CDT-DSE Mechanical Design & Prototyping Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: CDT-DSE Mechanical Design & Prototyping Engineer

Company: GE Vernova

Location: Greenville, South Carolina, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Mechanical Engineering / Operations

Date Posted: April 16, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the fabrication and development of advanced gas turbine measurement sensors within a dedicated Rapid Prototyping & Machining Lab (RPM Lab), focusing on fiber optics, temperature, and pressure rakes.

• Drive project execution from initial design through to prototype fabrication, testing, and final delivery, encompassing purchasing, scheduling, and resource planning.

• Provide direct people management for a team, focusing on staffing, performance development, and fostering a collaborative engineering environment.

• Conduct in-depth mechanical design, engineering calculations, and analyses (stress, thermal, vibration) for precision hardware and components, ensuring compliance with industry codes and standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role blends hands-on engineering with project leadership and people management, requiring a strong operational mindset to drive projects from concept to completion within a specialized prototyping environment. The emphasis on gas turbine measurement sensors and rapid prototyping indicates a need for agile development and rapid iteration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and lead fabrication and development projects within the Rapid Prototyping & Machining Lab (RPM Lab), ensuring efficient resource allocation and project timeline adherence.

• Coordinate and facilitate the assembly of prototype and production-grade gas turbine measurement sensors, with a primary focus on fiber optic non-contact measurements and temperature/pressure rakes.

• Provide comprehensive mechanical design and project support for test programs across CDT labs, test stands, and field engine testing, ensuring robust and reliable measurement solutions.

• Perform detailed mechanical analysis and engineering calculations for components, including strain/stress, thermal, and vibration analysis, to validate design integrity and performance under operational conditions.

• Lead hardware and sensor projects from design through fabrication, testing, and delivery, managing all aspects including purchasing, scheduling, resource planning, and customer coordination.

• Collaborate closely with Test Engineers and Gas Power Engineering (GPE) design team members to plan, implement, and execute customer tests within CDT facilities.

• Conduct mechanical design and system process reviews of validation equipment, evaluating supplier analyses and designs in collaboration with Sourcing to achieve cost-effective solutions.

• Ensure all designs and processes comply with applicable local and international codes and standards (e.g., ASME, ASTM, ATEX, NEC, EU Norms).

• Manage direct people management responsibilities, including staffing, performance development, and fostering a high-performing team culture.

• Utilize PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) and DRB (Design Review Board) for formal documentation, revision control, and final design approvals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for strong project management capabilities, detailed technical understanding of mechanical systems, and the ability to translate complex engineering requirements into tangible prototypes and validated designs. The inclusion of PLM and DRB points to a structured, quality-driven development process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 5+ years of engineering experience, with a significant portion focused on gas turbine technology and its associated measurement systems.

• Proven experience in leading and managing engineering projects from inception to completion, demonstrating strong organizational and execution skills.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in solid modeling using CAD software such as UG, Autodesk Inventor, or Fusion 360 for creating detailed 3D models, component specifications, and technical drawings.

• Working knowledge of machining operations, including milling, drilling, and turning, with an understanding of process capabilities and limitations.

• Familiarity with 3D printing and rapid prototyping methods, including selection of appropriate technologies and materials for specific applications.

• Ability to read and interpret complex technical drawings, solid models, and engineering specifications.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess situations and make sound judgments based on technical practice and previous experience.

Preferred Skills:

• Strong interest and knowledge in measurement technology and metrology specifically for gas turbines.

• Experience in measurement technology development, including mechanical design analysis of the hardware.

• Knowledge and understanding of gas turbine shroud hardware design, repair, and life constraints, including thermal and mechanical implications, as well as turbine clearances.

• Exposure to finite element analysis (FEA) for stress, modal, thermal, and vibration analysis.

• Hands-on experience with a variety of machining tools (saws, drills, power tools) and basic welding/joining techniques.

• Ability to set up, operate, and troubleshoot 3D printing equipment.

• Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems for formal documentation and revision control.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of theoretical knowledge (degree, FEA, gas turbine systems) and practical, hands-on skills (CAD, machining, 3D printing). The preference for specific CAD software and FEA experience suggests a need for candidates who can quickly integrate into the existing technical environment and contribute to complex design challenges.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate projects showcasing the complete lifecycle of mechanical design and prototyping, from concept generation and CAD modeling to fabrication and validation.

