I find it interesting that both Grate and Saint opted to experiment with auto-manipulators. I must admit, I did not expect that.
Anton, your solution is good: multipurpose, mostly reliable, and with what is almost becoming a signature with you, kinetic amp boosting. Along with prior experience with you, you pass by a wide margin. If you want to stay, you have my approval. And I meant no offense with my remarks about your project, mind.
Saint, your solution is also good: Again, multipurpose, though in a different manner to Anton's project. A creative use of auto-manipulators, using just enough power to kill the pilot without causing major damage otherwise. Not as reliable, and can be defended against if the pilot is sufficiently skilled, but still very good, if a bit more expensive up-front. I also note your research into battlesuits before you began work. I'm not sure exactly what you got out of watching Altered tear one apart, but it shows a more scientific or observational behavior. Useful both in a lab and in a tactical situation when applied properly, I think. You may stay if you wish, but I might recommend you go with the Sword - you can still engineer, but you'll also be of help tactically.
Grate, you never really focused on one particular solution. This is at once a good and a bad thing, good in that giving multiple solutions, or, since we ran out of time, potential solutions, implies flexibility. The bad part being that the overall process is slower. I think the good outweighs the bad, though. Now, you gave 4 different attempts: 2 based on transmutation, turning the affected area of the battlesuit to hydrogen. An interesting, if high-powered, solution. One in a rocket or mortar shell format, similar to Saint's without the glue and an impact trigger, and an auto-manipulator 'gun'. I'm not entirely sure about your incendiary solution - a hotter burning thermite - actually a nano-thermite, according to your description, aluminium-tungsten(VI) oxide hydrate type, it seems. The effectiveness against battlesuits is potentially questionable, but you didn't have time to complete your design, so it could work. And an extremely high-temperature explosive device, to which I respond similarly to the 'thermite prime'. You may stay, even without your extenuating circumstances - staying here will keep you off the front lines. Though a word of warning - if you stay, you might not see Feyri or Jim in person again for quite some time, though you will be able to keep in touch.
Joseph, yours is a simple, yet effective design. A hypervelocity gauss rifle that can easily crack layers of battlesuit plate. Probably not a one-hit kill, mind you, and you would severely damage the battlesuit's armor as you cracked though the successive plates to reach the pilot - they're designed to crack on impact, to minimize damage to the next layer in. However, with a long-rod penetrator instead of a simple small bullet, you could crack multiple plates with one shot. Doesn't help much with the wrecked armor, but does reduce the number of hits required. However, I might note a potential personality conflict from your 'interview', such as it was. You seemed rather quick to defend your work preemptively, and it indicates to me you might not take criticism very well, which could turn into an issue. I'd rather not have you stay, if this could become a problem. You can still work remotely, and procuring the 'equipment beyond your means' shouldn't be a problem if you turn out good work, which I will say, your project has potential to be.
Charles, your opinion, since you were my second for observation? You're already confirmed, mind - a more administrative and human resources-inclined person will be of great help.