/.

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