About the Job We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our team in a high-impact individual contributor role. This person will be a key driver in the design and development, prototyping, and testing of next-gen rugged electronics systems for defense and industrial applications. From concept to production, this role will lead mechanical design efforts on complex projects, including chassis, enclosures, thermal solutions, shock and vibration mitigation, and integration of COTS components, ensuring reliability in the harshest operating environments.
This is a high-ownership, cross-functional role that interfaces with engineering, operations, sales, and product management teams. This role will also be external facing, with some interactions with our suppliers and customers. Prior experience in defense/aerospace and rugged computing technologies/products is highly desired.
This is a full-time onsite position based in our Sugar Land, TX headquarters. This position reports to the Director of Design Engineering at Systel.
Key Responsibilities
Design and Development
Own mechanical design of rugged computer systems and subassemblies from concept through production
Generate detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, BOMs, and technical data packages
Design for manufacturability (DFM), cost, and environmental compliance (MIL-STDs)
Create and maintain documentation packages for internal and customer use
Prototyping and Test
Support prototype builds and design verification efforts
Collaborate with Test Engineering to develop and execute test plans
Conduct or oversee environmental testing (internal and external test labs)
Drive rapid iteration based on lab data and test results
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with electrical, test, product, supply chain, and manufacturing teams throughout the product lifecycle
Support supplier engagement and internal reviews during part sourcing and builds
Interface with customers during technical reviews, design updates, and support needs
Sustaining and Continuous Improvement
Support legacy product designs for EOL or configuration changes
Drive changes through the ECO process and participate in quality/root cause analysis investigations
Contribute to design standards, best practices, and knowledge-sharing across the team
Required Education & Experience
US Citizenship or Permanent Resident (Green Card) required
BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent and 5+ years of experience related to packaging of electronic equipment/systems
Expertise in 3D CAD design (Autodesk Inventor preferred) and drafting to ASME Y14 standards
Proven track record designing precision sheet metal and CNC-machined parts in a regulated or rugged environment
Strong grasp of thermal management, sealing techniques, fasteners, and mechanical integration of electronics
Strong experience with prototyping, testing, and transitioning designs to production
Effective verbal and written communication and technical writing ability using Microsoft Office tools such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
About Systel Rugged Computer Where Mission Meets Critical. Founded in 1988, Systel, Inc.® is a leading manufacturer of rugged compute solutions, including rackmount and embedded computer products. Our pedigree of capabilities spans numerous advanced platforms with thousands of successful deployments primarily in the defense and commercial sectors. Systel’s rugged systems are designed and manufactured for continuous operation under the most extreme and austere environmental conditions. All of our products are proudly made in the USA in the company’s headquarters in Sugar Land, TX. We are AS9100:2016 and ISO 9001:2015 certified.
For more information, please visit systelusa.com.
Systel, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.