SURTASS Mechanical Engineer

The Team and the Role

INDUS is a 100% employee-owned, customer-focused government services provider with expertise in Engineering, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Program/Financial Management, Logistics, and Data Analytics. At INDUS, we believe in the value of the INDUS team. Together we deliver exceptional customer service, foster a growth and support-centered work environment, and focus on how we can give back to the communities that we serve. Empowering our employees starts on day one and creates an environment full of innovation and promise. By offering mentorship and robust Training and Development opportunities, INDUS continues its pursuit to be the Employer of Choice. 

The Southern California (SOCAL) Fleet Operational Readiness Division, Code 25, manages the air, surface, submarine, and combat system test and analysis, weapon evaluation, mobile target, tactical exercise analysis, magnetic signature reduction, and range support programs assigned to the Department’s Southern California operations. Code 25 prepares, operates, maintains, and repairs underwater acoustic tracking instrumentation, mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) targets MK 30, unmanned underwater vehicles and other ASW targets. They provide and conduct direct liaison with Southern California Offshore Range Extension (SCORE) and Fleet range users on matters dealing with underwater range scheduling, underwater tracking instrumentation, and technical support services for range/off-range operations. In addition, they perform aircraft, surface ship, and submarine shipboard electronic systems evaluation and radiated noise measurements, analysis, and reporting. They support the Department’s ship test and analysis functions in Southern California. They operate and maintain the San Clemente Island Underwater Range (SCIUR), Fleet Operational Readiness and Accuracy Check Site (FORACS) and Shipboard Electronics Systems Evaluation Facility (SESEF) ship test ranges in the Southern California area and the Magnetic Silencing Facility (MSF) treatment and measurement facilities.

Reporting to the Program Manager, the SURTASS Mechanical Engineer performs technical work supporting Naval Sea Systems Command and Naval Undersea Warfare Center Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System-Expeditionary (SURTASS-E) by assisting the engineering team with designs, fabrication, testing, and installing electrical wiring and other equipment per installation drawings. Applies knowledge of engineering technology under direction of engineering and scientific staff as described under the Performance Work Statement- Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System-Expeditionary (SURTASS-E) on the San Diego Detachment Support Services contract. This position is located in San Diego, CA.

What You'll Do

• Performs machining, fabrication, mechanical repair, modification, and support work on equipment, components, test hardware, fixtures, tools, and related support systems.
• Programs, sets up, and operates computer numerical control equipment, manual mills, lathes, saws, sanders, grinders, drills, presses, plasma cutter, and other mechanical or pneumatic shop equipment as required.
• Plans machining and fabrication work by reviewing work orders, blueprints, engineering drawings, sketches, specifications, material requirements, orthographic drawings, machining parameters, and geometric dimensions and tolerances.
• Performs setup of mills, lathes, and related shop equipment by installing and adjusting chucks, tools, attachments, collets, bushings, stops, fixtures, stock, and work-holding devices.
• Uses precision measuring and gauging equipment, including calipers, inside and outside micrometers, depth gauges, indicators, rulers, squares, and other inspection tools to verify dimensions and workmanship.
• Verifies machine settings, first-run parts, sample work pieces, and finished components to ensure work conforms to drawings, specifications, quality requirements, and established procedures.
• Performs cutting, drilling, turning, facing, grooving, threading, grinding, fitting, assembly, and related machining or fabrication operations.
• Troubleshoots machining, fabrication, mechanical, and operational problems affecting assigned equipment, components, or support hardware and assists with implementing corrective actions.
• Performs repair, rebuilding, overhaul, or modification of manufacturing, service, test, shop, and support equipment using blueprints, technical manuals, written instructions, verbal direction, and engineering guidance.
• Supports limited welding, brazing, thermal cutting, grinding, tack-welding, fitting, layout, alignment, and assembly of fabricated metal components as required by assigned work.
• Positions, clamps, aligns, secures, and prepare parts and assemblies prior to machining, welding, fabrication, repair, or mechanical assembly.
• Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on shop equipment, machine equipment, mechanical support equipment, tools, and related systems in accordance with technical procedures and manufacturer instructions.
• Documents work actions by completing production records, maintenance logs, inspection records, quality documentation, equipment status updates, and other required records.
• Maintains inventory awareness of stock, materials, tools, shop supplies, replacement parts, and related support equipment needed to complete assigned work.
• Supports prototype development, equipment modification, mechanical design support, 3D printing, drafting, CAD/CAM, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar engineering support activities as required.
• Coordinates with engineers, technicians, logistics personnel, and operational staff to resolve equipment issues, support system readiness, and ensure assigned work is completed safely and accurately.
• Supports operations, including preparation, transport, setup, inspection, inventory tracking, and recovery of equipment, tools, materials, and support hardware.
• Executes job responsibilities as outlined in the Performance Work Statement area and labor category, if applicable.
• Bid and proposal support if requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications:

