What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Mechanical Design Engineer position at PDS Tech Commercial?
Pay Rate: $76.00–$79.00/hr
PDS Tech Commercial is seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join the Legacy Engines & APU Structures Group within the Component Design & Analysis (CDA) organization. In this role, you'll provide technical leadership for the design, development, and analysis of static gas turbine engine components supporting critical aerospace and power systems programs.
This position is ideal for engineers with extensive experience in structural mechanics, finite element analysis (FEA), stress analysis, vibration, heat transfer, and aerospace component design who enjoy solving complex engineering challenges and mentoring technical teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform and lead structural, vibration, and heat transfer analyses for gas turbine engine and APU components.
- Provide technical expertise across multiple engine and power systems programs.
- Design, develop, test, and evaluate mechanical components and equipment.
- Conduct Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to assess structural integrity and performance.
- Support disposition of discrepant hardware and engineering investigations.
- Lead design reviews and technical assessments.
- Develop engineering estimates, schedules, and resource plans.
- Present technical findings to internal and external customers.
- Ensure compliance with engineering standards, customer requirements, and program objectives.
- Support documentation, configuration management, and process improvement initiatives.
- Mentor and guide less experienced engineers.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
- 8 years of mechanical engineering experience.
- Strong background in:
- Structural Mechanics
- Stress Analysis
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
- Mechanical Design
- Aerospace Components
- Experience leading technical engineering activities and analyses.
- Ability to communicate complex engineering concepts effectively.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with:
- Gas Turbine Engines
- Auxiliary Power Units (APUs)
- Static Engine Structures
- Vibration Analysis
- Heat Transfer Analysis
- Experience supporting aerospace or propulsion systems programs.
- Prior leadership, project planning, or technical mentoring experience.
- Ability to estimate engineering scope, effort, and resource requirements.
- Experience presenting to customers and senior leadership.
What Makes You a Great Fit
- Deep expertise in structural mechanics and mechanical analysis
- Strong FEA and analytical modeling skills
- Experience dispositioning non-conforming or discrepant hardware
- Proven ability to mentor and develop engineers
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Ability to lead multiple technical efforts simultaneously
- Self-starter with excellent problem-solving abilities
Why Join Us?
- $76–$79/hr pay rate
- Opportunity to support advanced aerospace engine programs
- Technical leadership role with high visibility
- Work on gas turbine engine and APU technologies
- Mentor and develop future engineering talent
- Engage in challenging stress, vibration, and thermal analysis projects
If you have expertise in structural mechanics, FEA, aerospace component analysis, and engineering leadership, we want to hear from you.
Join PDS Tech Commercial and help shape the future of aerospace propulsion systems through innovative engineering and technical excellence.
Pay Details: $76.00 to $79.00 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
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
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.
Salary : $76 - $79