Mechanical Designer and Drafter - Secret Clearance

We are looking for humble geniuses, who believe that engineering has the potential to make the impossible, possible; innovators, who are not only inspired by technology and innovation, but also perpetually driven to design, develop, and test as a trusted partner for Fortune 500 customers.
As a team of remarkably diverse engineers, we recognize that what we are really engineering is a brighter future for us all. If you want to contribute to meaningful work and be part of an organization that truly believes when you win, we all win, and when you fail, we all learn, then we’re eager to hear from you.

Due to the nature of these roles, applicants must be US Citizen and either hold or be eligible for a security clearance. This position is 100% onsite in Cincinnati, OH.

Introduction:

The individual for this role will be working in a small/medium sized team to help support secret-clearance product definition for external aero engine components. They will collaborate daily with other engineers, designers, analysts, technicians and leadership on both the Quest and customer sides. This role will involve working with design packages to define products using the Model Based Definition methodology. These design packages will be tracked for schedule visibility and turnaround time. The individual is expected to understand each design package and deliver the part definition on time and correctly, using all resources available to them.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Develop and/or modify designs related to Aero-engine components by analyzing product specifications, performance requirements, and existing manufacturing capabilities


• Execute mechanical design projects of external gas turbine engine hardware (tubes, brackets, harnesses, etc


• Evaluate concepts of new designs/improvements, manufacturing methods, materials or processes and complete required documentation by applying engineering principles and Industry standards, and generating reports, procedures or change proposals


• Capture design & system requirements from the customer, and incorporate into the component design


• Support technical substantiation, contribute & present in technical and program reviews


• Develop components and modules keeping cost, performance, life, and system requirements in mind


• Design and Analysis of the component using CAE tools (NX, ANSYS Classic, ANSYS workbench)


• Direct interface with other internal/external engineering functions


• Apply technical principles, theories, and concepts to solve a wide range of challenging engineering problems


• Evaluate form, fit, function and life of the components relative to the certified configuration


• Evaluate non-conformances by reviewing, analyzing design criteria’s and acceptability limits, recommend disposition procedures and maximizing producibility

Required Skills (Technical Competency):

• 1-3 years of experience in the mechanical design of Gas-turbine or Turbo-machinery components


• Minimum BS/B.Tech in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering from an accredited university


• Experience with NX and ANSYS (Classic or workbench) or other similar tools


• Ability to easily interpret technical drawings with understanding of GD&T


• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, work under time constraints, maintain composure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously


• Ability to interact with employees/managers at all levels with strong oral and written communication skills


• Project Management experience is desired, but not required


• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment


• Due to the nature of the work, all candidates must be a U.S. Citizen and eligible to obtain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.


• Previous experience using Model Based Definition techniques.


• Previous experience working on external gas turbine engine hardware (tubes, brackets, harnesses, etc).


• Familiarity with Aero engines is desired


• Experience with design and manufacturing processes is desired

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Mostly Office Environments, Occasional Shop Floor involvement.


• Substantial amounts of telephone 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

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.