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Mechanical Systems Design Engineer – Secret
Quest Defense is an organization at the forefront of innovation and one of the world’s fastest growing engineering services firms with deep domain knowledge and recognized expertise in the top OEMs across seven industries. We are part of a twenty-five-year-old company on a journey to becoming a centenary one, driven by aspiration, hunger and humility.
We are looking for humble geniuses, who believe that engineering has the potential to make the impossible, possible; innovators, who are not only inspired by technology and innovation, but also perpetually driven to design, develop, and test as a trusted partner for Fortune 500 customers.
As a team of remarkably diverse engineers, we recognize that what we are really engineering is a brighter future for us all. If you want to contribute to meaningful work and be part of an organization that truly believes when you win, we all win, and when you fail, we all learn, then we’re eager to hear from you.
The achievers and courageous challenge-crushers we seek have the following characteristics and skills:
For this position, we require a Secret Clearance, $5,000 sign on bonus If you have a Transferrable ACTIVE SECRET CLEARANCE,
About the role:
You will be working in an engineering team to design hydro-mechanical and pneumatic control systems using physics-based system modeling. Design functional system architecture through definition of major components or major portions of functional systems.
Requirements:
- Proficient user of Siemens NX/Teamcenter environments
- Mech designer who can handle system/assembly level requirements definition
- Min 8 years relevant experience mechanical design (system level)
- Experience with :
- Design of and requirements definition for: aircraft sub-systems controls, hydro-mechanical control systems, pneumatic systems, and engine control systems
- Conducting trade studies
- Understanding system requirements and flowing down requirements through the system architecture including major components and modules/assemblies
- Planning and executing system design tests, analyzing results & using them to improve system design function performance
- The ability to create & interpret technical drawings and design intent notes
- Familiarity with aerospace industry standards, regulations, and best practices.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in drafting and documentation.
- Perform 1-D hand calculation analysis and complex 3-D simulations to aid in analysis of performance requirements.
- Generate solid models of components using 3-D modeling software to aid in packaging and weight estimations.
- Strict adherence to the design process is mandatory for successful realization of product for our demanding customers. Attention to detail is critical to ensure a safe and reliable product is placed into service
- US Citizen and an active Secret Clearance or a secret clearance that’s been active within the last 5 years or the ability to obtain one.
- Proven capacity to meet deadlines, thrive under time constraints, maintain composure, and adeptly juggle multiple tasks with outstanding communication skills, both written and oral, engaging with employees and managers at all levels.
Education: BS in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering
Desired Skills:
- Proficient user of DOORs preferred
- Create technical substantiation
- Develop components and assemblies keeping cost, performance, life, and system requirements in mind
- Able to work effectively in a team environment, comprehend and implement oral and written inputs and coordinate with project group on each program you support
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and assembly techniques relevant to aerospace applications
- Strong interpersonal skills and a passion for collaborative teamwork while thriving in a fast-paced, creative environment, enjoying the dynamic synergy of diverse teams.
Key Responsibilities of the Role
- Component requirements analysis, specification reviews, and the creation of physical components considering factors like performance, weight, envelope, and cost. Creative solutions are often necessary to address competing requirements.
- Utilize 3D analysis such as Finite Element Analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics to create the most critical components.
- Ensures novel ideas and implementations are captured and protected using applicable IP processes and tools.
- Design major components or major portions of functional systems or technically advanced prototypes using computer design and engineering systems.
- Develops data and makes layouts, sketches, and notes for components. Collaborate with product definition specialists.
- Investigates pertinent design factors such as strength-weight efficiency.
- Apply technical principles, theories, and concepts to solve a wide range of challenging engineering problems.
- Evaluate fit, form, function and life of the components relative to the certified configuration.
- Work with product definition team to produce and check drawings for accuracy, correct GD&T, and compliance to the aerospace industry and customer drafting and manufacturing standards
- Support & present technical work in product design reviews and coordinate work with project, engineering, and manufacturing teams
- Ensure proper filing, control, and export classification of created design data
Physical Requirements & Work Environment:
- Work Environment: Primarily office-based, requiring on-site presence at the customer facility for 40 hours per week.
