Job Description Summary

GE Aerospace is seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Systems Module IPT Leader to join our Small Uncrewed Engines team, with primary responsibility for bearing systems, pressure systems, and ventilation design for the GEK1500 and GE426 engine programs. In this role, you will provide technical leadership and hardware ownership for critical mechanical systems that enable safe, reliable operation of small uncrewed propulsion systems across their operational envelope.

You will lead cross-functional Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) across design, analysis, manufacturing, and test to mature and deliver mechanical systems hardware that meets stringent performance, durability, cost, and schedule requirements for expendable and limited-life engine applications.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Hardware Ownership

• Lead the mechanical systems module for GEK1500 and GE426 engines, owning all aspects of bearing systems, pressure systems (oil, fuel, air), and ventilation design.
• Serve as the technical authority for assigned mechanical systems hardware, driving decisions on architecture, materials, interfaces, and integration.
• Own the technical baseline (CAD, drawings, specifications) for bearing compartments, sealing systems, pressure regulation components, and ventilation paths.
• Ensure configuration integrity and change management across the product life cycle for all mechanical systems hardware.

Bearing Systems Design & Integration

• Lead the design, analysis, and qualification of bearing systems including rolling element bearings, bearing supports, squeeze film dampers, and bearing compartment architecture.
• Define bearing loads, speeds, and operating conditions in collaboration with rotordynamics and performance teams.
• Drive bearing selection, life analysis, and qualification testing to ensure reliable operation throughout engine life requirements.
• Manage bearing compartment sealing systems, lubrication delivery, and scavenge systems to maintain proper bearing environment.
• Coordinate with bearing suppliers on specification development, testing, and qualification activities.

Pressure Systems Design & Integration

• Lead the design and integration of pressure systems including oil systems, fuel systems, pneumatic systems, and hydraulic systems as applicable.
• Define system architectures for pressure regulation, flow control, filtration, and distribution throughout the engine.
• Design pressure system components including pumps, valves, regulators, filters, manifolds, and distribution lines.
• Ensure proper integration of pressure systems with engine controls, sensors, and monitoring systems.
• Conduct system-level pressure drop analyses, flow balance studies, and transient response assessments.

Ventilation & Thermal Management

• Lead the design of engine ventilation systems including bearing compartment ventilation, cavity purge flows, and cooling air systems.
• Define ventilation flow requirements in collaboration with thermal and operability teams to manage component temperatures and prevent oil coking.
• Design ventilation paths, breather systems, and overboard venting arrangements that maintain proper compartment pressurization.
• Ensure ventilation systems are integrated with engine secondary air systems and do not adversely impact engine performance.
• Manage thermal interfaces between hot and cold sections of the engine through proper insulation, heat shields, and cooling strategies.

Design & Analysis Integration

• Guide designers and analysts in developing robust, producible designs that satisfy structural, thermal, vibration, dynamic, and durability requirements as defined in the UERD.
• Collaborate closely with stress, thermal, rotordynamics, and operability teams to ensure balanced, optimized designs.
• Drive design trades and margin management to meet weight, cost, and performance targets for mechanical systems hardware.
• Lead Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) activities for mechanical systems components and assemblies.

Product Development & Execution

• Lead mechanical systems scope through concept, preliminary design, detailed design, test, qualification, and entry into service.
• Support hardware build, assembly, and test by resolving design issues and incorporating learning into updated configurations.
• Ensure design for manufacturability and assembly (DFMA) in partnership with manufacturing engineering and suppliers.
• Develop and execute component and system-level test plans to validate design perfo