Mechanical engineer (Aerospace)

Mechanical Engineer – Aerospace Turbomachinery Systems

Location: Onsite – Irvine CA

Industry: Aerospace & Defense

Citizenship Requirement: U.S. Citizen (No Dual Citizenship)

Duration: 6 months & Extendable

Role Overview

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer with strong turbomachinery design experience to support the development of advanced aerospace thermal management subsystems used across military and commercial platforms globally.

This role focuses on the design and development of rotating machinery, including compressors, pumps, and fans integrated within aerospace thermal systems. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience designing turbomachinery components from concept through validation, with strong grounding in aerodynamics, CFD, structural integrity, and high-speed rotating equipment design.

These programs are entering early development phases prior to Preliminary Design Review (PDR), requiring strong technical leadership in turbomachinery architecture, performance prediction, and mechanical robustness.

Key Responsibilities

Design and develop mechanical enclosures and subsystems incorporating turbomachinery components

Lead the mechanical design and development of turbomachinery components including compressors, pumps, and fans

Perform aerodynamic design and optimization of rotating components

Conduct or support CFD analysis for flow performance and efficiency validation

Perform structural analysis of rotating components, including stress, fatigue, and rotor dynamics considerations

Support bearing selection, shaft design, housing integration, and sealing strategies

Define performance requirements and conduct trade studies during early-phase system architecture

Support prototype builds, performance testing, and validation activities

Ensure designs meet aerospace environmental requirements (shock, vibration, temperature, altitude)

Collaborate with thermal, systems, controls, and packaging teams for subsystem integration

Develop detailed CAD models and manufacturing drawings (SolidWorks preferred)

Participate in root cause analysis, performance troubleshooting, and design improvements

Ensure compliance with aerospace and defense standards and documentation practices

Required Qualifications

U.S. Citizen (No Dual Citizenship)

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent.

7+ years of experience in Aerospace & Defense mechanical subsystem development

Direct turbomachinery design experience (compressors, pumps, fans, or similar rotating machinery)

Experience with aerodynamic design principles and performance prediction

Working knowledge of CFD tools and analysis interpretation

Experience with structural analysis of rotating components (stress, fatigue, rotor dynamics fundamentals)

Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred; strong experience in other platforms acceptable)

Experience supporting early development phases and design reviews

Familiarity with aerospace environmental standards (MIL-STD preferred)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing turbomachinery for thermal management or Environmental Control Systems

• Familiarity with high-speed electric motor integration

• Experience with balancing, vibration mitigation, and rotating system qualification

• Exposure to FEA tools for structural validation

• Experience progressing programs through PDR/CDR