- Task Allocation: Extensive telephone, video conferencing and computer work in alignment with industry regulations and procedures.
- Schedule Flexibility: Flexibility to accommodate business deadlines, including occasional early or late hours.
- Workweek: Typically follows a 40-hour workweek, with core (required) hours from 9 AM to 4 PM.
- Transportation: Capability to use personal transportation to work at customer locations.
The physical demands described herein represent those necessary to perform the essential functions of this role successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications
Quest Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Chris Hardgrave joined Quest Defense in April 2024 as Vice President for Strategic Accounts. He is responsible for sales, growth, and development of strategic relationships for new business development efforts in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Chris works in the Washington, D.C. office.
Steve Gerber is President and CEO of QuEST Defense Systems and Solutions business and is responsible for providing the leadership and growth of this venture.
Pete Messerle is a Client Partner within the Sales Organization, with the focus of partnering across his customer’s organizations to understand their strategic and tactical needs. He then works with key stakeholders at Quest and the client to build customized service solutions, built on the foundation of low drag execution and full ownership & transparency of deliverables.
As the Quality Manager and Management Representative of Quest Defense, Stuart is responsible driving Business Excellence throughout the company. He maintains and improves the Quality Management System ensuring compliance to AS9100, customer requirements, and enabling continuous improvement innovations.
Ryan is the Facility Security Officer for Quest Defense, supporting the organization’s compliance with the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) and other Department of Defense and federal security initiatives. Ryan has a background in personnel and physical security, working with both GE Aerospace and the U.S Navy, where he continues to serve as a reserve law enforcement officer (Master-at-Arms).
As Chief Engineer for Quest Defense, Jon is responsible for ensuring that sound engineering processes are maintained and followed by our employees working in a diverse set of services and disciplines across all verticals. In this role he also leads Quest Defense’s efforts to develop new methods and technologies to help grow the business through innovation, as well as building and promoting the technical reputation of the company in the public sphere.
Jeff Fischer serves as a board member for Quest Defense Systems and Solutions business. Additionally Jeff is the Operations Leader for the Quest Global Aerospace and Defense Industry.
Chad joined Quest Global in 2006, specializing in advanced modeling and simulation for multiple verticals and customers and becoming a technical lead for computational fluid dynamics. He has held several leadership positions within the delivery organization since his joining, leading multiple teams through periods of high growth and developing many new innovative services and solutions. Before taking on ownership of Operations for Quest Defense, he managed the Cincinnati Modeling & Simulation Center of Excellence.
As the President of Quest Global, Bob is responsible for establishing and maintaining senior customer relationships, catalysing new business development, and overseeing innovative and transformational deals. In this role, he also assists in building relationships with strategic acquisitions for the company.
Joe supports Special Missions across Quest Global to include key client contract negotiations, strategic business solutions, M&A, and culture endeavors.
John Thackrah is the founding Principal of Sextant Solutions LLC, an aerospace, maritime and government acquisition consultant.
Frank Kendall is an independent consultant to defense industry firms and non profit research organizations. He is a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, a Senior Advisor to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and a member of th e Council on Foreign Relations. Among other industry positions, he is a member of the board of directors of Leidos Corporation and of Leonardo Electronics USA Inc. From 2012 to 2017, Mr. Kendall served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, T echnology and Logistics (AT& after serving as the Principal Deputy Under Secretary from 2010 2012. Mr. Kendall has over 45 years of experience in engineering, management, defense acquisition, and national security affairs in private industry, governmen t, and the military.
Page Hoeper is a private consultant, corporate director, and venture capitalist. Since leaving government service, Mr. Hoeper has focused on corporate governance and board service. He chairs the boards of OnPoint Technologies, Inc., 501c(3) venture capital fund established by Congress to focus on emerging commercial technologies of interest to the U.S. Army, and Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, a provider of engineering services to the U.S. defense industry.