Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

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.

Location: Aston, PA

Responsibilities

• Design complex new equipment, machinery, and components (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, 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; preference given 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.
• Team player with effective communication skills.
• Familiarity with layout and schematics, hydraulic/pneumatic systems, control systems, PLCs, and industry standards (ASME, MIL-STD) is a plus.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.
• Must be a US Citizen.

Pay

Salary range: $130,000 to $145,000. Criteria such as qualifications, relevant experience, position scope, 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.