Senior Research Development Engineer

Mission Technologies, a division of HII

Sr. Research Development Engineer leading advanced Mechanical and Systems Engineering research initiatives.

Posted 5/29/2026part-timeRemote • Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $120,640 - $124,800 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and execute advanced Mechanical and Systems Engineering research initiatives supporting defense and operational energy objectives
Initiate, design, develop, implement, and manage scientific research projects involving complex engineering systems and emerging technologies
Develop theories, analytical models, and engineering methodologies used to understand, characterize, and organize complex natural and engineered phenomena into systematic research applications
Conduct applied research supporting potential new products, inventions, prototypes, and operational concepts
Coordinate interdisciplinary research efforts among faculty, engineers, scientists, government agencies, laboratories, and industry partners
Support intellectual property evaluations, invention disclosures, and development of patent applications associated with research outcomes
Lead technical assessments, modeling efforts, experimentation, and systems analysis activities
Prepare technical reports, white papers, briefings, publications, and research documentation for senior leadership and government sponsors
Support proposal development, research planning, technology transition strategies, and program execution activities
Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers, researchers, interns, and cross-functional project teams
Participate in strategic planning efforts related to advanced energy systems, mechanical engineering applications, systems engineering integration, and operational capability development
Interface with Department of Defense sponsors, academic institutions, warfare centers, and research organizations to align technical objectives and research priorities

Requirements

What you’ll need

15 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field
13 years relevant experience with Masters in related field
10 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field
High School Diploma or equivalent and 19 years relevant experience
Demonstrated experience leading scientific research and advanced engineering development initiatives
Strong background in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, research methodologies, modeling and simulation, or advanced technology development
Experience supporting Department of Defense, Navy, federal laboratory, university, or research institution programs
Knowledge of engineering analysis, systems integration, technology maturation, and research program execution
Experience coordinating multidisciplinary technical teams and research activities
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to deliver executive-level technical briefings and documentation
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced research and development environment
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD secret clearance

Benefits

Comp & perks

best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices
wellness resources
employee assistance programs
Savings Plan Options (401(k))
financial planning tools
life insurance
employee discounts
paid holidays
paid time off
tuition reimbursement
early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Mechanical EngineeringSystems Engineeringresearch methodologiesmodeling and simulationadvanced technology developmentengineering analysissystems integrationtechnology maturationresearch program executionintellectual property evaluations

Soft Skills

leadershiptechnical mentorshipcommunication skillsstrategic planningindependent workteam coordinationproject managementtechnical assessmentproblem-solvingcollaboration

Certifications

DoD secret clearance