Senior Mechanical Engineer - Structures and Durability

GE Vernova; Elgin Township (IL); On-site; USD 113,000 - 189,000; Full time

Job summary

GE Vernova Advanced Research Center is seeking a Senior Engineer in the Structures and Durability Laboratory to lead mechanical design, development and lifing of next-generation systems for Power, Wind and Electrification.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership in CAD, FEA (Ansys/SW Simulation/Algor), high-temperature materials, and DFM for high-volume manufacturing, with mentorship of junior engineers and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 15+ years of experience in fuel cell R&D and product development in SOFC/high-temperature electrochemical space.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical design with SolidWorks/Inventor.
• 10+ years of applying advanced structural and thermal FEA (Ansys, SolidWorks Simulation, Algor).
• 10+ years of experience using high-temperature materials (Inconel, advanced insulation, stainless steels).
• 5+ years of experience implementing GD&T and designing for high-volume manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and prototyping of systems including high-temperature heat exchangers, insulation systems, and gas handling components.
• Drive designs from early-stage conceptualization through to production.
• Mentor junior engineers and oversee CAD data management and drawings/specifications integrity.
• Partner with software, electrical and systems engineering teams for HW/SW integration and functional safety.
• Manage program scoping, vendor relationships, and project schedules to meet milestones.

Skills

Design engineering leadership

FEM/FEA analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Vendor collaboration

High-temperature materials knowledge

Education

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Doctorate Degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

SolidWorks/Autodesk Inventor

Ansys

SolidWorks Simulation

Algor

Job description

Job Description Summary

A Senior Engineer in the Structures and Durability Laboratory, GE Vernova Advanced Research Center, will work on the design, development and lifing of advanced mechanical components and/or systems for a broad range of current and future GE products. These are applied in the GE Vernova businesses of Power, Wind and Electrification.

GE Vernova Advanced Research Center works on technologies including fuel cells, carbon capture, 100% H2 combustion, Advanced Manufacturing, Next Generation Nuclear, super critical CO2, electric machines, onshore and offshore wind turbines, gas and steam power generation systems, hybrid energy storage.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

A highly experienced Design Engineer to lead the mechanical design, development, and optimization of our next-generation mechanical systems. The successful candidate will drive designs from early-stage conceptualization through to production.

• Design & Development:Lead the mechanical design and prototyping of systems including high-temperature heat exchangers, insulation systems, and gas handling components for applications such as direct air capture, SOFC, etc.
• Performance Optimization:Utilize FEA and structural analysis to improve volumetric power density and thermal management efficiency.
• Cost Management:Execute aggressive cost-reduction roadmaps (target: 40–50% reduction) through innovative material selection, vendor collaboration, and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) processes.
• Technical Leadership:Mentor junior engineers, oversee CAD data management, and ensure the integrity of engineering drawings and specifications.
• Partner with software, electrical, and systems engineering teams to ensure robust HW/SW integration, functional safety (HAZOPs), and adherence to industry certification standards.
• Manage program scoping, vendor relationships, and technical project schedules to meet commercial delivery milestones.

Required Qualifications

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) from an accredited institution.
• 15+ years of experience in fuel cell R&D and product development, specifically within the SOFC or high-temperature electrochemical space.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical design, leveraging expert-level proficiency in SolidWorks/Autodesk Inventor.
• 10+ years of experience applying advanced structural and thermal FEA (Ansys, SolidWorks Simulation, or Algor) to optimize designs.
• 10+ years of experience utilizing in-depth knowledge of high-temperature materials (Inconel, advanced insulation, stainless steels) to enhance component durability.
• 5+ years of experience implementing GD&T and designing for high-volume manufacturing (stamping, molding, etc.).

Desired Characteristics

• Doctorate Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated history of managing design teams, mentoring technical staff, and navigating cross-functional program requirements.
• Ability to perform financial and cost-benefit analysis to support business strategy and product viability.
• Experience with HAZOP analysis and functional safety standards (SAE/ISO).
• Demonstrated record of successful patent filings in the energy/fuel cell.
• Experience with international vendor management for prototype and production parts.

Additional Information

GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Vernova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).

Relocation Assistance Provided: No

For candidates applying to a U.S. based position, the pay range for this position is between $113,200.00 and $188,800.00. The Company pays a geographic differential of 110%, 120% or 130% of salary in certain areas. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set.

Bonus eligibility: discretionary annual bonus.

This posting is expected to remain open for at least seven days after it was posted on November 10, 2026.

Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource; and access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, 12 paid holidays, and permissive time off.

GE Vernova Inc. or its affiliates (collectively or individually, “GE Vernova”) sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs GE Vernova reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a GE Vernova welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.