Mechanical Engineer - Undersea Systems - 1718

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.

The SARA, Inc. High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and imaginative Mechanical Engineer - Undersea Systems to support research and development activities and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors in Colorado Springs, CO. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs supporting our customers. Our small group will allow the candidate to experience, contribute, and collaborate in a multidisciplinary nature from conception all the way through to operation.

Core Responsibilities

• Design mechanical systems and components for deep-submergence applications to depths of 5000 ft
• Perform mechanical design and analysis of pressure housings, connectors, enclosures, structural components, mechanisms, and subsea assemblies
• Calculate and evaluate hydrostatic pressure, external-pressure loading, buckling, stress, fatigue, and structural margins
• Select materials, seals, fasteners, coatings, and components suitable for high-pressure seawater environments
• Develop designs that address water intrusion, corrosion, galvanic corrosion, sealing, and pressure cycling
• Perform engineering calculations and use FEA/finite-element analysis to validate designs
• Design for manufacturability, assembly, inspection, testing, and field serviceability
• Work closely with manufacturing, electrical engineering, technicians, suppliers, and test personnel to develop and qualify hardware
• Support prototype fabrication, pressure testing, environmental testing, and design modifications
• Analyze test results and failure data and implement design improvements
• Ability to work in a rapid-prototyping environment with agility and openness to change
• Must be able to fabricate and concept prototypes quickly using 3D printing, models and other mockup techniques
• Prepare 3D models and GD&T input for detailed manufacturing drawings considering design intent and customer feedback
• Independently handle moderate to advanced-complexity mechanical design projects
• Interact with all levels of engineering staff and outside vendors
• In-depth understanding of manufacturing processes, to include milling, lathe, waterjet, laser, and typical heavy shop equipment
• Researching and analyzing data such as customer design proposals, specifications, and manuals to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and/or maintenance requirements of the product line
• Work as part of a cross-functional team to resolve system issues and provide technical recommendations for design modifications to eliminate system malfunctions
• Prepare, conduct, and document simulation and mechanical testing to analyze the design, operation, and performance of equipment
• Provide advanced technical writing to capture detailed documentation used for presentations

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• 5 – 8 years of demonstrated experience designing mechanical components for subsea applications
• Advanced skills in SolidWorks 3D modeling or similar 3D CAD software (Creo)
• Experience designing mechanical systems for underwater, subsea, marine, or other high-pressure environments
• Strong understanding of pressure-vessel and external-pressure design principles
• Experience with FEA, structural analysis, fatigue, and buckling analysis
• Knowledge of sealing technologies, O-rings, mechanical seals, pressure barriers, and subsea connectors
• Experience selecting materials for high-pressure seawater and corrosive environments
• Experience taking designs from concept through prototype, testing, qualification, and production
• Strong hands-on problem-solving skills and the ability to work directly with prototype and test hardware
• Ability to independently take ownership of a design task from initial requirements through final implementation
• Willingness to work as part of a team and initiate communication
• Extremely reliable and dependable
• Ability and willingness to travel to support field testing activities in-state and out-of-state (< 15% time)
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance
• May require moderate physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
• Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• 8 – 10 years of demonstrated experience designing mechanical components for subsea applications
• Experience designing and qualifying hardware for deep-submergence applications at pressures equivalent to 5,000 ft seawater depth or greater
• Experience using SolidWorks or Creo 3D CAD with PDM or comparable data management system
• Experience using Simulation for FEA, thermal analysis
• Excellent problem-solving skills to effectively research answers to conceptual questions utilizing internal and external resources
• Active TS security clearance

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
• Tuition & certification reimbursement
• Flexible work schedules
• Discretionary Employee bonuses
• 401(k) match/profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range:

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $100,000 to $150,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees.

Application Deadline: December 9, 2026

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.