What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Engineer position at Chattanooga Engineering Group?
Mechanical Engineer
Apogee
Location: Chattanooga, TN (preferred) | Full-time
Position Overview
Apogee Turboprop Company is developing a new class of compact, high-performance turboprop engines. We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, and transition to production of mechanical systems and components across the engine and gearbox assemblies.
This role is intentionally not aerospace-exclusive. Candidates with strong backgrounds in machine design, manufacturing-oriented engineering, and hands-on product development are encouraged to apply. Turbine or aviation experience is not required.
The ideal candidate is technically rigorous, comfortable owning designs from concept through production, and capable of leading junior engineers and interns in a fast-moving startup environment.
Key Responsibilities
Mechanical Design & Analysis
- Design mechanical components and assemblies using 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or equivalent)
- Develop production-ready part designs considering manufacturability, tolerances, and assembly
- Perform structural and thermal analysis using FEA tools to validate designs
- Generate detailed drawings, GD&T, and engineering documentation
Manufacturing & Production Support
- Support CNC-machined, fabricated, and off-the-shelf component integration
- Collaborate with machine shops and vendors on manufacturability, cost, and lead time
- Assist in defining and refining production and assembly processes
- Contribute to the layout and evolution of low-volume production lines
Bill of Materials & Cost Control
- Establish and maintain structured Bills of Materials (BOMs)
- Track part costs, supplier quotes, and design-driven cost impacts
- Support project cost estimating and cost-reduction initiatives
Project & Team Leadership
- Lead and mentor engineering interns and junior staff
- Coordinate work across multiple mechanical sub-systems
- Interface with suppliers, manufacturers, and internal stakeholders
- Support prototype builds, testing, and iterative design improvements
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- Strong experience in mechanical / machine design
- Proficiency in 3D CAD and drawing creation
- Hands-on experience with FEA for structural validation
- Experience creating and managing Bills of Materials
- Experience working with suppliers and machine shops
- Ability to lead interns or junior engineers
- Strong documentation, organization, and communication skills
Preferred / Plus Qualifications
- Familiarity with CNC machining processes and tolerancing
- Experience supporting or designing production or assembly lines
- Exposure to gearbox, rotating machinery, or powertrain components
- Experience in startup, prototype-driven, or small-team environments
- Comfort working across design, manufacturing, and testing disciplines
What We Offer
- Opportunity to work on a clean-sheet turboprop engine program
- Broad ownership and real design authority
- Close interaction with manufacturing and testing
- Rapid learning environment with tangible hardware outcomes
- Competitive compensation based on experience
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $67, $81,190.45 per year
Benefits:
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Salary : $81,190