Research Scientist I – Mechanical Systems

Job Description

The Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics at Virginia Tech seeks
a Research Associate – Mechanical Systems to provide technical
leadership in the design, fabrication, integration, testing, and
deployment of advanced marine robotic platforms. The successful
candidate will contribute to the development of autonomous
underwater vehicles (AUVs), autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs), and
related marine technologies supporting sponsored research
initiatives.

This position requires expertise in mechanical and
electromechanical system design, fabrication, systems integration,
and field deployment. The Research Associate will collaborate
closely with interdisciplinary teams consisting of faculty, staff,
students, industry partners, and government sponsors to advance
cutting-edge marine autonomy research.

This is a restricted appointment contingent upon the availability
of funding, with an initial one-year term and the expectation of
continued renewal based on funding availability and satisfactory
performance.

Required Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or

a closely related engineering discipline or or bachelor’s with + 5
years post-bachelor’s experience.

• Demonstrated experience designing mechanical and

electromechanical subsystems for autonomous underwater vehicles or
similar robotic platforms.

• Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks Preferred) and

mechanical design tools such as FEA.

• Experience with the manufacturing of parts through techniques

such as CNC machining, sheet metal bending, composites, & 3D
printing.

• Experience creating and maintaining engineering documentation,

including technical drawings, detailed assemblies, wiring diagrams,
bills of materials, and other technical documentation.

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex technical problems

involving hardware, basic software, and system integration.

• Strong experience with the use of hand and power tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary

engineering and research teams.

• Must be able to obtain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing unmanned underwater vehicles
• Experience planning and executing field deployments of unmanned

underwater vehicles

• Experience with corrosion and mitigation techniques, buoyancy and

ballast, & fundamental concepts of hydrodynamics (e.g., lift
and drag).

• Experience with motors, ESCs, servos, and other electromechanical

components.

• Experience in pressure vessel design.
• Experience mentoring students or junior engineers in laboratory,

fabrication, or field environments.

• Experience developing manufacturing, assembly, or testing

procedures for research prototypes.

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication

skills.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$90,000-$120,000, Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

November 4, 2026

Additional Information

This position requires eligibility to access and handle Controlled
Unclassified Information (CUI), which requires U.S. citizenship.
The position may also require the ability to obtain and maintain a
U.S. government security clearance.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal
conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve),
Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a
hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be
leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution
that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the
world, Virginia Tech is an
inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and
creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse
enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and
professional students in eight
undergraduate colleges , a
school of medicine , a
veterinary medicine college,
Graduate School , and
Honors College . The university has a significant presence
across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C.
area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites
in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous
Extension offices and
research institutes . A leading global research institution,
Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research
annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional
development opportunities and university shared governance . These valuable
contributions to university shared governance provide important
representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique
and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or
applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including
pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic
information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation,
race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or
otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire
about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation
of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected
by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an
accommodation, please contact Cole Tankersley at cpt19@vt.edu during regular business
hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.