Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design and development of highly specialized aircraft fuel valves and fluid-control components. This is a hands-on engineering leadership position focused on small, multi-part precision components used in demanding aerospace and defense applications.

The ideal candidate will combine strong mechanical design expertise with proven leadership experience and the ability to oversee a team of 5+ engineers and/or technical employees . This individual will have the opportunity to take ownership of complex product development projects while working closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and customers.

Leadership experience overseeing a team of 5+ employees is REQUIRED.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of aircraft system fuel valves and related precision mechanical components.
• Conceptualize, design, develop, test, and support new valve designs to meet customer requirements and specifications.
• Create and modify detailed mechanical designs, drawings, assemblies, and engineering documentation.
• Build and test prototypes hands-on, including performance, environmental, and qualification testing.
• Analyze test results and make design modifications to improve product performance, reliability, manufacturability, and quality.
• Support existing and legacy valve products through redesign, continuous improvement, manufacturability enhancements, and quality initiatives.
• Lead multiple engineering projects simultaneously while managing priorities, schedules, and customer requirements.
• Work closely with manufacturing to apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles and improve production processes.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of 5+ employees .
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, operations, and customers to resolve technical and product issues.
• Participate in design reviews, product development, qualification activities, and engineering problem-solving.
• Help establish engineering processes and best practices that support the organization's continued growth.
• Develop relationships and technical expertise necessary to progress into an Engineering Director role within 3–5 years .

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline .
• Significant mechanical design engineering experience, preferably involving precision components or complex multi-part assemblies.
• Demonstrated experience leading or supervising a team of 5+ employees — REQUIRED .
• Strong 3D CAD/design experience, preferably with SolidWorks.
• Experience taking products from concept through design, prototype, testing, qualification, and production .
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, tolerancing, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to work hands-on with prototypes, testing, troubleshooting, and product development.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple engineering projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Background

Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Mechanical valves
• Aircraft fuel valves or fuel systems
• Hydraulics
• Aerospace and defense products
• Military/Mil-Spec products
• Fluid-control systems
• Electro-mechanical design
• Precision-machined components
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
• Product qualification and environmental testing
• New product development
• Legacy product redesign and improvement
• Engineering project management
• AS9100 or other aerospace quality systems

Leadership Opportunity

This position is designed for an engineer who wants to move beyond individual technical contribution and develop into a senior engineering leadership role . The successful candidate will initially provide technical and personnel leadership to a team of 5+ employees while taking ownership of important product-development initiatives.

For the right individual, there is a defined opportunity to progress toward an Engineering Director position within 3–5 years , with increasing responsibility for engineering strategy, personnel development, project execution, customer relationships, and overall technical direction.