Lead Mechanical Design Engineer-Systems

QuEST Defense; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead gas turbine engine programs. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with customers and tackle complex engineering challenges in a supportive environment. You will be responsible for guiding design and manufacturing teams, ensuring technical execution, and contributing to strategic program decisions. If you are a motivated engineer with a passion for innovation and problem-solving, this position could be your next career milestone.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of engineering experience with a focus on gas turbines.
• Strong problem-solving and project leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering teams and manage customer communications.
• Drive technical execution and manage budgets for programs.

Skills

Engineering experience

Gas Turbine Design

Test engineering

Cross-functional project leadership

Problem-solving skills

Lifecycle product management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

Are you an experienced Systems Engineer looking for a new challenge and an opportunity to further advance your skills and career in a great working environment? Join our fast-growing team supporting leading Aerospace companies! If you are a highly motivated individual, a self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit and a genuine interest in technology, we have the perfect job for you!

The Role

The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, systems a plus, will be the engineering leader supporting gas turbine engine programs, including new product introduction, cost reduction, reliability improvements, engine delivery, test engineering, and root cause investigations of field issues. Responsibilities include establishing requirements, developing engineering plans, leading engineering teams through execution, engine-level engineering integration, and customer communications. You will be the face of Quest to your customers, listening to their challenges and applying your experience to find creative solutions to complex engineering problems.

Roles & Responsibilities:

1. Provide guidance to design, manufacturing, instrumentation, test, and business teams based on customer product offerings.
2. Design, create, and optimize systems, including requirement identification, design trade studies, and verification.
3. Lead external customer communication.
4. Drive technical execution through development, production, and field support, identifying risks and mitigation strategies.
5. Influence teams without direct reporting relationships.
6. Contribute to product line decisions and long-term strategies, balancing business, customer needs, and technical constraints.
7. Prioritize technical needs for engine models and coordinate cross-functionally.
8. Deep knowledge of engine characteristics, design, configuration, and history.
9. Manage interfaces between components and overall configuration.
10. Manage budgets and deliverables as part of program management.
11. Make informed decisions and solve complex operational, manufacturing, or engineering problems.

Salary range for this position is $80,000 – $105,000 depending on experience.

Required Skills (Technical Competency):

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• 5+ years of engineering experience.
• 3+ years in Gas Turbine or Gas Turbine Package Design, Test engineering, and Analysis.
• Development and Test experience.
• Cross-functional project leadership, influence, and communication skills.
• Team leadership and program management.
• Root cause problem solving.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Lifecycle product management.
• US Citizen or Permanent Resident required.

Desired Skills:

• Systems/module level design and integration.
• Strategic program decision-making.
• Mentoring and coaching experience.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Mainly office environment, occasional shop floor involvement.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision.
• Extensive use of telephone, video conferencing, and computers.
• Adherence to procedures in a heavily regulated industry.
• Flexibility to meet deadlines, including early or late hours.
• Standard 8-hour workdays, 40-hour weeks, core hours 9AM-4PM.
• Ability to travel to customer locations using personal transportation.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident due to work nature.