Engineer – Mechanical (REQ 348)

Overview:

Applied Physical Sciences (APS), a subsidiary of General Dynamics, is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with a strong background in hardware design, prototype/ manufacturing, and component specification compliance to support the development of advanced subsea and maritime prototype and production systems. This role blends hands-on mechanical engineering, fabrication readiness, and system-level compliance to ensure APS hardware meets the demanding requirements of the US DOW.

Candidates will contribute to all phases of the R&D lifecycle—from conceptual design and analysis through fabrication, assembly, testing, and verification. This position offers the opportunity to work within multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, software, systems) and to directly impact hardware performance, manufacturability, and qualification.

At APS, you will work in a small-company environment that values technical excellence, creativity, and rigorous engineering practice. You will help shape innovative maritime technologies and delivery of production systems that address critical national security needs.

Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Design, model, and engineer mechanical components and assemblies for subsea prototype systems, ensuring manufacturability, assembly efficiency, and compliance with system requirements.
• Generate mechanical drawings, GD&T, tolerance analyses, interface control documentation, and fabrication packages consistent with APS’ engineering standards.
• Collaborate with machinists, welders, technicians, and external vendors to mature designs through fabrication, machining, inspection, and assembly processes.
• Support hardware builds through hands-on troubleshooting, fit checks, test setups, inspection documentation, and resolution of fabrication nonconformances.
• Conduct first-order and detailed engineering analyses (stress, thermal, modal, durability, buckling, etc.) to validate design performance within operational constraints and evaluate component deviations.
• Assist in the development of mechanical and system-level test plans to verify compliance with design requirements, including environmental, structural, and MIL‑STD testing.
• Maintain configuration control and produce clear documentation of test logs, as-built records, and compliance evidence.
• Participate in cross-functional design reviews; identify and mitigate risks in new subsystems, fabrication approaches, or novel hardware concepts.
• Provide on-site and occasional field support at APS Groton or Pawcatuck facilities and test locations.
• Work collaboratively in fast-paced R&D environments while demonstrating sound engineering judgment and ownership of mechanical design decisions.

Required Skills and Attributes 

• B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 2–10 years of relevant industry experience in mechanical design, hardware development, or manufacturing engineering.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred) for part and assembly modeling.
• Ability to create and interpret engineering drawings, apply GD&T, and understand manufacturing tolerances and fabrication processes.
• Demonstrated experience working hands-on with prototype hardware, test equipment, and mechanical/assembly tools.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Solidworks PDM for engineering documentation and revision control
• Performing dimensional tolerance stack-up analysis, CETOL or 3DCS software

• GD&T principles in accordance with ASME Y14.5
• Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA)
• Experience creating, maintaining Bill of Materials.
• Ability to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Preferred Skills and Attributes 

• Experience supporting manufacturing workflows, vendor interactions, or shop-floor engineering.
• Familiarity with MIL‑STD compliance testing (shock, vibration, EMI, environmental) or other regulated hardware qualification processes.
• Experience with structural or durability analysis (FEA or analytical methods).
• Understanding of mechanical systems used in subsea or maritime environments (materials, corrosion, sealing, pressure housings, propulsion components, etc.).
• Experience participating in hardware integration and system-level checkouts involving electrical, software, or controls subsystems.
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or engineering calculation tools for analysis and data processing.
• Exposure to additive manufacturing, welding, precision machining, or inspection practices (CMM, PC‑DMIS, first article inspection).

APS, a wholly owned subsidiary of the General Dynamics Corporation, offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and comfortable working conditions. Candidates must possess or be able to obtain a DoD security clearance. Please note, obtaining a security clearance is a condition of employment which typically requires US citizenship and a thorough background investigation. 

Qualified applicants are invited to submit a resume and application online at www.aphysci.com, fax them to 860-495-1744, Attn: Human Resources, or mail to the company address. Please reference the requisition number and title of the position in the subject line of your submission.

EOE: Vet/Disability

Invitation to Self-Identify
In keeping with our commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Applied Physical Sciences invites all applicants to self-identify pre-offer as a protected veteran. 

Invitation to Self-Identify as Protected Veteran
Online Form