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 highly motivated and skilled Research Engineer with a focus on mechanical engineering to join our interdisciplinary team in our Colorado Springs, CO location. The ideal candidate will combine strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with an investigative mindset and the ability to take technically challenging problems from initial research and analysis through modeling, prototyping, testing, and demonstration.
The successful candidate will be technically curious, resourceful, creative, and comfortable working on problems where the solution may not initially be well defined. Candidates must be strong team participants, possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, and be willing to contribute in a multidisciplinary, fast-paced research and engineering environment.
Responsibilities:
- Research, conceptualize, analyze, design, prototype, and test mechanical systems and technologies supporting advanced R&D programs
- Support the development and integration of UAS platforms, payloads, airframes, mechanical subsystems, and related technologies
- Perform engineering analysis and simulation of mechanical systems, including structural, thermal, dynamic, vibration, aerodynamic, and other relevant analyses
- Develop analytical and computational models to evaluate system performance, understand design tradeoffs, and guide technical decisions
- Research and evaluate emerging technologies, materials, manufacturing methods, components, and mechanical concepts for potential application to current and future programs
- Conduct feasibility studies and trade studies to compare technical approaches and identify promising solutions to complex engineering problems
- Translate research concepts into practical designs, prototypes, test articles, and experimental systems
- Plan and conduct laboratory, bench-top, and field experiments to validate models, characterize system performance, and evaluate new technologies
- Analyze and interpret experimental and simulation data and use results to refine designs, models, and technical approaches
- Support mechanical design and integration activities, including CAD modeling, drawing development, tolerance analysis, material selection, and design for manufacturing and assembly
- Collaborate with electrical engineers, physicists, software engineers, technicians, machinists, manufacturing personnel, and other technical disciplines to develop integrated systems
- Support UAS system integration and testing, including payload integration, mechanical interfaces, structural modifications, ground testing, and flight-test activities
- Develop technical documentation including research findings, engineering analyses, design documentation, test plans, test reports, trade studies, and technical presentations
- Communicate research findings and engineering recommendations to technical teams, program leadership, and customers
- Maintain awareness of advancements in UAS, mechanical engineering, materials, manufacturing, modeling and simulation, and other technologies relevant to SARA's research programs
- Support technical proposal development by performing background research, developing concepts, preparing technical content, supporting estimates, and contributing to statements of work and technical approaches
- Develop an understanding of customer missions, technical needs, and funding opportunities and, with experience, contribute to the identification and development of new research and program opportunities
- Participate in technical reviews, brainstorming sessions, design reviews, customer discussions, and program planning activities
- Support field testing, demonstrations, and other off-site engineering activities as required
Technical Skillsets
- Strong foundation in mechanical engineering fundamentals, including mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, materials, structures, and mechanical design
- Knowledge of or experience with UAS/UAV development, integration, testing, or operation, including familiarity with airframes, propulsion, payload integration, structures, or related subsystems
- Experience with mechanical modeling and simulation tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, COMSOL, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar engineering analysis software
- Experience with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or equivalent
- Ability to develop analytical models and use first-principles engineering calculations to evaluate complex mechanical systems
- Understanding of finite element analysis (FEA), structural analysis, thermal analysis, dynamics, vibration, or other applicable simulation methodologies
- Familiarity with rapid prototyping and manufacturing methods, including machining, additive manufacturing, composites, sheet metal, and other fabrication processes
- Ability to design and conduct experiments and appropriately select instrumentation, sensors, data-acquisition equipment, and test methods
- Proficiency with Python, MATLAB, or similar programming/scripting tools for modeling, simulation, data analysis, or engineering automation is preferred
- Ability to analyze complex datasets, visualize results, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable engineering conclusions
- Familiarity with UAS flight dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, composite structures, controls, or flight testing is beneficial
- Ability to quickly research unfamiliar technical areas, evaluate available literature and technologies, and develop an engineering understanding sufficient to guide new research efforts
Key Competencies
- Technical curiosity and willingness to explore unfamiliar engineering problems
- Strong analytical problem-solving ability
- Creativity and ability to develop solutions for open-ended technical challenges
- Hands-on engineering mindset with an interest in building and testing hardware
- Ability to balance analytical rigor with practical engineering considerations
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Strong collaboration in multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Initiative, resourcefulness, and ability to work with limited direction
- Strong organization and time-management skills
- Ability to manage multiple technical tasks in a fast-paced R&D environment
- Interest in developing technical leadership, customer interaction, and proposal-writing capabilities
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited institution
- 5 – 7 years of experience in related engineering work (graduate degrees may be considered in lieu of experience)
- Demonstrated strength in mechanical engineering fundamentals through academic research, internships, professional experience, or relevant technical projects
- Experience performing engineering analysis, modeling, simulation, mechanical design, experimentation, or prototype development
- Familiarity with UAS/UAV technologies, aerospace systems, robotics, autonomous systems, or other relevant multidisciplinary platforms
- Experience with CAD and engineering analysis or simulation tools
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to apply engineering fundamentals to unfamiliar problems
- Demonstrated ability to independently research technical topics and communicate findings
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to document technical work through reports, presentations, analyses, and engineering documentation
- Available for moderate levels of travel, field testing, flight testing, and off-site work.
- Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering and research teams
- Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or equivalent DoD clearance
- May require moderate physical effort or carrying/lifting up to 50 pounds
- Working environment is primarily indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist during laboratory, fabrication, integration, or field-test activities
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a closely related technical discipline. PhD strongly preferred for candidates with significant research specialization
- Graduate-level research experience involving mechanical systems, UAS, aerospace systems, robotics, structures, dynamics, materials, controls, or related technologies
- Hands-on experience designing, building, modifying, integrating, or testing UAS platforms or subsystems
- Experience performing structural, thermal, dynamic, vibration, aerodynamic, or multiphysics simulations
- Experience developing experimental test methods and correlating experimental results with analytical or computational models
- Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for engineering analysis, simulation, data processing, or automation
- Demonstrated research capability through graduate research, technical publications, patents, conference presentations, internally funded R&D, or similar technical accomplishments
- Familiarity with DoD research and development programs and the transition of emerging technologies from concept through prototype and demonstration
- Exposure to technical proposal development, including technical writing, literature research, concept development, cost estimating, statement-of-work development, or preparation of technical approaches
- Experience working directly with customers, government laboratories, universities, research organizations, or other external technical partners
- Active DoD Secret or Top Secret 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
- 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 $90,000 to $115,000 (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. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.
Application Deadline: September 2, 2026
SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.
