Engineer - Mechatronics

GE Aerospace•Elgin Township, IL

3d•$90,000 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

GE Aerospace Research is seeking an early-career researcher to join its Mechatronics Lab as a Lead Engineer. The role builds technical expertise in mechatronics alongside organizational and leadership skills for a research career. The lab designs and builds electromechanical systems combining mechanisms, sensors, actuators, and feedback control. Its work includes tools for inspecting and repairing engines in confined spaces, robotic cells and end effectors for manufacturing and service shops, and components for automated assembly and maintenance. Projects span concept development and CAD through prototype construction, controls integration, and testing on engine hardware. The lab collaborates with GE Aerospace engineering, manufacturing, and services teams, as well as U.S. Government research programs. The first three years include structured development through technical foundation-building in the home lab, stretch assignments across the organization’s capabilities, and connection with an early-career peer cohort. Development includes independent research, structured projects, coursework, and mentorship. The position is based at the GE Aerospace Research office in Niskayuna, New York, and requires a master’s degree in a relevant STEM discipline. The role may require active U.S. Government Secret Clearance, with the ability to attain Top Secret Clearance. The posting also describes access to export-controlled information and specifies applicable U.S. Person eligibility requirements. Employment offers are contingent on background investigation and drug screening. The stated annual pay range is $90,000–$100,000, with eligibility for the GE Aerospace AIR Bonus Program. The bonus target is 5% of base salary under current plan provisions; actual bonuses may vary. Benefits include healthcare coverage, retirement savings and company contributions, tuition and adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and paid time off. Relocation assistance is provided.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.
Coursework, research, or project experience in mechanism design, control systems, or electromechanical integration.
Willingness to work from the GE Aerospace Research office in Niskayuna, New York.
U.S. citizenship is required for the clearance-related qualification described in the posting; the posting also states that access to export-controlled information requires qualifying U.S. Person status.
Successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen is required for an employment offer.

Nice To Haves

Prior internship, co-op, or research experience in a university, national laboratory, industry, or applied research setting.
Strong academic performance and research orientation, such as thesis work, publications, conference presentations, patents, or open-source technical contributions.
Experience with 3D CAD such as Siemens NX, SolidWorks, or Creo, including engineering drawings and GD&T.
Experience implementing control systems on motor-driven hardware, such as PID loops, state machines, or force and impedance control.
Programming experience in Python, C or C++, MATLAB, or LabVIEW for data acquisition, embedded controllers, or instrument control.
Hands-on fabrication and testing experience, such as machining, 3D printing, electronics wiring, circuit design, and test rig assembly.
Experience with robot kinematics, dynamics modeling, finite element analysis, or sensor and actuator selection.
Humble and inclusive approach: willingness to learn, welcome feedback, value differing perspectives, and create an environment where others can contribute.
Focused and rigorous approach: use data to make decisions, frame hypotheses, design experiments, and improve solutions through iteration, connecting research to real-world impact.
Transparent and collaborative communication with varied audiences, cross-team partnership, and evidence-based alignment.
Initiative and commitment to community or university involvement, such as mentoring, affinity groups, teaching assistance, outreach, lab leadership, or service that strengthens the research community.

Responsibilities

Design mechanisms, end effectors, fixtures, and test rigs in 3D CAD, including engineering drawings, bills of material, and tolerance analysis.
Build and debug prototype hardware using machined, 3D-printed, and purchased components.
Integrate motors, encoders, load cells, limit switches, and data acquisition hardware into electromechanical systems.
Develop motion-control and sensor-feedback software for multi-axis tools, including homing, sequencing, force and position control, and fault handling.
Model mechanism kinematics, system dynamics, and structural loads using hand calculations, MATLAB or Python, and finite element analysis.
Plan and conduct bench and engine-hardware tests, log data, and compare measured performance with predictions.
Follow laboratory, environmental health and safety, and security requirements, including hardware interlocks and stop logic.
Document designs, code, and test results in reports and presentations for technical teams and customers.
Collaborate with researchers in robotics, sensing, materials, and manufacturing, and with GE Aerospace shop and engineering teams, to transition prototypes to field use.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
Access to a Health Coach and the Employee Assistance Program, including 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling, and referral services.
GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, including a 401(k) savings plan with company matching and company retirement contributions.
Access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants.
Tuition assistance.
Adoption assistance.
Paid parental leave.
Disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Paid time off for vacation or illness.
Eligibility for the GE Aerospace AIR Bonus Program, with a stated 5% target under current plan provisions.
Relocation assistance.
Professional development opportunities.