Senior Mechanical Engineer - Structures and Durability

GE Vernova • Elgin Township, IL

7d • $113,200 - $188,800 • Onsite

About The Position

A Senior Engineer in the Structures and Durability Laboratory, GE Vernova Advanced Research Center, will work on the design, development and lifing of advanced mechanical components and/or systems for a broad range of current and future GE products. These are applied in the GE Vernova businesses of Power, Wind and Electrification.
GE Vernova Advanced Research Center works on technologies including fuel cells, carbon capture, 100% H2 combustion, Advanced Manufacturing, Next Generation Nuclear, super critical CO2, electric machines, onshore and offshore wind turbines, gas and steam power generation systems, hybrid energy storage.

Requirements

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) from an accredited institution.
• 15+ years of experience in fuel cell R&D and product development, specifically within the SOFC or high-temperature electrochemical space.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical design, leveraging expert-level proficiency in SolidWorks/Autodesk Inventor.
• 10+ years of experience applying advanced structural and thermal FEA (Ansys, SolidWorks Simulation, or Algor) to optimize designs.
• 10+ years of experience utilizing in-depth knowledge of high-temperature materials (Inconel, advanced insulation, stainless steels) to enhance component durability.
• 5+ years of experience implementing GD&T and designing for high-volume manufacturing (stamping, molding, etc.).

Nice To Haves

• Doctorate Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated history of managing design teams, mentoring technical staff, and navigating cross-functional program requirements.
• Ability to perform financial and cost-benefit analysis to support business strategy and product viability.
• Experience with HAZOP analysis and functional safety standards (SAE/ISO).
• Demonstrated record of successful patent filings in the energy/fuel cell.
• Experience with international vendor management for prototype and production parts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and prototyping of systems including high-temperature heat exchangers, insulation systems, and gas handling components for applications such as direct air capture, SOFC, etc.
• Utilize FEA and structural analysis to improve volumetric power density and thermal management efficiency.
• Execute aggressive cost-reduction roadmaps (target: 40–50% reduction) through innovative material selection, vendor collaboration, and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) processes.
• Mentor junior engineers, oversee CAD data management, and ensure the integrity of engineering drawings and specifications.
• Partner with software, electrical, and systems engineering teams to ensure robust HW/SW integration, functional safety (HAZOPs), and adherence to industry certification standards.
• Manage program scoping, vendor relationships, and technical project schedules to meet commercial delivery milestones.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource
• access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services
• GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions
• access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants
• tuition assistance
• adoption assistance
• paid parental leave
• disability benefits
• life insurance
• 12 paid holidays
• permissive time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior