Mechanical Design Engineer

Description

Company Overview: Texas Research Institute Austin, Inc. is a 50-year-old, innovative R&D firm specializing in advanced materials science and engineering solutions for aerospace, defense, marine, and green technology. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, rapid-response research to enhance Warfighter capabilities while transitioning our solutions into broad commercial applications. Our multidisciplinary teams work on complex engineering challenges—from systems integration and materials development to nondestructive evaluation—to address national security needs.

Job Overview: TRI Austin is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will collaborate with senior engineers and project leaders in the conception, design, assembly, and testing of complex electromechanical systems. You will be responsible for driving prototype development using advanced composite materials and innovative manufacturing techniques, as well as managing complete mechanical projects—from initial concept through to integration within larger systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research and develop cutting-edge composite prototype designs using CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks) and structural design techniques.
• Execute detailed mechanical design, fabrication, assembly, integration, testing, and evaluation using FEA tools (e.g., FEMAP/Nastran).
• Develop research proposals to secure external funding and prepare progress reports for government-sponsored programs.
• Serve as technical lead on both long- and short-term projects, achieving technical milestones and delivering presentations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project requirements, timelines, and deliverables.
• Ensure effective project execution and documentation, including creating and reviewing mechanical fabrication drawings and technical reports.  

Project Tasks May Include:

• Leading design and development efforts for small-to-medium projects with minimal daily oversight.
• Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams to address evolving design requirements and make informed engineering tradeoffs.
• Engineering advanced prototype systems through design, analysis, and fabrication.
• Participating in field testing with occasional travel to support prototype evaluation.
• In-Person position. Not a remote role.

TRI Austin, Inc.is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Required Attributes and Skills:

• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) and a solid understanding of materials, strengths, and statics analysis.
• Ability to apply mechanical engineering principles for designing mechanical elements, performing FEA, and utilizing common mechanical hardware (gears, shafts, fasteners, etc.).
• Skilled in reading and creating mechanical fabrication drawings and proficient with Microsoft Office.
• Strong ability to work independently and as part of an integrated team, with excellent communication, planning, and technical reporting skills.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering (or a related field). Salary is commensurate with experience.
• Proven background in materials development, prototype design, and applied research within an industry setting.
• Hands-on experience with SolidWorks, GD&T practices, and technical documentation per ASME Y14.5.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems, experimental testing, and simulation tools.
• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Candidates must possess or be able to obtain a DoD security clearance. More information: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/fso/faqs/ 

Desired Experience and Attributes:

• Track record as an innovative problem-solver with demonstrated technical leadership and success in securing research funding.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines while maintaining confidentiality and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and technical writing skills.
• Experience with subsea systems or components is a plus.
• Familiarity with engineering calculation tools (Mathcad, MATLAB, etc.), geometric dimensioning and tolerancing practices, and 3D printing technologies.
• Experience with budget and schedule management in a fast-paced R&D environment.

If you’re ready to contribute to groundbreaking research and advanced prototype development within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team, we encourage you to apply and join TRI Austin in making a meaningful impact on national security and commercial innovation.

TRI Austin, Inc.is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.