Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

DESE Research, Inc. seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineerto join our team. The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will design and develop corrosion-resistant HVAC cooling units for instrumentation radar systems at the Reagan Test Site (RTS). Operating in a Digital Engineering environment with tools such as DOORS, Solid Works, and Creo, the engineer will deliver ruggedized thermal management solutions that withstand saltwater, heat, and humidity.

This role emphasizes materials selection, structural integrity, coatings, and surface treatments, with the goal of maximizing system reliability, reducing lifecycle costs, and enhancing operational availability.

Position is contingent upon award.

Job Responsibilities

• Select, specify, and validate advanced materials and protective coatings to ensure thermal performance, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability in harsh maritime environments.
• Support HVAC system design and modeling, ensuring compliance with environmental and performance requirements.
• Create detailed mechanical drawings, specifications, and documentation for CRCU components, including dampers, controls, and conditioned air distribution.
• Collaborate with software engineers to define software requirements for centralized monitoring, alarms, notifications, and user interfaces.
• Support definition of system interfaces and reporting requirements; contribute to Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Assist in requirements definition, allocation, and analysis, ensuring traceability within MBSE models.
• Support the development of MBSE-based systems engineering models, including architectural diagrams and design artifacts.
• Support the development of reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAM) documentation in accordance with RTS standards.
• Contribute to test plan development, verification and validation activities, and support design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR).
• Apply Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) principles to ensure system interoperability, scalability, and lifecycle affordability.
• Provide design oversight throughout system development, ensuring compliance with environmental and mission requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in mechanical design of complex systems (HVAC, thermal management, or defense systems).
• Proficiency with CAD design tools such as Solid Works and Creo.
• Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS (or a suitable alternative).
• Strong interest in Digital Engineering and MBSE processes and tools.
• Strong knowledge of materials engineering, coatings, and corrosion-resistant design.
• Demonstrated ability to perform trade studies and RAM analyses.
• Experience producing detailed drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Familiarity with government systems engineering processes and design review participation (SRR, PDR, CDR).
• Experience in traditional Systems Engineering processes.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and support interface with stakeholders.
• This position requires a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship as a condition of employment.
• This position requires clearing a background check and enhanced Personal Conflict of Interest (PCI) requirements as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing or supporting radar or sensor cooling systems.
• Background in HVAC systems for maritime or saltwater environments.
• Knowledge of Army or Missile Defense Agency programs.
• Hands-on experience with prototype development, field trials, or test planning.
• Experience performing Systems Engineering in Digital Engineering Environments, including use of MBSE and requirements management tools.
• Experience in Cameo and SysML.
• Experience with MBSE processes and tools.
• Experience with requirements and verification/validation within Systems Engineering.
• Expertise in advanced materials and protective coatings for thermal management and long-term corrosion resistance in harsh maritime environments.
• Proven ability to specify, test, and validate materials and surface treatments that enhance durability, reduce maintenance, and extend system lifespan.

Typical Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (required).
• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Materials Science (preferred).
• 8+ years of relevant mechanical design experience, with demonstrated expertise in HVAC/thermal management for defense, aerospace, or maritime applications.

About DESE

For the past 43 years, DESE has provided industry-leading technical and engineering solutions in the fields of Defense, Energy, Space, and Environment. As a small, family-oriented business, DESE provides a compelling benefits package including a generous profit-sharing plan, competitive salaries, and perhaps most importantly, the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals leveraging cutting-edge technologies to solve complex and engaging…