Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

Lead Mechanical Design EngineerDrive the Future of Gas Turbine Engine Design and Certification!PDS Tech Commercial is seeking a highly experienced Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to support strategic initiatives focused on improving design criteria, certification methodologies, and development processes for gas turbine engine cold-section components.This role offers a unique opportunity to influence next-generation engine design standards by evaluating Fan, Axial Compressor, and Centrifugal Compressor requirements, identifying opportunities for optimization, and developing innovative approaches that reduce cost, schedule, and development effort while maintaining regulatory compliance.If you possess deep expertise in gas turbine engine architecture, Fan and Compressor systems, certification, validation, and structural analysis, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on future aerospace propulsion programs.Position OverviewThis role focuses on evaluating and improving design requirements for gas turbine engine cold-section hardware with an emphasis on:Fan SystemsAxial CompressorsCentrifugal CompressorsMechanical and Structural Design RequirementsCertification & Compliance ApproachesVerification & Validation StrategiesThe successful candidate will investigate opportunities to tailor design criteria, improve efficiency, reduce development costs, and support future certification methodologies.Key ObjectivesInvestigate opportunities to optimize engine component design requirements.Evaluate cold-section engine components, including:FansAxial CompressorsCentrifugal CompressorsAssess potential savings related to:Design criteria optimizationCost reductionResource efficiencySchedule improvementsDevelop recommendations that maintain compliance while improving overall program performance.Engineering Analysis & ResearchConduct extensive technical and regulatory research.Review industry literature, standards, and certification guidance.Evaluate current design methods and identify enhancement opportunities.Develop recommendations for aligning design criteria with compliance requirements.Requirements & Certification SupportSupport requirements development and management activities.Contribute to verification and validation planning.Evaluate certification implications associated with proposed design criteria changes.Support FAA and military regulatory compliance initiatives.Structural & Mechanical AssessmentPerform engineering evaluations and trade studies.Assess impacts of modifying existing design criteria.Evaluate mechanical and structural behavior of cold-section components.Support development of updated design practices and engineering guidelines.Testing & ValidationDevelop testing, verification, and validation approaches.Assess qualification methodologies.Support demonstration of compliance for new design approaches.Evaluate testing strategies and validation requirements.Technical LeadershipLead collaboration efforts across engineering disciplines.Partner with:Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)Chief EngineersSystems TeamsMechanical Design TeamsCertification OrganizationsPresent technical findings and recommendations to stakeholders and customers.Key DeliverablesLiterature and regulatory review summaries.Recommendations for design criteria optimization.Candidate improvement opportunity assessments.Preliminary impact analyses.Updated design criteria recommendations.Technical trade studies and evaluation reports.Testing, validation, and compliance support documentation.Required Qualifications10+ years of gas turbine engine design experienceMinimum 5 years supporting Fan & Compressor systemsMinimum 5 years supporting requirements definition, verification, and validationMinimum 5 years supporting certification and qualification activitiesStrong knowledge of:Gas turbine engine architectureFan & Compressor designMechanical requirementsStructural requirementsAerospace certification processesPreferred QualificationsExperience supporting FAA certification programs.Military propulsion program experience.Experience developing engineering design criteria and methods.Structural and mechanical analysis expertise.Trade study and design optimization experience.Customer-facing technical leadership experience.Advanced engineering degree.What Makes You a Great Fit10+ years of gas turbine engine experienceFan & Compressor systems expertiseStructural and mechanical analysis backgroundVerification & validation experienceFAA and military certification knowledgeDesign criteria and requirements management expertiseTechnical leadership and mentoring abilitiesStrong customer communication and presentation skillsAbility to drive innovative engineering solutionsWhy Join Us?$69.71/hr pay rateRemote or onsite flexibilityOpportunity to influence future engine design standardsHigh-visibility role supporting advanced aerospace propulsion programsWork alongside senior technical experts and engineering leadershipOpportunity to shape certification strategies and design methodologiesImpact cost, performance, compliance, and innovation across future engine platformsApply Today!If you have deep expertise in gas turbine engine architecture, Fan and Compressor systems, certification, verification & validation, structural analysis, and aerospace propulsion development, we'd love to hear from you.Join PDS Tech Commercial and help define the future of gas turbine engine design, certification, and performance.This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.Pay Details: $69.71 per hourBenefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/DisabledMilitary connected talent encouraged to applyTo read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:The California Fair Chance ActLos Angeles City Fair Chance OrdinanceLos Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for EmployersSan Francisco Fair Chance OrdinanceMassachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employ