Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Lead Advanced Aerospace Innovation as a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer – Rotor Dynamics

Pay Rate: $75.00 – $82.00/hr
Location: Phoenix, AZ

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.

Candidate Submission Requirement

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

Yes / No

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 aerospace technologies
• Technical leadership and mentoring opportunities
• Collaboration with world-class engineering teams
• High-impact work supporting the future of aerospace innovation

Apply Today!

If you're an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer with expertise in Rotor Dynamics, Shafting Analysis, ANSYS, and aerospace rotating systems , we want to hear from you.

Apply today and join PDS Tech Commercial as a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer, where your expertise will help power the next generation of aerospace technologies.

This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.

Pay Details: $75.00 to $82.00 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.