Mechanical Design Engineer (Gas Turbine Gears)
Indianapolis, IN
Pay Range: $52.00-$58.50/hour
Job Description:
We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer with proven expertise in gas turbine and aerospace component design to support the development and lifecycle of advanced turbomachinery systems. This role focuses on gear systems, rotating components, and transmission assemblies, contributing directly to next-generation propulsion technology. The ideal candidate will have deep technical understanding of gas turbine architecture, strong design-for-manufacture principles, and the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Military experience equivalency may substitute for some requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
Design & Development
- Develop and deliver new component designs and design changes for gas turbine gear systems and related transmission components (including shafts, bearings, and seals).
- Create and optimize design concepts, perform detailed analyses, and generate final definitions, drawings, and model-based definitions (MBD) for hardware release.
- Apply Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) principles and perform dimensional tolerance stacks and analyses to ensure fit, function, and manufacturability.
- Ensure designs meet performance, reliability, cost, and safety requirements while maintaining compliance with aerospace standards and regulations.
Analysis & Validation
- Conduct strength, lifting, durability, and performance analyses to validate suitability of components for both new and existing gas turbine applications.
- Support and lead validation and verification planning, ensuring designs meet engineering and regulatory standards.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and aftermarket teams to ensure seamless design transition from concept to production.
- Review supplier documentation, assess non-conforming hardware, and evaluate supplier change proposals for compliance and impact.
- Provide hands-on engineering support for production, assembly, and service issues.
Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement
- Conduct root cause and corrective action (RCCA) investigations for prototype or in-service hardware issues, implementing durable design improvements.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reliability, maintainability, and manufacturability.
Technical Leadership & Communication
- Present and defend design decisions to program leadership, technical review boards, and customers.
- Collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams — including analysis, manufacturing, materials, MRO, and systems engineering — to ensure integration and performance alignment.
- Maintain design documentation and ensure traceability throughout the product lifecycle.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field. (Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline may substitute for equivalent experience.)
- 5+ years of experience in mechanical/component design, preferably in gas turbines, gear systems, or rotating equipment.
- Demonstrated experience with gas turbine design principles, mechanical systems integration, and aerospace-grade manufacturing standards.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling, design definition, and GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
- Strong understanding of materials, heat treatment, and fatigue life in aerospace components.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- U.S. Citizenship (or necessary eligibility) required for certain roles or projects.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with major aerospace OEMs or competitors in gas turbine design and development.
- Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) and rotordynamic simulations.
- Working knowledge of aerospace quality systems (AS9100) and regulatory compliance standards.
- Hands-on experience with gear design tools, bearing analysis software, or model-based engineering (MBE) methodologies.
- Professional certifications (e.g., PE, SHRM-CP, Six Sigma Green Belt) or equivalent industry recognition.
***For consideration for this opportunity, please email your resume to info@uspro.net and include in your message the job title AND five-digit number that follows the job title***
Equal Opportunity Statement:
USPRO is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability and/or other protected categories. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodation(s) to qualified individuals with disabilities or needs, as required by law.
