Job Description

The Mechanical Engineering group within the Aerospace, Transportation, and Advanced Systems Laboratory (ATAS) seeks a Graduate Research Assistant with interests in mechanical design and development and working on large-scale mechanical prototypes. Graduate Research Assistant will start Spring 2026. Students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the following areas:

• Designing, developing, and documenting designs for use in DOD applications.
• Mechanical design & analysis
• Machining, 3D-Printing, sheet metal bending, and other manufacturing processes.
• Building assemblies and integrating subsystems.
• Part finishing processes (conversion coating, anodizing, painting, etc.)
• Student will use SolidWorks and other design tools to create parts, assemblies, and drawings.
• Develop hands-on engineering skills while helping the team coordinate assembly and testing of large prototype systems.
• Tolerance Analysis
• Logistical Support

Required Minimum Qualifications

Graduate Research Assistant

• Pursuing a Master’s degree or PhD at Georgia Tech in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Must be enrolled full-time (12+ credit hours)
• Must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA
• Commit to 15-20 hours of work per week

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using SolidWorks
• Strong math skills and ability to learn complex engineering concepts
• Some hands-on/fabrication experience
• Configuration management tools
• Ability to clearly communicate technical ideas and concepts
• Experience building Interferometers or similar OPL measurement devices

Hours per Week

20 hours per week

U.S. Citizenship Requirements

Due to our research contracts with the US federal government, candidates for this position are required to be US Citizens.

Clearance Type Required

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

Housing and Relocation

Housing and relocation assistance are not available for this position.

Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) at Georgia Tech Research Institute aims to enhance the Institute’s mission of solving the world’s most complex technical problems by creating a workforce with a shared appreciation for diversity, raising awareness around inclusiveness, and fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation for all members of our community.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Institute is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and Institute policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services. Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (“USG”) and Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of an individual’s race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.