Engineer II

Barber-Nichols Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Barber-Nichols Inc. is seeking an Engineer II to contribute to turbomachinery product development. The role involves performing design and analysis on components, taking ownership of subsystems, and collaborating across functions to ensure quality designs on schedule.

The ideal candidate has a mechanical engineering degree, at least 2 years of design experience, and proficiency with 3D CAD and GD&T. This position supports multiple defense, aerospace, and energy programs with opportunities for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years of engineering experience in product design.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and advanced drafting.
• Experience performing engineering calculations and analyses (stress, thermal, vibration).
• Working knowledge of GD&T per ASME Y14.5.

Responsibilities

• Execute engineering analyses of increasingly challenging assignments as part of the engineering and design process.
• Lead 3D modeling for turbomachinery projects, derivative or new designs, including drawings for the complete system.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams; lead small projects with oversight and deliverables.
• Prepare and present design documentation, analysis reports, and review materials.

Skills

3D CAD modeling

SolidWorks

GD&T

Engineering calculations

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS

CFX

Job description

Barber-Nichols (BN) is a premier provider of custom turbomachinery solutions serving the Defense, Aerospace, Cryogenics, and Energy industries. Our team consists of industry leaders who collaborate closely with equally accomplished customers to deliver technologies that advance their markets and establish enduring partnerships. At BN, we foster a results-driven environment that values professional growth, rewards achievement, and supports innovation. From designing the blower for NASA’s Dragonfly mission to Saturn’s moon Titan to engineering critical components for the U.S. Navy’s MK-48 program, BN’s portfolio spans some of the most exciting and impactful projects in the world. For those seeking to contribute to impactful projects alongside a highly skilled team, BN offers an exceptional place to build your career.

Position Summary:

The Engineer II executes specified portions, or minor phases, of design and analysis activities in support of turbomachinery product development. This role takes ownership of components or subsystems and may lead smaller, well-defined projects. The Engineer II works with growing independence, making engineering decisions within their scope while collaborating across functions to deliver quality designs on schedule.

Key Results Areas:

• Executes engineering analysis of increasingly challenging assignments as part of the engineering and design process.
• Applies standard practices and techniques in specific situations, adjusts and correlates data as appropriate, and recognizes discrepancies in results to complete assigned tasks, with oversight from more senior engineers
• Performs necessary analyses such as aerodynamic analysis, heat transfer, structural analysis, etc. under supervision of more experienced engineers.
• Perform engineering calculations, FEA, and CFD analysis.

2. Mechanical Design

• Lead 3D modeling for projects for derivative or clean sheet turbomachinery, responsible for models, assemblies, and drawings for the complete system.
• Apply GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and lead drawing reviews to ensure functionality and compliance with standards and engineering requirements.
• Create manufacturing drawing packages, working cross-functionally to incorporate design for manufacturability, and lead the drawing review and release process.
• Work with project team and manufacturing group and others during manufacturing phase of the project to disposition non-compliant parts.

3. Project Leadership and Support

• Take responsibility for component- or subsystem-level work packages.
• Lead well-defined projects or portions of larger projects with oversight, coordinating tasks, schedules, budgets, and deliverables with guidance, including customer meetings and communication.
• Prepare and present design documentation, analysis reports, and review materials.
• Additional responsibilities may include component test support and data analysis, design tool verification and documentation, design guideline creation, management and customer presentations, design review support, and more.

4. Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

• Provide effective communication and teamwork to successfully function as part of the project team.
• Work closely with analysts, designers, and cross-functional teams to ensure designs integrate correctly.
• Support troubleshooting during manufacturing, testing, and prototype builds.
• Recommend and document improvements in processes, standards, and tools.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify for this position, an individual must possess the knowledge, training, experience and abilities listed:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 2 years of engineering experience in product design and development.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and advanced drafting.
• Experience performing engineering calculations and analyses (stress, thermal, vibration, etc.).
• Working knowledge of GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Ability to independently execute engineering tasks and manage subsystem deliverables.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical work clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to work across functions to resolve technical issues.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and ability to apply engineering fundamentals to practical problems.
• Must be willing to work overtime as required.
• Travel up to 10% of working time.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in Solidworks and Solidworks PDM or similar.
• Preferred 5 years of related experience.
• Experience with turbomachinery, rotating machinery, or high-speed electromechanical systems.
• Proficiency with FEA and/or CFD tools (ANSYS, CFX, or equivalent).
• Experience leading small projects or engineering work packages.
• Familiarity with rotordynamics, bearings, or seals.
• Hands-on experience supporting testing, prototyping, or manufacturing builds.
• Active pursuit of professional licensure (EIT/FE or PE) or an advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Skills:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must have proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, project management, enterprise resource planning, database, and specialized engineering application software such as SolidWorks; the ability to learn analytical software such as ANSYS, CFX, etc.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, and analysis.
• Ability and willingness to abide by set policies and/or safety programs established by BN, our clients, and/or regulatory agencies which govern our performance and behavior in the normal course of our work while on BN or the client’s property or job site.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to successfully plan and implement objectives within established timelines and work schedules.
• Ability to analyze problems and develop effective solutions at both strategic and functional levels.
• Demonstrate behavior consistent with company values.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal direction as a highly motivated self-starter and within a team-oriented culture.

ITAR Requirements:

To conform to U.S. Government commercial space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), applicants for employment at Barber-Nichols must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawfully admitted for permanent residence into the U.S. (i.e., current green card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1157-1158. Security clearance is not required for this position.

To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Barber-Nichols is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by law.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for this role is $85,000 - $120,000. This range represents the anticipated minimum and maximum base + bonus for this position based upon a good faith and reasonable estimate. The final compensation for this position will be set based on the applicant’s qualifications (education, training and/or experience related to this role), and therefore, may fall outside the range shown, depending on the circumstances.

Barber Nichols anticipates the application window closing approximately 30 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require Barber Nichols to shorten or extend the application window.