Mechanical Engineer II - ARFF Program

Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients-whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

We are currently seeking a Mechanical Engineer II. This is a full-time hybrid position located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.

This is a full-time position supporting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Research Program. The Mechanical Engineer II provides engineering expertise in support of research, testing, and evaluation of ARFF technologies and systems. Work includes applying engineering principles, system analysis, and problem solving to meet program objectives across multiple ARFF research areas.

The candidate will independently execute and lead research and development efforts, including development of test plans, experimental setups, data collection systems, and technical analyses. The Mechanical Engineer II is expected to accomplish complete and timely deliverables with minimal day-to-day supervision.

Work will involve exposure to outdoor conditions, fire testing environments, and use of personal protective equipment. Firefighting experience is not required but is strongly encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering expertise, principles, and analysis to support ARFF research, testing, and operational activities.
• Plan, design, and execute experiments involving fire testing, thermal systems, fluid flow, and mechanical systems.
• Develop detailed test plans, engineering drawings, instrumentation layouts, and data acquisition systems.
• Conduct system analysis, including evaluation of mechanical, thermal, fluid, and structural systems using engineering tools and methods.
• Perform data collection, reduction, and analysis to support research findings and technical conclusions.
• Develop cost estimates, schedules, risk assessments, and logistics plans for assigned tasks and projects.
• Identify and troubleshoot technical issues related to test setups, instrumentation, and facility systems.
• Support fabrication, installation, and validation of test articles, instrumentation, and experimental systems.
• Manage and organize project tasks to ensure timely and accurate completion of deliverables without daily supervision.
• Prepare technical reports, research summaries, and formal documentation for internal and FAA stakeholders.
• Present technical information to internal teams, management, and government clients.
• Maintain compliance with safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements during all activities.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited college or university with a degree curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering principles including mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and materials science to solve technical problems.
• Experience planning and executing engineering projects, including research, system design, testing, and analysis.
• Experience developing engineering plans, cost estimates, schedules, and risk mitigation approaches.
• Experience with data collection systems, instrumentation, and engineering analysis tools.
• Proven ability to perform technical work independently and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills, including development of formal reports and presentations.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a dynamic research and test environment.
• Occasional travel (e.g., 2-3 times per year) may be required.
• Sole US Citizenship with eligibility and willingness to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting ARFF, fire testing, or fire protection research programs.
• Experience with fire testing, or evaluation of firefighting agents and tactics.
• Experience with computational modeling tools (e.g., CFD).
• Experience designing and implementing data acquisition and control systems (e.g., LabVIEW).
• Experience with fabrication, mechanical system integration, or instrumentation installation.
• Experience working in hazardous or industrial testing environments.
• Firefighting training or operational experience (e.g., ARFF, Firefighter I/II) strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with FAA research programs or aviation safety testing environments.

Compensation Data

• Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $72,000 to $101,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off-giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity's most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients' requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers