Staff Mechanical Engineer

Neya Systems is a recognized leader in off-road autonomy and mission orchestration software, delivering cutting-edge robotic solutions for defense, commercial, and industrial applications. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Applied Research Associates (ARA), we develop ruggedized, field-proven platforms designed to solve complex, unstructured environments' toughest challenges.

We are a dedicated group of innovators focused on fielding mission-critical autonomous systems. Our culture thrives on high accountability, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a shared passion for pushing the boundaries of uncrewed ground systems. We welcome engineers who are eager to own difficult problems and bring practical, reliable robotics into the field.

As a Mechanical Engineer at Neya, you will collaborate with cross-functional software, electrical, and systems engineering teams to design and integrate robust hardware solutions for off-road autonomy and custom robotic platforms. Your work will span the entire design spectrum—from developing rugged sensor payloads and housing enclosures to engineering specialized ground vehicle sub-assemblies built to withstand extreme environmental conditions.

• Full-Lifecycle Engineering: Drive mechanical systems from initial concept generation and trade studies through prototype fabrication, integration, and field deployment.
• Customer & Technical Requirements: Define mechanical and environmental requirements alongside customer technical leads and internal engineering teams.
• CAD Modeling & Design: Utilize SolidWorks to generate complex parts, assemblies, and high-precision mechanical layouts for integrated robotic systems.
• Engineering Analysis: Perform structural, thermal, and dynamic load analyses using a combination of hand calculations, scripting (Python), and FEA/CFD software (Ansys).
• Prototyping & Fabrication: Work directly with fabrication tools and engineering technicians to build and iterate rapidly on prototype concepts.
• Manufacturability & Quality: Apply GD&T standards to create detailed manufacturing drawings; partner with suppliers and internal teams to optimize Design for Manufacturability (DFM).
• Multi-Disciplinary Integration: Collaborate closely with autonomy, software, and electrical teams in a cohesive lab and high-bay vehicle test environment.
• Environmental & Functional Testing: Subject sensors, sub-assemblies, and vehicle components to rigorous environmental testing (thermal, vibration, ingress) and compile technical test reports.
• Proposal & Concept Guidance: Support technical proposal efforts and leadership reviews with feasibility studies and preliminary mechanical architectures.
• Field Support & Travel: Participate in occasional travel (5% or less) to support field demonstrations and customer testing.

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Technical Experience: Demonstrated background in mechanical product design with a track record of integrating hardware, sensors, and electronics.
• CAD Proficiency: Advanced modeling expertise in SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD platforms.
• Analytical Foundation: Strong foundation in core mechanical analysis, including load cases, material selection, bearing life, and thermal dynamics.
• System Integration: Practical experience making trade-off decisions between cost, weight, lead time, and mechanical complexity.
• Communication & Ownership: High degree of personal initiative, self-direction, and clear technical writing and presentation skills.
• Work Authorization: U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency required due to defense contracting requirements. (Neya Systems is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.)

• Hands-on Curiosity: A personal passion for building, machining, or tinkering with hardware outside of formal work requirements.
• Specialized Analysis: Background in passive thermal management, IP-rated environmental sealing, or custom gear train design.
• Production Operations: Familiarity with PLM/BOM management systems and transition-to-production workflows.
• Software Literacy: Working knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., Python, C++) for automating design calculations or data analysis.