Mechanical Engineer III (Piezoelectric Sensors) - Defense Systems Division

Parker Hannifin Corporation; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 102,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Parker Hannifin Corporation in Irvine, CA is seeking a lead mechanical engineer to develop and qualify piezoelectric sensors for defense and aerospace applications. You will work with cross-functional teams to apply materials science, vibration analysis, and CAD to deliver robust sensor solutions.

The role emphasizes hands-on design, testing, and collaboration with production and suppliers, with a focus on quality, documentation, and meeting stringent customer requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or materials science; 5–7+ years related experience; Master’s preferred.
• Experience in Military/Aerospace industry preferred.
• Piezoelectric applications and/or vibration analysis experience essential.
• Expertise in mechanical engineering / materials science solutions including materials, fasteners, welding, dynamics.
• Experience with design and test of mechanical systems under thermal, vibration, shock.
• Hands-on tests plans, fixture design, test execution, and reporting.
• Proficient with CAD tools – SolidWorks preferred.
• FEM experience desirable; SolidWorks/ANSYS for simulations.
• Strong communication and teamwork; able to interface with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Act as a project engineer for piezoelectric sensor programs with cross-functional teams to ensure requirements are met.
• Support production problems and interface with crystal supplier.
• Prepare written and graphical documentation communicating requirements and designs.
• Ensure product and process quality by following best practices and meeting customer requirements.
• May perform qualification testing: vibration, shock, temperature, and other environmental tests.
• Determine root cause using DOE/SPC and suggest design changes.
• Provide sensor decision-making info by estimating labor, material costs, schedules, and future requirements.
• Liaise with supplier base and external customers.

Skills

Piezoelectric

Vibration analysis

Mechanical engineering

Materials science

CAD - SolidWorks

Finite element analysis

Documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or materials science

Master's in mechanical engineering preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

ANYSYS

Job description

Position Summary

The Defense Systems Division is part of the Parker Aerospace Group, located in Irvine, California. Our products are used across military and commercial platforms globally. We specialize in cutting edge thermal management systems and components including fans, pumps and compressors, ammunition handling systems, weapon scoring systems, dynamic pressure sensors, piezoelectric accelerometers, towed targets, reeling machines, and associated telemetry.

For over fifty years, we have been a leader in defense products, contributing to the operational success of some of the most advanced military platforms worldwide.

As a member of our team, you are instrumental in fulfilling our mission: 'Enabling Engineering Breakthroughs that Lead to a Better Tomorrow.' Pursuing a career at Parker presents unlimited opportunities for both professional and personal development. Working with some of the most brilliant minds in the industry, your contributions will be pivotal in developing innovative technologies and products, significantly contributing to Parker's goal of addressing the world's most pressing engineering challenges. At Parker, our team members belong, matter and make a difference.

Acting as a lead engineer, this position provides significant mechanical engineering expertise in the design and development of new or existing piezoelectric sensors. Experience with piezoelectric materials and design of vibration and pressure sensors would be necessary for the position.

JOB SUMMARY

Develops complex piezoelectric sensors by studying product requirements, researching, designing, analyzing, modifying, and testing piezoelectric materials. Works directly with customer to review specifications to design and develop and qualify sensors. Works directly with production staff to solve technical problems with sensor designs and materials.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Acts as a project engineer for new and existing piezoelectric sensor programs by collaborating with other cross-functional teams (electrical engineering, test equipment engineering, manufacturing engineering) to ensure all customer requirements and documentation are satisfied. Must have an understanding of piezoelectric materials to be able to support production problems and interface with crystal supplier. Prepares written and graphical documentation for the communication of requirements and design to all interested parties such as test equipment engineering, manufacturing engineering, and manufacturers/technicians. Assures product and process quality by adhering to company best practices and ensuring customer requirements are met. May be responsible for performing or overseeing qualification testing which can consist of vibration testing, shock testing, temperature testing, and other environmental testing. Determines root cause of failure using statistical methods (e.g. design of experiment, statistical process control) that may result in changes in design or processing methods. Provides piezoelectric sensors decision-making information by calculating non-recurring engineering effort, labor standards, material costs, reviewing design/production/test schedules, and estimating future product requirements. May serve as liaison to supplier base and external customers.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or material science from four-year college or university and 5 to 7+ years related experience and/or training. Master's in mechanical engineering preferred.
• Experience and training in the Military/Aerospace Industry preferred.
• Previous experience with Piezoelectric applications and/or Vibration analysis is essential for this role.
• Demonstrated expertise with complex Mechanical Engineering / Materials Science solutions including materials, fasteners, welding, statics & dynamics, system prototyping & debugging, control systems, rotating systems.
• Experience with design and test of mechanical systems for various mechanical stresses - thermal, vibration, shock, etc.
• Hands-on experience in developing tests plans, fixture design, test execution and report documentation.
• Proficient with CAD tools - SolidWorks preferred.
• Ability to perform finite element analysis is desirable but not required for this job.
• Create models, boundary conditions, run and verify simulations (SolidWorks or ANSYS preferred) is desirable but not required for this job.
• Ability to improve products or services by applying professional and business knowledge.
• Ability to solve complex problems; makes decisions based on the analysis of multiple sources of information.
• Effective interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills to drive tasks to completion.
• Must have good communication skills for working with assemblers, other engineers, upper management, vendors and customers.
• Strong oral communications skills and be comfortable speaking in a team or group setting, with customers, management, vendors, and colleagues.
• Ability to relate complex concepts to non-technical audience.
• Excellent writing skills, including experience in the outlining, drafting, refinement and finalization of written reports, power point presentations, technical memos - both technical and non-technical.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Understanding of regulatory requirements and standards as they impact Mechanical system design, function, production, and support (RTCA DO-160, various MIL standards, IEEE, IPC, ASME).
• Must be a strong team player and take direction from the Technical Director or other team members as required.
• Demonstrated ability to work across functional boundaries (production operation, test engineering, quality, procurement and program management).
• Consistently exercises independent judgment and discretion in matters of significance.
• Regular, consistent and punctual attendance is required. May need to work nights and weekends, variable schedule(s) and additional hours as necessary.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

Pay, Benefits, Work Schedule

Competitive Compensation

• Pay Range: $102305 to $170240 annually
• Participation in Annual Incentive Program

Benefit & Retirement Plans

Parker offers competitive benefit programs, including:

• Comprehensive coverage for medical, prescription drugs, dental, vision, voluntary optional life, accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance and critical illness insurance with competitive premium cost.
• 401(k) Plan with company matching contributions at 100% of the first 5% of pay.
• Company provided defined-contribution retirement plan with annual contribution equal to 3% of pay.
• Career development and tuition reimbursement.
• Other benefits including paid parental leave, short and long-term disability programs, adoption assistance, a Care.com membership and financial planning assistance are provided at no cost to you.
• Supplemental benefit programs including identity protection, legal protection, and pet wellness are available at competitive rates.
• Paid Time Off and Company-Paid Holidays.
  

Equal Employment Opportunity

Parker is an Equal Opportunity and Affinitive Action Employer. Parker is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job related reasons regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. This position is subject to meeting export compliance eligibility requirements. ("Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran / VEVRAA Federal Contractor")

If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov) and Genetic Information Discrimination

Drug Tests

Drug-Free Workplace

In accordance with Parker's policies and applicable state laws, Parker provides for a drug-free workplace. Therefore, all applicants seeking employment with Parker will be subject to drug testing as a condition of employment.