Mechanical Engineer III

Safran Group; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran is seeking a Mechanical Engineer III in Irvine to drive cross-disciplinary design, development, and sustainment of aerospace mechanical systems. You will lead from concept through production, perform analyses, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and 5+ years of related experience, with proficiency in NX and strong collaboration across engineering teams. On-site in Irvine with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Self-directed, able to work with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of aerospace industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Minimum 5 years of related mechanical engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of mechanical systems and components.
• Perform analyses, drawings, tolerancing, and documentation per ASME Y14.5.
• Support design reviews, manufacturability, and readiness for production.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to resolve issues and implement improvements.
• Mentor junior engineers and manage technical scope across projects.

Skills

Engineering analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Job description

Mechanical Engineer III

Job details

General information

Entity

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.

Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's "World's Best Companies 2025" ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with more than 19,000 employees who bring together expertise and team spirit to design high-technology solutions for the aerospace, defense and space sectors. By combining human and technological intelligence, the company develops products and services for both civil and military customers, operating on land, at sea, in the air and in space.

Reference number

2026-175847

Job details

Domain

Research, design and development

Job field / Job profile

Mechanics - Mechanical part or subassembly design

Job title

Mechanical Engineer III

Employment type

Permanent

Professional category

Professional, Engineer & Manager

Part time / Full time

Full-time

Job description

For us, working at Safran is more than just a job; it's a passion. There's the unique opportunity to lead the way in aerospace and defense and contribute to creating a safer and more sustainable world.

Job Summary:

The Mechanical Engineer is a key member of a cross-disciplinary team driving the design, development and

execution of the pilot control, actuation systems and cockpit solutions program for the next generation of military and

commercial aircraft. The Mechanical Engineer works on the development of new products, and the improvement and

sustainment of existing products. Engineering duties will span the entire product lifecycle, from initial design and

requirements capture through manufacture and field support.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide input and guidance to designs and development of competitive electromechanical solutions.
• Perform product design activities including requirements capture, detailed design and analysis, component selection, troubleshooting, technical reviews, requirements verification and qualification/certification activities.
• Participate in new product development process to support design for manufacturability analysis, critical design reviews and manufacturing readiness.
• Demonstrate ability to interpret and generate engineering drawings in accordance with ASME Y14.5
• Perform basic mechanical analysis related to kinematics, tolerance stack-ups, strength / robustness and environmental impacts.
• Identify and analyze potential failure modes and recommend design improvements.
• Review customer specifications and statement of work to ensure overall technical compliance of products to requirements and/or note exceptions.
• Ensure the timely and efficient completion of projects to achieve the company's strategic and financial goals.
• Design new products and modify existing products to support customer, manufacturing, regulatory, industry standard, and market requirements.
• Provide technical support, interact and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, quality, testing, program management, suppliers and customers to resolve problems and implement solutions.
• Evaluate design changes for impact to product design, cost, and schedule.
• Will be an integral member of program Change Control Board's (CCB) to review the preparation of documentation with the end goal of system qualification and product certification.
• Demonstrate an understanding of internal processes and methods and tools.
• Ensures work complies with company policies and processes.
• Support trade studies and proposals.
• Other duties may be as assigned.

But what else? (advantages, specificities, etc.)

Other Requirements:

• This position requires use of information or access to hardware which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. Persons as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. green card holder), political asylee or refugee.

Candidate skills & requirements

In addition to the above, they will have expanded knowledge of products and design in an assigned area. May be considered a specialist in a specific area and product line (i.e. thermal, vibration, stress, structural), or a generalist in multiple areas. Will have significant knowledge of projects, systems, and applicable

regulatory requirements in assigned portfolio of moderate complexity. Able to serve as the lead engineer on a

moderately complex program. Will gain MRB approval and will be able to judiciously use this authority in alignment

with company policy. Estimate, track, manage, and report status relating to technical, cost, schedule, and risk

performance for scope of work, which may span across multiple projects. Able to create a proposal for a program of

small complexity. Review metrics and defect trends, identify systemic root causes, gaps and process improvements.

Recommend new approaches, tools, and techniques that drive continued improvement in engineering processes

and design standards. Maintain awareness of technology within the system and develop technology strategies for

the system. Act as a mentor to more junior engineers.

Required Competencies

Education/Experience

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or related

field from an accredited institution required

Work experience:

Mechanical Engineer III: 5 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical

education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must be a self-directed individual requiring minimal supervision.

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying

principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Knowledge of industry and regulatory standards, policies, and compliance requirements.

Understands the safety and environmental requirements required for aerospace applications.

Working knowledge of statistical analysis methods.

Proficient with modeling and simulation software for analyzing mechanical behavior.

Proficient in using Siemens NX (or similar) for product design and assessment.

Ability to select appropriate materials based on performance requirements, considering factors such as

strength, durability, corrosion resistance, thermal properties, cost, and environmental impact.

Familiarity with various manufacturing processes such as casting, machining, welding, heat treatment, surface

treatment, molding, standard assembly operations and additive manufacturing. Knowledge of process

optimization and quality control is also important.

Proficient understanding of load paths, stability of structure, and aircraft structural behavior.

Understand and is proficient with project management, engineering documentation requirements, and

engineering analysis tools.

Capable of performing analysis with classical equations.

Annual salary

$105K-$144K

Job location

North America, United States, California, Irvine

City (-ies)

1833 Alton Parkway CA 92606 Irvine

Applicant criteria

Minimum education level achieved

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum experience level required

More than 5 years

ITAR Controlled Position: Select "Yes" if role requires U.S. citizenship/permanent residency

Yes