Senior Mechanical Engineer (Aerospace Actuation)

Woodward L'Orange•Fort Collins, CO

About The Position

The Senior Mechanical Engineer on the Aerospace Commercial Hydraulic Actuation team is responsible for the design, development, qualification, and sustainment of hydraulic actuation systems supporting commercial aircraft programs. These systems include: Thrust Reverser Actuation Systems, Flight Control Actuators, Utility Hydraulic Actuators, and Hydraulic power generation systems. This role applies strong, disciplined engineering judgment to lead and execute complex mechanical designs involving hydraulic components and assemblies, including actuator mechanisms, structural interfaces, sealing systems, and high-pressure fluid paths. The Senior Engineer develops robust, certifiable, and cost-effective actuation solutions across the full product lifecycle—from concept and requirements definition through production support and in-service reliability—while ensuring designs meet performance, safety, certification, weight, and durability requirements in accordance with aerospace standards and internal design practices. The role routinely performs and reviews analyses such as stress, fatigue, tolerance stack-ups, and failure modes and effects (FMEA), and collaborates closely with analysis, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain functions to ensure producibility and long-term reliability. In addition to technical execution, the Senior Mechanical Engineer provides mentorship and technical guidance to early- and mid-career engineers, contributes to technical reviews, and helps establish best practices within the hydraulic actuation discipline. They are a key contributor in cross-functional problem-solving, supporting root cause investigations, qualification testing, customer and supplier engagement, as well as aftermarket services support.

Requirements

A four-year Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.
At least 4+ years of equivalent experience in aerospace or hydraulic systems engineering.
This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee).

Nice To Haves

Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and a wide range of related technologies.
Complex Problem Solving: Ability to analyze and resolve intricate technical issues using innovative approaches.
Project Leadership: Proficient in leading and managing engineering projects from initiation to completion.
Independent Work: Demonstrates autonomy in handling tasks and making informed decisions with minimal supervision.
Consensus Building: Skilled in facilitating discussions and achieving agreement among diverse teams and stakeholders.
Technical Communication: Effectively conveys complex and sensitive technical information to various audiences.
Mentorship: Acts as a resource and provides guidance to less experienced colleagues.
Market Awareness: Understands competitive landscape and market differentiators to inform engineering strategies.

Responsibilities

Design System Components: Develop and optimize mechanical systems and components, ensuring they meet performance specifications and industry standards.
Lead Technical Projects: Manage and oversee small to medium-sized engineering projects, coordinating resources and timelines to achieve project goals.
Solve Complex Engineering Problems: Analyze and resolve challenging technical issues by applying advanced engineering principles and innovative solutions.
Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams: Work with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to integrate mechanical systems seamlessly into larger projects.
Mentor Junior Engineers: Provide guidance and support to less experienced team members, fostering professional development and enhancing team capabilities.

Benefits

401(k) match (4.5%)
Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)
Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members
12 paid holidays, including floating holidays.
Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire
Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave.
Paid parental leave.
Adoption Assistance
Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits.
Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life
Member referral bonus
Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
Voluntary benefits, including: Home / Auto Insurance discounts
Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave