Sr. Development Engineer – Electric Motors
Location: Chaska, MN (On-site)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $110,000 – $130,000/year
Our client is a leading aerospace and defense manufacturer seeking a Sr. Development Engineer to lead development of electric motors — including the methods, machines, and tooling used to build, test, and troubleshoot motor prototypes and low-rate initial production builds. You'll work closely with engineers, program managers, and quality teams to implement designs, develop drawings, analyze test data, and maintain equipment focused on accuracy, reliability, efficiency, and innovation.
What You'll Do- Build, assemble, and modify electronic systems, prototypes, and components using hand tools and equipment
- Test, calibrate, and troubleshoot circuits and equipment; analyze test data and identify failure modes
- Interpret and develop engineering drawings and schematics; recommend design improvements
- Design and develop tooling and equipment solutions to support assigned projects
- Maintain detailed records, write technical reports, and manage inventory
- Collaborate with engineers and cross-functional teams on project needs, design changes, and technical solutions
- Present and negotiate technical trades balancing cost, reliability, quality, and performance
- B.S. in Engineering (or equivalent experience); advanced technical degree a plus
- 4+ years of experience in a development environment (aerospace preferred)
- Hands-on experience with electric motor test equipment: dielectric testers, LCR meters, milliohm meters, oscilloscopes, torque watches, DAQs, power analyzers/power meters, and Magtrol dynamometers
- Strong understanding of BLDC motors, drives, circuits, schematics, and diagnostic tools
- Ability to debug complex systems and troubleshoot effectively
- High attention to detail for quality control, testing, and documentation
- Experience with 3D printing
- Experience configuring ERP system routings, work instructions, and quality control activities
- Strong communication skills across engineering, management, and technician teams
- Must be a U.S. Citizen (ITAR/export control requirement)
- Manufacturing environment (machine shop, assembly, test) with appropriate PPE as required
- Tool usage includes multimeters, oscilloscopes, soldering irons, drills, testing software, and hand tools
- 5-15% travel
- Flexible/extra hours as project needs require
Competitive salary plus incentive compensation, medical/dental/vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, tuition assistance, paid vacation/sick/personal time, paid holidays, and flexible scheduling including compressed workweek options.
Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans encouraged to apply.
Skills Required
- B.S. in Engineering or equivalent experience
- 4+ years of experience in a development environment
- Hands-on experience with electric motor test equipment, including dielectric testers, LCR meters, milliohm meters, oscilloscopes, torque watches, DAQs, power analyzers or power meters, and Magtrol dynamometers
- Strong understanding of BLDC motors, drives, circuits, schematics, and diagnostic tools
- Ability to debug complex systems and troubleshoot effectively
- High attention to detail for quality control, testing, and documentation
- Experience with 3D printing
- Experience configuring ERP system routings, work instructions, and quality control activities
- Strong communication skills across engineering, management, and technician teams
- U.S. citizenship due to ITAR and export control requirements
- Advanced technical degree
- Aerospace experience
What We Do
The company’s Chaska operation is an aerospace and defense manufacturer focused on advanced brushless DC electric motors and related actuation solutions. Its activities include engineering, production engineering, machining, assembly, and testing, supporting high-performance motor technologies for demanding aerospace applications. The facility is located in Chaska, Minnesota, and is associated with AS9100 aerospace quality standards, indicating a specialized, vertically oriented manufacturing operation serving mission-critical customers.