• An active secret clearance is required to be considered for this position.
• Associate's degree from an accredited university required. 
• Four (4) years of experience in supporting machining, fabrication, mechanical repair, equipment maintenance, prototype development, naval engineering systems, industrial maintenance, test support operations, or similar technical environments.
• Two (2) years of experience in experience with CAD/CAM software, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, drafting, 3D printing, prototype development, or engineering design.
• Two (2) years of experience with general welding, brazing, thermal cutting, fabrication, or metal repair.
• Four (4) years of experience using precision measuring equipment and performing dimensional inspection of machined or fabricated parts.
• Four (4) years of experience as a U.S. Navy technician, engineering technician, machinist, fabricator, mechanic, maintenance technician, or technician supporting mechanical systems operations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of machining, fabrication, mechanical systems, shop operations, mechanical repair, and equipment support practices used in naval, industrial, laboratory, field, or test support environments.
•  Working knowledge of CNC and manual machining practices, including programming, setup, tool selection, offsets, compensation, feeds, speeds, and basic machine operation.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, sketches, specifications, technical manuals, written instructions, work orders, and geometric dimensions and tolerances.
• Skill in using precision measuring and gauging equipment, including calipers, inside and outside micrometers, depth gauges, indicators, rulers, squares, and other inspection instruments.
• Ability to operate and maintain shop equipment, including mills, lathes, saws, sanders, grinders, drills, presses, hand tools, power tools, and related mechanical or pneumatic equipment.
• Ability to perform machining, fabrication, repair, rebuild, modification, fitting, layout, alignment, assembly, and inspection work in accordance with drawings, specifications, and safety requirements.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, machining, fabrication, and operational problems and recommend corrective actions within established technical scope.
• Knowledge of safety regulations, procedures, and practices required to work safely around machining equipment, rotating machinery, cutting tools, welding equipment, compressed air, industrial systems, and shop hazards.
• Ability to support equipment preparation, inspection, testing, maintenance, repair, inventory tracking, documentation, and operational readiness requirements.
• Must possess basic computer literacy and data entry skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (to include MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills.
• Must possess strong time management skills.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, changing, and challenging environment.
• Must be available to support operational schedules which may include early morning, evening, weekend, or extended shifts based on mission requirements, equipment availability, and customer operational schedules. 
• Travel Required ~10% travel required. 
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

Desired Qualifications: 

• Previous experience as a U.S. Navy technician, engineering technician, industrial electrician, electrical maintainer, or technician supporting electro-mechanical systems operations is preferred.
• Working knowledge of welding, brazing, thermal cutting, grinding, and metal fabrication practices is preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience in experience programming, setting up, and operating CNC machines, manual mills, lathes, or related shop equipment is preferred.
• Technical training, vocational education, military training, trade school completion, or certification in machining, machine tool technology, mechanical engineering technology, welding, fabrication, drafting, CAD/CAM, or a related field may be considered.
• State journeyman license, electrical certification, or similar technical credential is preferred.
• CPR and Adult First Aid certification is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to remain seated in a stationary position 50% of the time. Must also be able to alternate between sitting, standing, and walking.
• The ability to lift items that may weigh up to 50 pounds.
• The work requires some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing, or recurring and considerable walking, stooping, bending, crouching, and climbing such as in performing regular shop activities, inspections, or to observe and study operations in an industrial or comparable work area or on-board ships, submarines, and in weapon facilities.
• The ability to operate heavy machinery and industrial tools with limited to no supervision. Examples: Electric/Diesel Forklift, CNC Milling Machine, Welding/Soldering, CAT III Overhead Crane, pallet jack, "Big Joe" stand-behind pallet lift.

INDUS aims to provide a competitive compensation package, including a strong pay for performance rewards approach. The expected base pay range for this position is $39.78/hr - $43.75/hr. This position is eligible to participate in our corporate 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) programs, and may be eligible for performance bonuses, and other rewards and benefits (see more about our compensation package and benefits offered at Culture @ INDUS | INDUS Technology). The pay range for this role considers job-related knowledge, skills, work location, education and training, and certifications. To drive fair pay practices for employees, INDUS conducts regular comparisons across our employee groups and the industry.

INDUS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic.

#CJ