Job Description Summary
GE Aerospace is seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Systems Module IPT Leader to join our Small Uncrewed Engines team, with primary responsibility for bearing systems, pressure systems, and ventilation design for the GEK1500 and GE426 engine programs. In this role, you will provide technical leadership and hardware ownership for critical mechanical systems that enable safe, reliable operation of small uncrewed propulsion systems across their operational envelope.
You will lead cross-functional Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) across design, analysis, manufacturing, and test to mature and deliver mechanical systems hardware that meets stringent performance, durability, cost, and schedule requirements for expendable and limited-life engine applications.
Job Description
Essential Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Hardware Ownership
- Lead the mechanical systems module for GEK1500 and GE426 engines, owning all aspects of bearing systems, pressure systems (oil, fuel, air), and ventilation design.
- Serve as the technical authority for assigned mechanical systems hardware, driving decisions on architecture, materials, interfaces, and integration.
- Own the technical baseline (CAD, drawings, specifications) for bearing compartments, sealing systems, pressure regulation components, and ventilation paths.
- Ensure configuration integrity and change management across the product life cycle for all mechanical systems hardware.
Bearing Systems Design & Integration
- Lead the design, analysis, and qualification of bearing systems including rolling element bearings, bearing supports, squeeze film dampers, and bearing compartment architecture.
- Define bearing loads, speeds, and operating conditions in collaboration with rotordynamics and performance teams.
- Drive bearing selection, life analysis, and qualification testing to ensure reliable operation throughout engine life requirements.
- Manage bearing compartment sealing systems, lubrication delivery, and scavenge systems to maintain proper bearing environment.
- Coordinate with bearing suppliers on specification development, testing, and qualification activities.
Pressure Systems Design & Integration
- Lead the design and integration of pressure systems including oil systems, fuel systems, pneumatic systems, and hydraulic systems as applicable.
- Define system architectures for pressure regulation, flow control, filtration, and distribution throughout the engine.
- Design pressure system components including pumps, valves, regulators, filters, manifolds, and distribution lines.
- Ensure proper integration of pressure systems with engine controls, sensors, and monitoring systems.
- Conduct system-level pressure drop analyses, flow balance studies, and transient response assessments.
Ventilation & Thermal Management
- Lead the design of engine ventilation systems including bearing compartment ventilation, cavity purge flows, and cooling air systems.
- Define ventilation flow requirements in collaboration with thermal and operability teams to manage component temperatures and prevent oil coking.
- Design ventilation paths, breather systems, and overboard venting arrangements that maintain proper compartment pressurization.
- Ensure ventilation systems are integrated with engine secondary air systems and do not adversely impact engine performance.
- Manage thermal interfaces between hot and cold sections of the engine through proper insulation, heat shields, and cooling strategies.
Design & Analysis Integration
- Guide designers and analysts in developing robust, producible designs that satisfy structural, thermal, vibration, dynamic, and durability requirements as defined in the UERD.
- Collaborate closely with stress, thermal, rotordynamics, and operability teams to ensure balanced, optimized designs.
- Drive design trades and margin management to meet weight, cost, and performance targets for mechanical systems hardware.
- Lead Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) activities for mechanical systems components and assemblies.
Product Development & Execution
- Lead mechanical systems scope through concept, preliminary design, detailed design, test, qualification, and entry into service.
- Support hardware build, assembly, and test by resolving design issues and incorporating learning into updated configurations.
- Ensure design for manufacturability and assembly (DFMA) in partnership with manufacturing engineering and suppliers.
- Develop and execute component and system-level test plans to validate design performance and durability.
Requirements & Interfaces
- Translate system- and customer-level requirements into clear mechanical systems design requirements and verification plans.
- Define and manage interfaces between mechanical systems and adjacent engine modules including turbomachinery, combustor, controls, and external systems.
- Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and customer requirements throughout the design process.
- Manage mechanical systems interfaces with airframe including mounting provisions, fluid connections, and electrical connections.
IPT Leadership & Coordination
- Lead Integrated Product Team (IPT) meetings for mechanical systems, coordinating activities across design, analysis, manufacturing, test, quality, and supply chain.
- Drive integrated schedule development and execution for mechanical systems hardware deliverables.
- Manage technical risks and opportunities, developing mitigation plans and driving risk reduction activities.
- Provide regular status updates to program leadership on mechanical systems technical progress, risks, and issues.
Continuous Improvement & Standards
- Champion FLIGHT DECK principles and design best practices for mechanical systems within the Small Uncrewed Engines organization.
- Identify and drive continuous improvement opportunities in design methods, tools, and processes for bearing, pressure, and ventilation systems.
- Contribute to design guidelines, checklists, and standards for mechanical systems applicable to small uncrewed engine applications.
- Capture and disseminate lessons learned from development testing and operational experience.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Provide day-to-day technical direction, mentoring, and coaching to mechanical design engineers, analysts, and drafters supporting mechanical systems.
- Collaborate effectively with program management, supply chain, quality, and test organizations to ensure integrated execution.
- Partner with GEK1500 and GE426 Model Leaders to ensure mechanical systems support overall engine program objectives.
- Present design status, risks, and recommendations to technical leaders and program leadership.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline; Master's degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design engineering, preferably in aerospace propulsion, turbomachinery, or rotating machinery systems.
- This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a US Government Security Clearance; prerequisite for a security clearance is U.S. Citizenship. Preference will be given to candidates who currently hold US Government Security Clearance.
Desired Skills:
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in mechanical design engineering, preferably in aerospace propulsion, turbomachinery, or rotating machinery systems.
- Possess a current US Government Security Clearance.
- Demonstrated experience with bearing systems design, lubrication systems, or rotating machinery support systems.
- Strong understanding of mechanical design fundamentals including materials, GD&T, load paths, fatigue, vibration, and rotordynamics.
- Experience with pressure systems design including fluid flow analysis, pressure drop calculations, and system integration.
- Proven ability to own hardware from concept through production, including drawing release, change management, and support to manufacturing and test.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (e.g., Siemens NX, CATIA, or similar) and familiarity with PDM/PLM systems.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with ability to convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to make sound engineering decisions.
- Experience with aerospace propulsion systems, particularly gas turbine engines or small uncrewed engine applications.
- Background in bearing compartment design, sealing systems, and lubrication system architecture for turbomachinery.
- Experience with rolling element bearing analysis, bearing life calculations, and bearing qualification testing.
- Knowledge of squeeze film damper design and rotordynamic damping systems.
- Familiarity with oil system design including pumps, scavenge systems, filters, and oil cooling systems.
- Experience with ventilation system design and thermal management for engine compartments.
- Understanding of secondary air systems and their integration with engine thermodynamic cycles.
- Familiarity with structural and thermal analysis workflows and close collaboration with FEA/CFD analysts.
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes relevant to mechanical systems hardware (machining, castings, fabrications, tube forming, welding).
- Experience working with suppliers on bearing systems, seals, valves, and fluid system components.
- Understanding of agile or lean product development practices and their application to hardware design.
- Prior experience in technical leadership, IPT leadership, or team lead roles.
- Experience with expendable or limited-life engine design considerations.
- Familiarity with military engine specifications and qualification requirements.
What GE Aerospace Offers
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Opportunities for career growth and technical leadership development
- The chance to work on cutting-edge small uncrewed propulsion technologies
- A collaborative, innovative environment that values safety, quality, and continuous improvement
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This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).
Additional Information
GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).
Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes
