Mechanical Engineer II

Company Overview ARA is a leading C5ISR company that designs, manufactures, tests and installs innovative technologies that provide the national security community with unparalleled situational awareness, threat detection, and communications capabilities. Our disruptive, integrated solutions, assemblies and subsystems rise to the challenging demands of discerning, mission-critical customers. We leverage our capabilities to meet and exceed the requirements of our customers and empower them to remain ahead of evolving threats and complexities in a dynamic security landscape. Job Summary We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer II to support the design and development of new antenna products, positioners, sub-assemblies, and accessories. This role serves as a liaison between the Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams, providing design and technical support throughout product development and production. The ideal candidate will assist with engineering drawings, technical proposals, prototype assembly and testing, test requirements and manuals, fixtures and tooling, and manufacturing support. Mechanical Engineer II will help ensure products meet performance, reliability, quality, and industry standards while supporting continuous improvement across engineering and production. Essential Functions Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Design and document antenna products, sub-assemblies, mechanical systems, fixtures, and tooling using SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM.Develop and test models of alternate designs and processing methods to assess feasibility, operating conditions, potential applications, and required modifications.Use SolidWorks and FEA to develop design concepts for electronics packaging, structural components, PCB layouts, and other mechanical systems.Prepare and maintain engineering drawings in accordance with applicable ASME Y14.100 standards.Provide mechanical design support to engineering projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues.Serve as a liaison between Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality to support production, testing, and product improvements.Work with Manufacturing and Quality to review and disposition Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and address related design or manufacturing issues.Design and fabricate fixtures and tooling to support manufacturing and test engineering.Review and approve drawing redlines prior to Engineering Change Order (ECO) creation.Assemble and test mechanical prototypes and support the development of product test procedures and requirements.Conduct research and analysis to evaluate the feasibility, design, operation, and performance of equipment, components, and systems; recommend design modifications as needed.Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.Specify components or modifications necessary to ensure conformance with engineering design and performance requirements.Provide technical feedback and recommendations to the engineering team regarding potential issues or opportunities for improvement.Support the creation and maintenance of technical documentation, test requirements, manuals, and engineering reports.Operate and maintain 3D printers, as applicable, to support prototyping and product development.Support other mechanical engineering and production team members as needed. Position Qualifications In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Competency Statements Adaptability - Adapts to change, open to new ideas and responsibilitiesCommunication - Ability to communicate thoughts clearly, both oral and written in an honest, open and timely mannerJob Knowledge - Understands facets of job, aware of duties and responsibilities, keeps job knowledge currentTechnical Skill - Possesses the knowledge and skills needed to perform a job or role effectivelyDependability - Meets deadlines, works independently or in a team environment, is accountable, maintains focus, good attendance recordQuality - Strives to eliminate errors, accurate work is a priority, seeks opportunities to improve productsEthics - Honest, accountable, maintains confidentialityInitiative / Take Ownership - Takes action, seeks new opportunities, strives to see projects to completion,meaning own your job and see it throughDecision Making Problem solve and critical thinking skills, be able to reach a decision, takes thoughtful approach when considering options, seeks input from others, makes difficult decisionsCustomer Focus - Understands and can meet the needs in a customer-centric (Internal and External) environment and build strong relationships. Promotes a positive image of the company and strives to solve issues raised by customers Experience and Skills 37 years of experience in mechanical engineering. Strong proficiency in SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM required.Experience creating engineering drawings to ASME Y14.100 standards.Intermediate understanding of mechanical design principles, FEA, and prototype testing.Experience designing and documenting antenna products, sub-assemblies, or similar mechanical systems preferred.Experience working collaboratively with Manufacturing and Quality teams.Experience reviewing and resolving NCRs and supporting manufacturing-related design issues preferred.Experience designing and fabricating fixtures and tooling for manufacturing and testing.Familiarity with electronics packaging and mechanical systems.Ability to assemble mechanical prototypes and perform basic testing procedures.Experience operating and maintaining 3D printers is a strong plus.Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities.Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting findings, preparing reports, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional environments. Education BSME required Antenna Research Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to a policy of non-discrimination and affirmative action. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.