Mechanical Design Engineer-Externals (Secret Clearance)

We’re engineering the future of aerospace and defense. If you thrive on tackling complex challenges and delivering solutions where precision and reliability are non-negotiable, we want you on our team. Here, your expertise powers mission-critical systems that safeguard lives, advance technology, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Join us and bring your skills to work where innovation meets impact.

We are seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Design Engineer specialized in Aircraft Engine Externals Design to join our dynamic aerospace engineering team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in the design and development of various external components of aircraft engines, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and safety.

Due to the nature of these roles, applicants must be US Citizens and be willing to obtain or currently hold a clearance.

This role is 100% onsite in Cincinnati, OH.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and route tubes and ducts for fluid and gas systems for aircraft engine externals, ensuring system functionality.
• Route electrical harnesses in accordance with engineering principles and industry standards.
• Design brackets and structural supports to securely mount external components to aircraft engine structures while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing weight.
• Investigate and determine root causes for field failures of aircraft engine external components, proposing and implementing design improvements to prevent recurrence.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including aerodynamics, structural analysis, and manufacturing, to ensure seamless integration of external components into overall engine design.
• Conduct design reviews and create detailed engineering documentation to support the development and certification of aircraft engine external components.

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field (BSME required).
• Proven experience in mechanical design engineering, preferably in aerospace or aviation industries, with a focus on aircraft engine externals design with 3-6 years of experience.
• Due to the nature of the work, all candidates must be U.S. citizens and currently hold or be willing to obtain a clearance.

Desired Skills

• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex technical issues and propose effective solutions.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and convey technical information clearly and concisely.
• Experience in adoption and/or integration of emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Mostly Office Environments, Occasional Shop Floor involvement.
• Substantial amounts of telephone, video conferencing and computer work.
• Heavily Regulated Industries with strict adherence to procedures.
• Flexibility to meet business deadlines by staying late or arriving early.
• Typical 8 hour days plus lunch / 40 hour weeks / core (required) hours are 9AM to 4PM
• Ability to use personal transportation to visit customer locations

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The QDSS Advantage

At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You’ll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future.

What You’ll Find Here

• Work That Matters – Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.
• Growth That’s Supported – Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.
• A Culture That Works – A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.

Benefits Include

• Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.

Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications

Pay Ranges

$78,000—$88,000 USD

At Quest Defense Systems and Solutions, we don’t just build technology — we engineer the future. From next-generation aerospace solutions to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the boundaries of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and visionary thinkers come together to shape the future. With over 25 years of aerospace and defense engineering expertise, our commitment to delivering high-quality, transformative solutions sets us apart — not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we’re not just leading the industry — we’re revolutionizing it.

Quest Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.