Small Uncrewed Engines - Senior Engineer

Job Description SummaryGE 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 experienced technical leaders and senior engineers to join our growing team and provide technical leadership for 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 a seasoned engineering professional passionate about aerospace engineering, propulsion systems, defense applications, and want to lead technical teams advancing propulsion technology for future generations, we encourage you to apply. We are continuously seeking senior engineering talent across systems engineering, design engineering (all disciplines), controls engineering, test engineering, materials engineering, manufacturing engineering, and program management to provide technical leadership and drive execution across our rapidly growing portfolio of development programs and technology initiatives.

Job Description

Role & Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for the development, design, analysis, integration, testing, or qualification of small uncrewed propulsion systems for expendable-class and limited-life applications, leading 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.
• Lead 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, leading design reviews, and technical interchange meetings, and serving as primary technical interface with customers for Department of War programs.
• Lead design activities including preliminary design, detailed design, design analysis, design optimization, and design verification for engine components, modules, or complete propulsion systems, directing the use of CAD tools, analysis software, and engineering best practices, making critical design decisions, and ensuring solutions meet performance, cost, weight, and reliability requirements for expendable and limited-life applications.
• Lead 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, external partners, and government customers to ensure successful integration of propulsion systems into diverse platform applications.
• Lead engine testing activities including test strategy development, test planning, test preparation, test execution oversight, data analysis, and test reporting across component testing, module testing, and full engine testing at multiple test facilities, driving technology demonstration, design verification, performance validation, and qualification testing to successful completion.
• Drive 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, leading research, analysis, trade studies, technology demonstration activities, and influencing strategic technology investment decisions.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to engineering teams, coordinate cross-functional activities across multiple programs and organizations, lead technical reviews and program reviews, communicate complex technical information effectively to diverse audiences including senior leadership and customers, lead proposal development and business development activities, shape technical strategy and roadmaps, and champion LEAN principles and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.

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 8 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 or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related engineering field with advanced expertise in propulsion systems, gas turbine engines, combustion, aerodynamics, materials, controls, or related areas, and significant experience in small uncrewed engines, expendable propulsion systems, limited-life engine applications, or weapon system propulsion integration.
• Deep expertise and demonstrated technical leadership 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, with proven track record of leading complex technical programs or initiatives.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to make critical technical decisions under uncertainty, exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams and external stakeholders, proven ability to develop and mentor engineering talent, and passion for aerospace propulsion systems and defense applications.
• Extensive 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, advanced proficiency with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as CAMEO Systems Modeler, and expert-level proficiency with engineering analysis tools (MATLAB, Python, ANSYS, NPSS, or equivalent).
• Active DoW security clearance, extensive experience with Joint Development Agreements, Joint Teaming Agreements, or collaborative program structures including partner coordination and governance, deep familiarity with military standards and specifications, proven experience with design-for-affordability and cost reduction initiatives for expendable applications, strong familiarity with GE Aerospace's FLIGHT DECK operating model, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) certification or equivalent, exceptional leadership skills with proven ability to lead and influence large cross-functional teams, and demonstrated ability to thrive and lead others in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with rapidly 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