Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

Lead Mechanical Design Engineer – Rotor Dynamics

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking a highly experienced Lead Mechanical Design Engineer with deep expertise in Rotor Dynamics and Shafting Structural Analysis to support the development of advanced aerospace propulsion and rotating machinery systems.

This is a unique opportunity to lead the design and analysis of complex aerospace components, working on technologies critical to the performance, reliability, and safety of next-generation aircraft engines and mechanical systems. You'll collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, mentor junior engineers, and drive technical excellence from concept through production.

If you're passionate about solving complex vibration, stability, and rotating machinery challenges, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on cutting-edge aerospace programs.

Candidates must answer the following question on their resume:

Do you have at least 5 years of experience conducting Rotor Dynamics analysis to:

• Predict critical speeds
• Create Campbell diagrams
• Create whirl speed maps
• Predict displacement due to imbalance
• Predict forces and moments resulting from imbalance

What You'll Do

Lead Mechanical Design & Development

Lead the design and development of advanced aerospace components and rotating systems from concept through production

Develop innovative, reliable, and high-performance mechanical solutions

Ensure designs meet customer requirements, performance objectives, and aerospace standards

Rotor Dynamics & Structural Analysis

Perform advanced Rotor Dynamics analysis on rotating systems, including:

• Fans
• Compressors
• Turbines
• Shafting systems
• Evaluate vibration characteristics, critical speeds, and system stability
• Develop and analyze:
• Campbell Diagrams
• Whirl Speed Maps
• Imbalance response predictions
• Rotor dynamic models
• Perform shafting structural assessments and dynamic behavior analysis

Engineering Analysis

Utilize:

• ANSYS APDL
• ANSYS Workbench
• 1D Beam-Based FEA methodologies
• Conduct structural evaluations and performance assessments
• Validate designs through analytical methods and testing support
• Identify and mitigate performance risks early in development

Design Reviews & Risk Management

Lead design reviews and technical evaluations

Conduct:

• Risk assessments
• Failure Mode Analyses (FMEA)
• Design verification activities
• Ensure robust, manufacturable, and reliable designs

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with:

• Systems Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Quality
• Program Management
• Suppliers
• Customers
• Resolve technical challenges throughout the development lifecycle
• Support certification and qualification activities

Technical Leadership & Mentorship

Mentor and develop junior engineers

Provide technical leadership across engineering teams

Establish best practices in mechanical design and analysis

Drive continuous improvement and engineering excellence

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Related technical discipline
• Significant experience in aerospace mechanical design engineering
• Proven experience with complex rotating machinery and system design
• Proficiency with:
• ANSYS APDL
• ANSYS Workbench
• Strong expertise in:
• 1D Beam-Based FEA
• Rotor Dynamics Analysis
• Shafting Structural Analysis
• Experience leading technical design reviews and engineering projects
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring experience

Preferred Qualifications

Aerospace propulsion system experience

Experience supporting:

• Fan systems
• Compressor systems
• Turbine systems
• Engine rotating assemblies
• Knowledge of:
• AS9100
• MIL-STD requirements
• Aerospace certification processes
• Experience with PLM tools
• Strong understanding of:
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
• Tolerance Analysis
• Mechanical Testing
• Aerospace Materials and Manufacturing Processes
• Familiarity with systems engineering methodologies

Why Join Us?

At PDS Tech Commercial, you'll work on some of the most advanced aerospace technologies in the industry while leading critical engineering efforts that directly impact aircraft performance and reliability.

What You'll Gain

Competitive pay of $75-$82/hr

Hybrid work flexibility

Opportunity to lead advanced propulsion and rotating machinery projects

Exposure to cutting-edge…