Small Uncrewed Engines Development Systems Model Leader

GE Aerospace’s Small Uncrewed Engines (SUE) Development Engineering Team is seeking a systems-engineering leader to serve as an engine-line Model Leader. In this role you will provide technical and programmatic leadership for the development of propulsion systems across our portfolio of advanced uncrewed programs. You will be the single point of accountability for all technical, schedule, and cost aspects of assigned engine models in development, ensuring successful delivery of demonstrator and prototype propulsion systems that meet or exceed customer requirements.

About the role

This position requires a seasoned engineering leader with deep expertise in propulsion-system development, strong systems-integration skills, and proven ability to lead cross-functional teams through complex development programs. You will work at the intersection of systems engineering, design engineering, program management, and customer interface to deliver affordable, high-performance propulsion solutions. The role is full-time and primarily in-person, with limited remote work available for work/life balance. Travel to customer or partner sites is required approximately every 5 weeks (2–3 days per trip).

Responsibilities

• Serve as single point of technical accountability for an assigned engine model, owning system architecture, design integration, performance, and qualification while driving technical decision-making across all engine modules and systems.
• Lead requirements management: interpret and allocate customer requirements to the engine system, develop derived requirements and design specifications, establish traceability through detailed design, and coordinate with customers to clarify requirements and manage changes.
• Lead systems and design integration across all engine modules (turbomachinery, mechanical systems, controls, accessories), manage all engine-level interfaces, and drive system-level trades to balance performance, weight, cost, and risk.
• Own program schedule and execution: lead Integrated Product Team (IPT) meetings, manage program risks and opportunities, drive Earned Value Management (EVM), and coordinate across design, analysis, manufacturing, test, and quality organizations.
• Develop and execute comprehensive development and qualification plans from concept through production, define build strategies and test campaigns, and coordinate qualification planning with Department of War authorities to ensure compliance with military standards.
• Serve as primary technical interface with government customers and weapon-system integrators, lead customer technical reviews, program reviews, and technical interchange meetings, and build strong relationships based on technical credibility and responsiveness.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and coaching to cross-functional engineering teams, fostering a high-performing collaborative culture focused on technical excellence and innovation while championing FLIGHT DECK principles and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in propulsion-system development, turbomachinery design, or aerospace systems engineering (SPB2 level) or 15 years with demonstrated leadership of major propulsion programs (SPB1 level).
• Demonstrated experience leading propulsion systems or major subsystems development from concept through qualification.
• Strong understanding of gas-turbine engine design, performance, operability, and integration, including engine scaling and adaptation of baseline designs.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive integrated execution across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Strong systems-engineering skills including requirements management, interface control, and verification planning.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to engage effectively with customers, leadership, and technical teams.
• Strong program-management skills including schedule management, risk management, and cost management.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with geographically distributed teams.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with small uncrewed engines, expendable propulsion systems, or limited-life engine applications.
• Department of War weapon-system development and qualification experience.
• Experience with USAF programs, UERD requirements, or Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) applications.
• Active DoW security clearance.
• Experience with engine-performance modeling, cycle analysis, and thermodynamic optimization.
• Knowledge of turbomachinery aerodynamics, mechanical design, and structural analysis.
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as CAMEO Systems Modeler.
• Familiarity with military qualification standards (MIL-STD-810, MIL-E-5007).
• Experience with cost modeling, should-cost analysis, and affordability initiatives.
• Familiarity with GE Aerospace’s FLIGHT DECK operating model.
• Demonstrated experience with Earned Value Management (EVM) and program financial management.
• Lean Six Sigma training or certification.
• Prior experience as chief engineer, program manager, or technical lead on major aerospace programs.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and executive leadership development.
• Relocation assistance provided.

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information; employment is contingent upon proving U.S. Person status (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee).