Small Uncrewed Engines Development Systems Model Leader

Job Description Summary

The Small Uncrewed Engines (SUE) Development Engineering Team seeks a systems engineering leader to serve as an engine line Model Leader. This role provides technical and programmatic leadership for the development of propulsion systems across our portfolio of advanced uncrewed programs. This role serves as 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.

GE Aerospace is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components, and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft. Our Emerging Technologies Engineering Team develops next-generation propulsion systems for small uncrewed engines and advanced military applications, pushing the boundaries of aviation technology.

Job Description

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.

This is a full-time in-person role with limited remote work available for work/life balance. Travel approximately every 5 weeks (2-3 days) to customer or partner sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as single point of technical accountability for assigned engine model, owning all aspects of system architecture, design integration, performance, and qualification while driving technical decision-making across all engine modules and systems.
• Lead requirements management, interpreting and allocating customer requirements to the engine system, developing derived requirements and design specifications, establishing traceability through detailed design, and coordinating with customers to clarify requirements and manage changes.
• Lead systems and design integration across all engine modules (turbomachinery, mechanical systems, controls, accessories), managing all engine-level interfaces and driving system-level trades to achieve optimal balance of performance, weight, cost, and risk.
• Own program schedule and execution, leading Integrated Product Team (IPT) meetings, managing program risks and opportunities, driving Earned Value Management (EVM), and coordinating across design, analysis, manufacturing, test, and quality organizations.
• Develop and execute comprehensive development and qualification plans from concept through production, defining build strategies and test campaigns while coordinating 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, leading customer technical reviews, program reviews, and technical interchange meetings while building strong relationships based on technical credibility and responsiveness.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and coaching to cross-functional engineering teams, fostering high-performing collaborative culture focused on technical excellence and innovation while championing FLIGHT DECK principles and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• 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 obtain and maintain US Government Security Clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Desired 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.

Why Join Us

Lead the development of next-generation propulsion systems for critical Department of War applications with direct national security impact. Serve as the single point of accountability for major propulsion programs. Work with cutting-edge propulsion technology and innovative development approaches for expendable engine applications. Collaborate with world-class engineering teams across multiple disciplines. Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and executive leadership development.

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).

GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening.

Compensation Grade

SPB2

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Additional Information

GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening.

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes