Mechanical Engineer DEVCOM Soldier Center

Job Description

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Soldier Center (SC) is looking for an entry level Mechanical Engineer to join our team in Natick, MA.

DEVCOM SC as a Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratory (STRL) will be utilizing Direct Hire Authority (DHA) for bachelor’s and advanced degrees to fill this position.

0830 - Mechanical Engineering Series: This series covers positions managing, supervising, leading, and/or performing professional engineering and scientific work: involving the design, development, commission, manufacture, operation, maintenance, and disposal of mechanical devices and systems and their equipment and/or components; and concerning the principles of motion, energy, force, and material properties to ensure mechanical devices and systems and their equipment and/or components function safely, reliably, efficiently, and economically.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Soldier Center is a Customer-Driven, Customer-Focused organization, and is internationally known as a preeminent provider of research, development, engineering, and integration services in the areas of soldier and squad protection and systems integration, military rations and field feeding equipment, military parachuting and airdrop systems, and expeditionary basing. Through our research in areas such as materials sciences, biochemistry, human performance, and human sciences; technology development and integration; and systems engineering, product development and support, the DEVCOM Soldier Center plays a vital role in maximizing the effectiveness of America's military. Help shape our future to become the Leader in Empowering the World's Most Capable Soldiers.

Job Duties: The Advanced Soldier and Small unit Equipment Team (ASSET) is looking for a Mechanical Engineer to perform the following duties:

1) Support two senior engineers as part of the Microclimate Conditioning Team under ASSET.  Microclimate Conditioning includes both cooling and heating systems.  Assist in the development and execution of project plans to meet cost, schedule, and performance constraints.

2) Advance personal cooling technologies of many types including active, passive, evaporative, thermo-electric, vapor compression, etc.; analyze and recommend technology application depending on customer requirements.

3) Advance personal heating technologies of many types including active, passive, chemical, electrical resistive thermo-electric, vapor compression/heat pump, etc.; analyze and recommend technology application depending on customer requirements.

4) Assist with project/program management including conducting proposal assessments, program budget development, equipment testing, field testing, reporting, market research.

5) Assist with developing and transitioning new technologies and knowledge products to various DoD customers

6) Developing and integrating power/battery systems, power supply controls, and charging systems as they relate to cooling and heating system, integrating power systems, control systems and MCC systems with clothing and individual equipment including body armor systems and chemical/biological protective ensembles.  

7) Work with other government agencies, Universities, and standards organizations to develop technologies, performance, and testing standards related to MCC.

8) Develop technical specifications and engineering drawings.

 

Work in this band spans entry, intermediate, and advanced developmental levels. Work assignments provide continually progressive professional experience and maturity. Receives a full range of educational, training, and developmental opportunities that develop advanced competencies allowing advancement to the full performance level, and that provide a strong foundation for future professional growth and promotions. Works on assignments that range from those involving standard practices and procedures to those that advance the state-of-the-art or involve emerging technologies. Assignments typically begin with defined and well-controlled segments of larger projects involving standard methods and techniques where there are ample precedents. Successive assignments are intended to build on earlier ones and are characterized by progressively increasing breadth, difficulty, and professional judgment. As experience and maturity are gained, the level of supervision gradually decreases. Earlier assignments usually involve the more conventional aspects of complex projects and offer limited opportunities for choices, but problem areas should be recognized, and ideas offered on how to resolve them. As success is achieved, tasks are assigned that require a greater use of judgment in the application or adaptation of equipment, test procedures, methodology, models, and/or simulations for assignments that contain some conventional characteristics. Receives less detailed instructions and guidance, and carries out assignments with more independence. Has frequent in-process discussions with the supervisor and team/project leader who provide professional guidance on approaches, discuss alternatives, and help the employee to explore problems and discover solutions independently. When assignments involve advanced methods and techniques or emerging technologies, the level of independent action is reduced, and professional judgment and recommendations receive a more careful review for technical soundness and adequacy. Presents findings and results, in writing or orally, for higher-level review or publication. Work products may take the form of new or modified equipment, research conclusions, systems analyses, computer code, or simulations. Contacts at the entry and intermediate levels are usually limited to co-workers and managerial personnel within the immediate organization. As assignments become more difficult and responsible, contacts expand outside the organization with counterparts in other organizations, or with contractors. The primary purpose of these contacts is to obtain and exchange information, coordinate work efforts and to maintain awareness of advancements in the field.

Performs other duties as assigned.