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Principal Mechanical Engineer for Undersea Signal Processing Systems

Woburn, MA

About the Team:

The Undersea Systems and Acoustics (USA) Group in the STR Sensors Division develops and delivers advanced undersea sensor and signal processing systems centered around intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and counter-ISR.   Our applications range from detection and classification problems to acoustic warfare and protection analogous to electronic warfare.  Our systems range from advanced algorithms leveraging high performance computing to low size, weight, and power (SWAP) distributed uncrewed systems supporting real-time embedded processing.  Using modeling and simulation, experimental campaigns, and prototyping coupled with testing that progresses through bench-top, tank, lake, and at-sea demonstrations, we mature innovative concepts into prototypes and fielded systems to address critical defense needs with agility, persistence, and scale.

The Role:

The primary role of this position is to drive all aspects of mechanical engineering and ocean engineering across a portfolio of distributed uncrewed undersea systems (vehicles, buoys, ocean bottom nodes), working with other multi-disciplinary engineers to realize novel system concepts.  This would include concept development, design, fabrication, integration, and testing.  

The systems the STR USA group develops to solve demanding problems often have complex interactions and tradeoffs between mechanical, electrical, acoustical, and other system aspects.  Therefore, while leveraging expertise in ME, the ideal candidate would be multi-disciplinary, willing-to and comfortable with crossing discipline boundaries including signal processing, electrical engineering, embedded systems, power, etc.

The candidate would be specifically knowledgeable in pressure vessels, hydrodynamics, thermal, power systems, shock, vibration, stability, control, transducers, and actuators, all of which are aspects of distributed uncrewed undersea systems.  Modeling, analysis, and simulation of electro-mechanical, fluid, and thermal systems using custom developed or commercially available tools is expected.   

What you will do:

  • Contribute to, supervise, and/or lead all aspects of mechanical and ocean engineering across a portfolio of small, multi-disciplinary teams developing distributed uncrewed systems with multi-program multi-year roadmaps
  • Maintain the best practices, capabilities, and/or partnerships (and identify approaches to filling any gaps) necessary for the USA group to design, produce, integrate, and test distributed uncrewed undersea systems focused on ISR and C-ISR missions
  • Design and implement cutting-edge technology in undersea acoustic hardware prototypes, leveraging modern development tools and practices
  • Work with others to model and simulate the advanced undersea acoustic systems under development at scales from individual sensor physics to macroscopic theater-level impact
  • Communicate technical details and progress to customers, stakeholders, sponsors, prime- and sub-contractors

Who you are:

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with eligibility to support special access programs, for which U.S Citizenship is needed by the U.S government
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline (BS with 10+ years, MS with 8+ years, or PhD with 5+ years of relevant experience)
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in advanced research and development projects 
  • Ability to create and present deep technical briefings as well as high-level briefings to customers and senior management
  • Ability to survey literature to determine state-of-the-art, incorporate recent research and apply to current problem sets
  • Understanding and experience in interacting with decision-makers and customers to translate mission needs into an end-to-end analytical solution
  • Demonstrated ability to progress from concepts to fielded systems supported by analysis (including FEA), prototyping, and testing

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.


STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.

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