Lead Mechanical Engineer

North Wind; Idaho; On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

North Wind is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to design and analyze wind tunnel and hypersonic ground test hardware in St Paul, Minnesota. You will lead mechanical subsystems, work with cross‑functional teams, and contribute to both facility upgrades and new tunnel capabilities.

Responsibilities include FEA substantiation, document and present design criteria, manage budgets and schedules, and mentor fabrication teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelors in mechanical or aerospace engineering from an accredited university.
• 10+ years of practical work experience in design or systems engineering with large equipment or facilities.
• Due to security requirements, US Person status is required.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical subsystems including welded steel structures, pressure vessels, piping, mechanisms, rotating equipment, and process equipment.
• Perform FEA analysis and calculations to substantiate mechanical subsystems per requirements.
• Document and present work per quality and customer requirements; prepare design criteria, calculation packages, and procurement specs.

Skills

3D CAD modeling

Finite Element Analysis

GD&T

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor's in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Lead Mechanical Engineer

Full Time St Paul, MN, US

Salary Range: $100,000.00 To $160,000.00 Annually

Join North Wind – Accelerating Hypersonic Innovation

At North Wind, we are advancing hypersonic technologies through cutting‑edge research, system development, and flight testing. Our team drives innovation in high‑speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission‑critical components, supporting every phase of hypersonic programs from R&D to flight testing. If you are passionate about pushing technological boundaries in a dynamic environment, we invite you to join us.

Summary

Responsible for providing mechanical and structural design and analysis services for wind tunnel and hypersonic ground test projects. This diverse role includes designing and validating predominantly custom, one‑off equipment and components for new tunnel facilities as well as major capability upgrades to existing facilities. The position requires close collaboration with engineers and designers from Controls Engineering, Software, Facilities Engineering, AeroThermal, and other teams to deliver integrated solutions.

Responsibilities

Design (30%) – Design and develop mechanical subsystems. The mechanical subsystems include welded steel structures, pressure vessels, piping systems, simple and complex mechanisms, rotating equipment, and process equipment (pneumatic, hydraulic, fuel, and cooling water). Work collaboratively with Designers to prepare drawings and bills of material for internal release or work with sub‑contracts to construct a procurement specification when components are outsourced.

Analysis (25%) – FEA analysis and calculations for substantiation of mechanical subsystems to assure compliance with self‑derived and customer requirements.

Document & Present (15%) – Document and present work in accordance with quality and customer requirements. Prepare design criteria, calculation packages, procurement specifications, technical reports, design verification & validation plans. Participate and lead internal and customer design reviews.

Support (15%) – Provides guidance to fabrication, procurement, assembly and installation teams. Assists with vendor selection, subcontractor quality assurance, site surveys, equipment installation and commissioning.

Budget and Schedule Management (10%) – Effectively time manage and communicate resource usage to ensure projects stay within schedule and on budget. Coordinate with Project Manager, Chief Engineer, and other disciplines to ensure cohesiveness.

Quote (5%) – Assist in developing proposals for future work. Develop concepts, cost estimates, and proposal write‑ups in cooperation with the Marketing department.

Preferred Education / Experience

• Bachelors in mechanical or aerospace engineering from an accredited university.
• 10+ years of practical work experience in design engineering, systems engineering, or similar roles with large industrial equipment or facilities.
• A combination of education and experience equivalent to above.
• Due to security requirements, US Person status is required.

Preferred Knowledge / Ability

• Self‑starter with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize workload effectively.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling (required). SolidWorks experience (preferred).
• Proficiency in Finite Element Analysis (required). ANSYS experience (preferred).
• Design & analysis experience of welded steel structures.
• Experience designing and analyzing fluid packages or process equipment, including valves, filters, pumps, and instrumentation for pneumatic, hydraulic, fuel, and cooling water systems.
• General knowledge of fabrication methods including forming, welding, machining, and additive manufacturing.
• Design and analysis experience with pressure vessels and piping systems in accordance with applicable codes (e.g., ASME BPVC, B31.3, PED).
• Experience with high‑temperature environments (>2000°F / >1365K), including transient heat transfer analysis, cooling methods, high‑temperature materials (superalloys, ceramics), and thermal barrier coatings.
• Prior wind tunnel or other aerospace design experience.
• Familiarity with GD&T.
• Familiarity with risk assessment methodologies such as FMEA, Safety Risk Assessments, and HAZOP analysis.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Basic understanding of subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic aerodynamics.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally. Travel typically is less than 10%

North Wind is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. North Wind supports safe and drug free workplace through pre‑employment background checks and drug testing.

The salary range provided is a general guideline. Actual pay will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and other applicable qualifications. North Wind is committed to pay transparency in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.