Lead Mechanical Design Engineer
Location: Aston, PA
About the Role
Lead the design, analysis, testing, and lifecycle support of mechanical systems used in aircraft arresting and recovery systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including project management, operations, and government customers—to deliver innovative, safe, and cost-effective solutions for both existing products and new product development. This role is fully on-site at the Aston, PA facility.
Responsibilities
- Design complex new equipment, machinery, and components for various product lines (e.g., hydraulic assemblies, electro-mechanical control systems, and structural members) to meet or exceed customer specifications while ensuring manufacturability.
- Create component designs and drawings using CATIA V5.
- Generate manufacturing drawings for parts, determine manufacturing processes, and specify tolerancing requirements.
- Develop engineering solutions and proposal documentation for RFQs and RFIs.
- Prepare engineering documentation (technical specifications, procedures, etc.) for new products.
- Perform engineering analysis (classical hand-calculation and FEA).
- Communicate with customers on project and design-related challenges.
- Coordinate with production, quality, and project management teams to ensure orderly transition from prototype to pre-production to production.
- Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent.
- 10+ years of mechanical design experience, with preference for defense or aerospace industry experience.
- Experience creating complex mechanical and/or electro-mechanical designs to meet customer requirements.
- Knowledge of industrial and machine design and analysis.
- Lead roles in product development and application of engineering processes (e.g., FMEA, tolerance stack-up analysis).
- Understanding of manufacturing processes: machining, grinding, lapping, additive manufacturing, wire EDM, sheet metal fabrication, etc.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling using CATIA V5 or similar.
- Proficiency in GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and related standards for drawing creation.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills.
- Familiarity with layout and schematics (a plus).
- Familiarity with hydraulic and pneumatic systems design and analysis (a plus).
- Familiarity with control systems, PLCs, etc. (a plus).
- Familiarity with industry standards (ASME, MIL-STD, etc.) (a plus).
- Ability to travel up to 10%.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
Pay
$130,000 to $145,000. The salary range is a general guideline for a position based in PA. Criteria such as qualifications, relevant experience, scope of the role, and market considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.
Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- 401K with employer match and profit sharing
- Health and wellness benefits
- Learning and development opportunities
- Referral program
- Competitive pay
- Recognition programs
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Inclusive and supportive culture
About the Company
Curtiss-Wright Arresting Systems / ESCO, a business unit of Curtiss-Wright's EMS Division, is a world leader in emergency arresting systems for military aircraft. With facilities in Aston, PA (USA) and Gente, France, the company specializes in land-based arresting systems.