Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

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.

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