Static Structures Design Engineer

Static Structures Designer - Gearbox & Rotor Drive System

Chicago - Bedford Park, IL 60638

Overview

Salary Range $86,000.00 - $130,000.00 Salary Position Type Full Time Job Shift 1st Shift Education Level College Graduate

Description

Northstar Aerospace, now part of Avio Aero - a GE Aerospace Company, is a leading independent manufacturer of components and assemblies to the global Aerospace industry. Our principal products include gears and transmissions, accessory gearbox assemblies, rotorcraft drive systems, and other machined and fabricated parts for helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. We also provide maintenance and repair and overhaul (MRO) on these platforms.

In this context we are reinforcing the focus to excellence in aeronautical Mechanical Transmissions (i.e. accessory drive-train, power gearboxes and rotor drive systems) with an expansion of the Design Engineering team in US offering distinctive solutions to our customers.

The Static Structures Designer will own the design of Accessory/Power Gearboxes and Rotor Drive Systems (RDS) from concept through certification and entry into service within the full NPI lifecycle. This position is responsible for static structural hardware, driving integration for maximum performance and productivity, and supporting legacy products to ensure reliable hardware deliveries.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Use technical expertise to solve problems, execute objectives with positive impact short‑term and mid‑term business goals.
• Own static structure components design across multiple programs (new introduction and in-service).
• Contribute to the definition of static structures from concept to detailed design, prototype manufacturing/procurement, testing, certification, and entry into service.
• Create and update 3D models and 2D drawings using standard CAD tools while ensuring adherence to GE and Avio Aero design standards, specifications, and regulatory requirements. Perform tolerance stack-ups, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and design for manufacturability (DFM) to ensure robust, producible design, meet performance, cost, weight and reliability.
• Develop and strengthen technical expertise for static components in aeronautical gearboxes (housings, brackets, adapters, mounts, covers, etc.)
• Define subsystems and components, identify alternatives, define and agree on CTQs (Critical to Quality), run trade studies, and down ‑select the optimal solution to meet performance, cost, weight, and manufacturability targets.
• Collaborate with customers, System Engineers, and senior experts on design trade studies, risk assessments, and product definition.
• Support Request for Information (RFI) and Request for Proposal (RFP) responses with open collaboration to senior experts and module designers.
• Actively contribute to design reviews, substantiating and endorsing proposed design solutions with sound engineering rationale and analysis.
• Extend support across product life phases (Advanced Technology programs and Services) as needed.
• Stay current on state‑of‑the‑art technologies and methods in your field; identify training needs, share best practices, and help elevate technical capability across the design organization.
• Identify and recommend technical training and improvements, contributing to the development of technical excellence within the design community.
• Address quality notes and field issues for legacy products, ensuring timely, high-quality dispositions and uninterrupted hardware deliveries.
• Coordinate activities with the US‑based team and integrate work across the extended international team, ensuring alignment on part‑family scope and technical solutions.
• Travel up to 50% (domestic and international)

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a Mechanical Engineering and/or Mechanical Design discipline from an accredited university or college

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering from an accredited university or college
• Experience in static component design such as housings, covers, adaptors, mounts, and brackets
• Background in complex mechanical systems, ideally in gearbox systems and/or components
• Technical knowledge of power gearbox manufacturing processes
• Understanding of gearbox technical requirements, design processes and solutions, and technologies/materials for aeronautical static structures, including light alloys, alloys for mounting systems, and surface treatments/coatings for corrosion protection
• Experience with CAD tools (for example Unigraphics NX) and CAE tools (for example Nastran, Ansys).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a clear, structured, and diligent approach
• Strong oral and written communication; able to work cross‑functionally and present technical content clearly
• High motivation and passion for mechanical design, curiosity, and a continuous‑improvement mindset
• Prior experience in mechanical transmissions, developed on mechanical transmission systems or components and/or helicopter rotor drive systems.
• Experience in a multicultural, international environment, with demonstrated ability to collaborate across geographies and time zones
• Creativity and self‑confidence, with the ability to propose innovative solutions and challenge the status quo when appropriate
• Strong teaming and influencing skills, with a collaborative mindset and respect for diverse perspectives

The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate's experience, education, and skill set. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on a percentage of your base salary/commission based on the plan.

At Northstar, we understand the importance of Total Rewards and offer varied benefit offerings based upon location.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Employee Assistant Program
• Employee Service Awards (service and recognition)
• Performance Bonus

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 : No