Overview:
Applied Physical Sciences (APS), a subsidiary of General Dynamics, is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Technologist to support the production, build, and integration of advanced subsea and maritime hardware systems. This role is hands-on and directly involved in day-to-day fabrication, assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and production support of mechanical systems, while also supporting rigorous engineering processes and due diligence. Applicants should be comfortable moving between CAD models, machine shops, laboratories, assembly spaces, and test sites while working closely with technicians, fabricators, machinists, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
While the core of this position is centered on production and prototype build execution, there will be opportunities for involvement in R&D activities as skills grow and program needs expand. The role includes responsibility for ensuring hardware designs are manufacturable, properly documented, and compliant with customer, military, and system-level requirements. Candidates will support the development of maritime hardware operating in demanding environments where reliability, quality, and attention to detail are critical.
At APS, you will work in a highly collaborative environment that values practical problem solving, craftsmanship, and precision engineering documentation. This position spans a career band from Engineering Technologist through Senior Engineering Technologist, depending on experience and capabilities.
Job Functions and Responsibilities
- Provide hands-on mechanical assembly, fabrication support, fit checks, rework, and troubleshooting of subsea and maritime hardware.
- Support hardware builds through hands-on troubleshooting, fit checks, test setups, inspection documentation, and resolution of fabrication nonconformances.
- Support production workflows, including reviewing fabrication drawings, validating parts at receipt, and assisting with shop-floor problem resolution.
- Maintain clear documentation of as-built conditions, inspection results, build deviations, and compliance evidence.
- Develop and update 3D CAD models and engineering drawings (SolidWorks preferred), with strong emphasis on accuracy, manufacturability, and clarity. Manage revisions, datasets, and build documentation using SolidWorks PDM and APS configuration control processes.
- Apply GD&T, tolerance analysis, interface documentation, and fabrication notes to ensure correct production of parts and assemblies.
- Generate fabrication packages and assist in ensuring production partners understand intent and requirements.
- Collaborate with machinists, welders, technicians, and external vendors to mature designs through fabrication, machining, inspection, and assembly processes.
- Perform first-order mechanical assessments (stress, thermal, modal, durability) to evaluate part fitness and identify issues during production.
- Support data collection, test setups, failure investigations, and production-quality verification efforts.
- Provide on-site and occasional field support at APS Groton or Pawcatuck facilities and test locations.
Required Skills and Attributes
- B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline.
- 2–10 years of relevant industry experience designing, building, testing, or manufacturing mechanical hardware.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred) for part and assembly modeling. Experience creating fabrication and assembly drawings.
- Ability to create and interpret engineering drawings, apply GD&T, and understand manufacturing tolerances and fabrication processes.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Solidworks PDM for engineering documentation and revision control
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense Secret security clearance.
- Ability to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
Preferred Skills and Attributes
- Experience taking products from concept through manufacturing and test.
- Experience supporting submarine, maritime, aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability hardware programs.
- Experience working directly with machine shops, fabrication vendors, technicians, and manufacturing personnel.
- Familiarity with hardware compliance, requirements verification, and qualification processes.
- Experience supporting MIL-STD testing, inspection, or documentation efforts.
- Experience with structural analysis, finite element analysis, and durability assessments.
- Experience with tolerance stack-up analysis and inspection methodologies.
- Familiarity with pressure housings, structural assemblies, welded assemblies, or subsea hardware.
- 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.
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