Senior / Staff Mechanical Engineer

Technology Development – Fuel Systems

Industry: Aerospace & Defense / Energy Control Systems Manufacturing

Location: Rockford, Illinois

Employment Type: Full-Time

Compensation (Base Salary)

Senior Level

• $93,000 – $121,000 (midpoint) – $146,000 (max)

Staff Level

• $114,400 – $143,000 (midpoint) – $171,600 (max)

Benefits Overview

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (effective day 1)
• 12 paid holidays
• Vacation, sick time, and short-term disability coverage
• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
• Employee Assistance Program (mental health included)
• Life & disability insurance options
• Voluntary benefits (home/auto discounts, legal services, critical illness, etc.)

Role Summary

This role focuses on the design and development of next-generation fuel system technologies, including advanced control and actuation systems used in aerospace and energy applications.

The engineer will operate in a highly technical environment supporting mission-critical energy control systems for aerospace propulsion and clean energy technologies. This position contributes directly to advanced fluid power and fuel system innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced fuel system architectures and components
• Lead small to medium engineering projects from concept through delivery
• Solve complex engineering problems using physics-based and analytical methods
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including design, manufacturing, and quality
• Support system integration into larger engineering programs
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers

Key Technical Skills

• Fuel metering systems, servo valves, pumps, and hydraulic actuation systems
• Strong system-level engineering and physics-based modeling capability
• Trade study development and structured engineering decision-making
• Ability to work through incomplete or conflicting technical requirements
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) programs
• Strong technical communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Familiarity with aerospace or high-performance fluid systems

Minimum Qualifications

Senior Level

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• 4+ years of relevant engineering experience
• Experience in pump or fluid system development

Staff Level

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• 8+ years of relevant experience OR PhD with entry-level experience
• Experience in pump or fluid system development

Compliance Notice

This position requires compliance with ITAR/EAR regulations. Applicants must be U.S. Persons (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or protected status) or otherwise eligible for authorization.

Industry Classification

Aerospace & Defense / Energy Control Systems / Advanced Fluid & Propulsion Technologies

You should be proficient in:

• Bachelor's Degree
• ITAR Compliance
• Fuel Systems
• Hydraulic Systems & Components

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• CAD Software (Catia, Pro-E / Creo, Solidworks)