Small Uncrewed Engines - Lead Engineer

Job Description Summary

GE Aerospace is expanding into an exciting new market space focused on propulsion systems for small uncrewed vehicles, autonomous weapon systems, and next-generation defense applications. The Small Uncrewed Engines (SUE) team is developing innovative, high-performance propulsion solutions for expendable-class and limited-life applications that satisfy critical propulsion needs for the warfighter. We are seeking talented early-career and experienced engineers to join our growing team and contribute to the development of propulsion technologies for Department of War customers. Our portfolio includes turbofan engines designed for cruise missiles, air-launched weapon systems, reusable uncrewed aircraft, and emerging Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) platforms. These propulsion systems require unique design approaches that balance performance, affordability, reliability, and mission-specific requirements distinct from traditional commercial or military aviation engines. If you are passionate about aerospace engineering, propulsion systems, defense applications, and want to be part of a team advancing propulsion technology for future generations, we encourage you to apply. We are continuously seeking engineering talent across systems engineering, design engineering (all disciplines), controls engineering, test engineering, materials engineering, manufacturing engineering, and program management to support our rapidly growing portfolio of development programs and technology initiatives.

Job Description

Role & Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development, design, analysis, integration, testing, or qualification of small uncrewed propulsion systems for expendable-class and limited-life applications, supporting one or more engineering disciplines including systems engineering, aerodynamics, mechanical design, structures, materials, controls, performance analysis, operability, thermal management, test engineering, manufacturing engineering, or program management depending on role level and specialization.
• Support requirements management, interface control, risk management, verification and validation planning, or configuration management activities using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as CAMEO Systems Modeler, ensuring requirements traceability, managing technical baselines, coordinating design reviews, and supporting customer interface activities for Department of War programs.
• Participate in design activities including preliminary design, detailed design, design analysis, design optimization, and design verification for engine components, modules, or complete propulsion systems, utilizing CAD tools, analysis software, and engineering best practices to develop solutions that meet performance, cost, weight, and reliability requirements for expendable and limited-life applications.
• Support propulsion system integration activities including airframe integration, weapon system integration, interface definition and control, functional interface management, physical interface management, and coordination with weapon system integrators, airframe manufacturers, and government customers to ensure successful integration of propulsion systems into diverse platform applications.
• Participate in engine testing activities including test planning, test preparation, test execution, data acquisition, data analysis, and test reporting across component testing, module testing, and full engine testing at multiple test facilities, supporting technology demonstration, design verification, performance validation, and qualification testing.
• Advance technology development initiatives including novel augmentation technologies, low-cost materials, affordable manufacturing processes, advanced controls architectures, digital engineering capabilities, and other technologies that enable high-performance, cost-effective propulsion solutions for future applications, conducting research, analysis, trade studies, and technology demonstration activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, external partners, government customers, and stakeholders across multiple programs and geographic locations, participate in technical reviews and program reviews, communicate technical information effectively to diverse audiences, support proposal development and business development activities, and champion LEAN principles and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related engineering discipline from an accredited university
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant engineering experience.
• This role requires the successful candidate to obtain and maintain US Government Security Clearance; prerequisite for a security clearance is U.S. citizenship.

Desired Characteristics

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related engineering field with advanced coursework or research in propulsion systems, gas turbine engines, combustion, aerodynamics, materials, controls, or related areas, and experience (or exposure through internships/co-ops) in small uncrewed engines, expendable propulsion systems, limited-life engine applications, or weapon system propulsion integration.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience (or strong academic foundation for entry-level roles) in one or more relevant engineering disciplines such as propulsion systems, gas turbine engines, turbomachinery, aerodynamics, mechanical design, structures, materials, controls, systems engineering, test engineering, or manufacturing engineering appropriate to role level and specialization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, effective communication, and interpersonal skills with ability to work in collaborative team environments, ability to learn and apply new tools, processes, and methodologies, and enthusiasm for aerospace propulsion systems and defense applications.
• Experience with Department of Defense weapon system development, government proposal and contract execution, cruise missiles, air-launched weapon systems, Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) applications, or other defense platforms, experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as CAMEO Systems Modeler, and proficiency with engineering analysis tools (MATLAB, Python, ANSYS, NPSS, or equivalent).
• Active DoW security clearance, experience with Joint Development Agreements, Joint Teaming Agreements, or collaborative program structures, familiarity with military standards and specifications, experience with design-for-affordability and cost reduction initiatives for expendable applications, familiarity with GE Aerospace's FLIGHT DECK operating model, Lean Six Sigma training or certification, strong technical writing and presentation skills, and demonstrated ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments with evolving requirements.

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Additional Information

GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes