Mechanical Engineer – Aerospace Turbomachinery Systems Location: Onsite – Irvine CA Industry: Aerospace & Defense Citizenship Requirement: U.S. Citizen (No Dual Citizenship) Role Overview We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer with strong turbomachinery design experience to support the development of advanced aerospace thermal management subsystems used across military and commercial platforms globally. This role focuses on the design and development of rotating machinery, including compressors, pumps, and fans integrated within aerospace thermal systems. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience designing turbomachinery components from concept through validation, with strong grounding in aerodynamics, CFD, structural integrity, and high-speed rotating equipment design. These programs are entering early development phases prior to Preliminary Design Review (PDR), requiring strong technical leadership in turbomachinery architecture, performance prediction, and mechanical robustness. Key Responsibilities Design and develop mechanical enclosures and subsystems incorporating turbomachinery components Lead the mechanical design and development of turbomachinery components including compressors, pumps, and fans Perform aerodynamic design and optimization of rotating components Conduct or support CFD analysis for flow performance and efficiency validation Perform structural analysis of rotating components, including stress, fatigue, and rotor dynamics considerations Support bearing selection, shaft design, housing integration, and sealing strategies Define performance requirements and conduct trade studies during early-phase system architecture Support prototype builds, performance testing, and validation activities Ensure designs meet aerospace environmental requirements (shock, vibration, temperature, altitude) Collaborate with thermal, systems, controls, and packaging teams for subsystem integration Develop detailed CAD models and manufacturing drawings (SolidWorks preferred) Participate in root cause analysis, performance troubleshooting, and design improvements Ensure compliance with aerospace and defense standards and documentation practices Required Qualifications U.S. Citizen (No Dual Citizenship) Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent. 7+ years of experience in Aerospace & Defense mechanical subsystem development Direct turbomachinery design experience (compressors, pumps, fans, or similar rotating machinery) Experience with aerodynamic design principles and performance prediction Working knowledge of CFD tools and analysis interpretation Experience with structural analysis of rotating components (stress, fatigue, rotor dynamics fundamentals) Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred; strong experience in other platforms acceptable) Experience supporting early development phases and design reviews Familiarity with aerospace environmental standards (MIL-STD preferred) Preferred Qualifications Experience designing turbomachinery for thermal management or Environmental Control Systems Familiarity with high-speed electric motor integration Experience with balancing, vibration mitigation, and rotating system qualification Exposure to FEA tools for structural validation Experience progressing programs through PDR/CDR