$93,000–$121,000 Per Year
Aerospace and Defense, Alternative Energy, Analysis Skills, Clean Technologies, Communication Skills, Control Systems, Cross-Functional, Dental Insurance, Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Plan, Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, Legal, Life Insurance, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Systems, Mechanical Engineering, Mentoring, Physics, Problem Solving Skills, Product Support, Product/Service Launch, Propulsion, Psychiatry and Mental Health, Pumps, Servomechanism, System Architecture, System Integration (SI), Systems Engineering, Team Player, Technical Support, Technical/Engineering Design, Trade Studies, Tuition Reimbursement, United States Citizen, Vision Plan
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)