Staff Mechanical Engineer - Pump Development

Senior / Staff Mechanical Engineer - Technology Development (Fuel Systems)

Industry:

Aerospace & Defense /

Energy Control Systems Manufacturing Location:

Rockford, IL Employment Type:

Full-Time Compensation Senior Mechanical Engineer Minimum:

$93,000

Midpoint:

$121,000

Maximum:

$146,000

Staff Mechanical Engineer Minimum:

$114,400

Midpoint:

$143,000

Maximum:

$171,600 Benefits Medical, dental, and vision insurance (effective Day 1) Tuition reimbursement and professional development assistance 12 paid holidays annually Paid vacation and sick time Short-term disability coverage Paid parental leave and adoption assistance Employee Assistance Program (including mental health support) Life and disability insurance options Voluntary benefits including legal services, critical illness coverage, and home/auto insurance discounts Position Overview A leading organization within the Aerospace & Defense and Energy Control Systems industry is seeking a Senior or Staff Mechanical Engineer to support the development of next-generation fuel system technologies. This role focuses on advanced fluid power, control, and actuation systems used in mission-critical aerospace propulsion and energy applications. The position is part of a highly technical product development environment responsible for designing innovative energy control solutions that support aerospace propulsion, advanced fluid systems, and emerging clean-energy technologies. The ideal candidate will possess strong experience in fuel systems, pumps, hydraulic systems, or high-performance fluid control technologies and will thrive in a collaborative engineering environment focused on innovation, system optimization, and new product development. Key Responsibilities Design and develop advanced fuel system architectures and mechanical components. Support the development of fuel metering systems, pumps, servo valves, and hydraulic actuation technologies. Lead small to medium-sized engineering projects from concept through validation and product release. Apply physics-based engineering principles to solve complex fluid and mechanical system challenges. Conduct engineering trade studies and evaluate alternative design solutions. Support system integration activities within larger engineering programs. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including design engineering, manufacturing, quality, testing, and validation. Develop and execute technical plans to meet performance, reliability, and cost objectives. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers. Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities and technology maturation efforts. Required Technical Experience Candidates should demonstrate experience in several of the following areas: Fuel metering systems Pumps and pumping technologies Servo valves Hydraulic actuation systems Fluid power systems Fuel delivery systems High-performance fluid systems Aerospace propulsion technologies Energy control systems Rotating equipment and turbomachinery Desired Skills & Competencies Strong system-level engineering mindset Physics-based problem solving and analytical modeling Engineering trade study development and decision-making Experience managing competing technical requirements and design constraints Ability to work effectively in environments with evolving or ambiguous requirements Strong technical communication and presentation skills Cross-functional collaboration experience Product development and New Product Introduction (NPI) experience Understanding of fluid dynamics, hydraulics, and thermofluid systems Minimum Qualifications Senior Mechanical Engineer Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline Minimum of 4 years of relevant engineering experience Experience with pump development, hydraulic systems, or fluid system design Staff Mechanical Engineer Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline Minimum of 8 years of relevant engineering experience, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline with applicable industry experience Experience with pump development, hydraulic systems, or fluid system design Preferred Background Candidates with experience in the following industries are strongly encouraged to apply: Aerospace & Defense Aviation Systems Energy Control Systems Fluid Power Equipment Industrial Pumps Hydraulic Systems Turbomachinery Propulsion Systems Advanced Product Development Research & Development (R&D) Compliance Requirements This position is subject to U.S. export control regulations. Applicants must be authorized to work within applicable regulatory requirements and meet eligibility standards associated with controlled technologies.

INDAD Pay:

$100,000.00 - $171,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Relocation assistance

Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

Pump development : 1 year (Preferred) Pump design : 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person