Mechanical/Robotics Engineer at ApolloTech MSI · Rockaway…

We are looking for a hands-on Mechanical/Robotics Engineer III to join our growing engineering team. This role is central to the design, analysis, and integration of mechanical and electromechanical systems for fielded and developmental defense platforms. You will work closely with embedded systems engineers, autonomy developers, and program leadership to take designs from concept through prototype and into production.

The ideal candidate is comfortable both at the CAD workstation and on the bench — someone who can derive kinematic equations in the morning and help assemble a gimbal in the afternoon.

Mechanical Design & CAD

• Design mechanical assemblies, structural components, and electromechanical housings using SolidWorks or CREO

• Design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) across CNC, sheet metal, and COTS-integration workflows

Kinematics, Mechanisms & Robotics

• Derive and validate kinematic equations for multi-DOF mechanisms including slider-crank, four-bar, and serial/parallel linkages

• Develop forward and inverse kinematic models; implement rotation matrices, homogeneous transforms, and Euler/quaternion representations

• Design and analyze motion profiles for actuator selection and trajectory planning

• Support integration of brushless motors, ballscrew drives, and servo systems into precision mechanisms

Pan-Tilt Gimbal & Stabilization Systems

• Lead mechanical design of two-axis and three-axis gimbaled sensor payloads (EO, IR, LRF)

• Perform bearing selection, torque budgets, and load path analysis for gimbal structures

• Collaborate with electrical and embedded teams on cable routing, connector selection, and slip ring integration

• Validate pointing accuracy requirements through analysis and prototype testing

Structural & Thermal Analysis

• Perform FEA-based structural analysis using SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, or equivalent tools

• Execute thermal analysis for electronic enclosures and dissipating subassemblies; define thermal mitigation strategies

• Develop and execute DVT/EVT test plans; document results against design requirements

Motor & Actuator Selection

• Select motors (brushless DC, stepper, servo) based on torque, speed, inertia, and duty cycle requirements

• Size gearboxes, couplings, and drive trains; verify margin against dynamic loading conditions

• Generate motor selection analysis reports suitable for design reviews

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related field

• 5+ years of relevant engineering experience with at least 2 years in defense, robotics, or precision hardware development

• Proficiency in SolidWorks or CREO (3D modeling, assemblies, drawings, simulation)

• Demonstrated experience designing gimbal or pan-tilt mechanisms for optical or sensor payloads

• Strong foundation in kinematics: rotation matrices, Denavit-Hartenberg parameters, transforms

• Experience with motor/actuator selection methodologies and drive system sizing

• Ability to perform and document structural FEA and thermal analysis

• Active Secret clearance (or ability to obtain; interim acceptable for non-CUI work)

• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to produce engineering analysis packages for CDRLs and design reviews

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Robotics

• Experience with ROS 2 or equivalent middleware in hardware-in-the-loop contexts

• Familiarity with MIL-SPEC environmental requirements (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461)

• Experience with ATAK/WinTAK plugin integration or defense C2 systems

• Background in UGV, UAV, or unmanned systems development

Health Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance

401k with a match up to 6%

10 Holiday

Up to 4 weeks of PTO.