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)