Engineer, Mechatronics

About the Role

GE Aerospace Research is seeking an exceptional early career researcher to join our Mechatronics Lab as a Lead Engineer. This role involves building deep technical expertise in mechatronics while developing organizational intelligence and leadership skills. The Mechatronics Lab designs and builds electromechanical systems combining mechanisms, sensors, actuators, and feedback control. Projects span concept to prototype build, controls integration, and testing on engine hardware. The lab partners with GE Aerospace engineering, manufacturing, and services teams, as well as U.S. Government research programs. The first three years include structured development for accelerated growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Design mechanisms, end effectors, fixtures, and test rigs in 3D CAD, with engineering drawings, bills of material, and tolerance analysis.
• Build and debug prototype hardware from machined, 3D-printed, and purchased components.
• Integrate motors, encoders, load cells, limit switches, and data acquisition hardware into working electromechanical systems.
• Develop motion control and sensor-feedback software for multi-axis tools, covering 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 run 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.
• Work with researchers in robotics, sensing, materials, and manufacturing, and with GE Aerospace shop and engineering teams, to transition prototypes to field use.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• 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.
• Must be willing to work from the GE Aerospace Research office in Niskayuna, NY.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• 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 test 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.

Qualifications

• Prior intern, co-op, or research experience (university, national lab, industry, or applied research setting).
• Exceptional academic performance with research orientation (e.g., thesis-based work, publications, conference presentations, patents, or open-source technical contributions).
• Humble and inclusive: seeks to learn, welcomes feedback, and values different perspectives in technical debate. Creates an environment where others can contribute and do their best work.
• Focused and rigorous: uses data to make decisions, frames hypotheses, designs experiments, and strengthens solutions through iteration and learning. Connects their research to real-world impact.
• Transparent and collaborative: communicates clearly to varied audiences, partners across teams, and builds alignment through evidence to deliver outcomes that matter.
• Demonstrated initiative and commitment to community/university involvement (e.g., mentoring, affinity groups, teaching assistantship, outreach, lab leadership, or service that strengthens the research community).
• This role may require an individual to obtain active US Government Secret Clearance with ability to attain a Top-Secret Clearance.
• This role may require use of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or security clearance to access classified information.
• Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen.
• U.S. Person status is required for access to U.S. export-controlled information.

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay Range: $90,000 - $100,000 USD annually.
• GE Aerospace AIR Bonus Program eligibility (target 5% of base salary).
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
• Healthcare benefits (medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, Health Coach, Employee Assistance Program).
• Retirement benefits (GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, 401(k) with company matching).
• Tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, paid time-off.
• Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes.