Description
TRI Austin seeks an experienced and highly motivated Senior Mechanical Engineer to take a leading role in our multidisciplinary R&D team. This strategic position combines advanced mechanical design and analysis, prototype fabrication and testing, and leadership in technical capture activities, including customer discovery, solution development, proposal writing, and technical presentations. The ideal candidate is a seasoned engineer with a strong background in DoD or military programs, deep practical materials experience, and a proven ability to win and execute complex government research projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Spearhead and own all phases of mechanical design from concept to prototype, including 3D CAD, detailed drawings, BOMs, and manufacturability reviews. Guide design iterations to accelerate fabrication and field testing.
- Lead the fabrication, assembly, and testing of advanced prototypes in the lab and at field sites; direct the creation and execution of test procedures, perform high-level analysis of test data, and document results for technical reports and executive presentations.
- Direct and perform complex engineering analyses using FEA or other advanced tools to validate design decisions and mitigate program risk.
- Provide expert guidance on hands-on composite material work, including the fabrication, repair, and testing of fiber-reinforced systems (layups, curing, NDE, thermomechanical testing), and translate complex materials behavior into robust, reliable designs.
- Architect and lead proposal and capture efforts; develop innovative technical approaches, define program scope, write compelling technical volumes, and oversee cost/schedule inputs to win funded research.
- Serve as the primary technical lead for integrating mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems where applicable; manage vendors, subcontractors and test resources, and external collaborators to ensure project success.
- Mentor and develop junior engineers and technicians, establishing best practices and maintaining the highest standards of engineering documentation (lab notebooks, drawings, test logs).