• Include examples of complex component design, highlighting the application of engineering calculations and analyses (stress, thermal, vibration) to ensure performance and reliability.

• Showcase experience with rapid prototyping techniques such as 3D printing and CNC machining, detailing material selection, process optimization, and achieved tolerances.

• Provide evidence of project leadership, including examples of coordinating with cross-functional teams, managing timelines, and delivering functional prototypes.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of detailed technical drawings, specifications, and component documentation created using CAD software.

• Case studies detailing the process of developing and validating measurement sensors or similar precision hardware for demanding environments like gas turbines.

• Documentation of troubleshooting and problem-solving efforts during prototyping and testing phases, demonstrating analytical rigor and iterative design improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving design, prototyping, and project leadership, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display technical output but also the candidate's process, problem-solving approach, and ability to manage projects end-to-end. Highlighting specific contributions to successful prototype development and validation will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The posted salary range for this position is between $89,300.00 and $148,700.00 USD annually.

• GE Vernova may apply a geographic differential of 110%, 120%, or 130% of the base salary in certain locations.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Prescription drug coverage to support healthcare needs.

• Access to a Health Coach from GE Vernova, offering 24/7 nurse-based resources.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential assessment, counseling, and referral services 24/7.

• Retirement savings plan: GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan (401(k)) with company matching and retirement contributions.

• Access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants.

• Educational support through tuition assistance.

• Support for families with adoption assistance and paid parental leave.

• Disability benefits and life insurance coverage.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are based on a 40-hour work week, typical for a full-time engineering role.

• While the role is on-site, the nature of prototyping and project leadership may require flexibility to meet project deadlines and critical testing phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to U.S.-based positions and is presented as a broad band, indicating that the final compensation will be highly individualized. The benefits package is comprehensive, covering health, retirement, and personal development, which is standard for a large, established organization like GE Vernova. The mention of "permissive time off" suggests a potentially flexible approach to leave beyond standard holidays and PTO, though this would require further clarification.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy (specifically, decarbonization and energy transition technologies). GE Vernova focuses on power generation, grid solutions, and renewable energy.

Company Size: Large enterprise (GE Vernova is a significant global entity, likely employing tens of thousands worldwide). This size implies structured processes, extensive resources, and a global operational footprint.

Founded: GE Vernova was formed from GE's energy businesses, with a legacy dating back to GE's founding in 1892. This long history suggests a culture rooted in engineering excellence, innovation, and a commitment to solving complex industrial challenges.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the CDT (Center for Diagnostic Technologies) and DSE (Digital Sensor Engineering) groups, specifically focused on the Rapid Prototyping & Machining Lab (RPM Lab). This suggests a specialized team focused on cutting-edge sensor development and rapid iteration.

• The engineer will collaborate with Test Engineers and Gas Power Engineering (GPE) design team members, indicating a cross-functional team structure where operations, testing, and core design disciplines work in concert.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven design and validation, utilizing precise measurement technologies and rigorous engineering analysis (stress, thermal, vibration).

• Agile and iterative development processes are implied by the "Rapid Prototyping" aspect, suggesting a need for quick turnaround on design, fabrication, and testing cycles.

• Adherence to global codes and standards (ASME, ASTM, ATEX, etc.) underscores a commitment to quality, safety, and regulatory compliance in all engineering activities.

• Strong focus on documentation and revision control through PLM systems, ensuring traceability and knowledge management.

Company Website: https://www.gevernova.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: GE Vernova's position in the energy transition sector means this role is at the forefront of developing technologies crucial for a sustainable future. The company's scale and heritage suggest a stable, resource-rich environment with opportunities for significant impact. The RPM Lab context points to an innovative, fast-paced operational setting.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-to-senior level engineering role that also encompasses leadership and management responsibilities. It sits at the intersection of hands-on technical design, practical fabrication, and team oversight. It's a critical role for bridging the gap between conceptual design and functional prototypes within a specialized operations unit.

Reporting Structure: The engineer will report into a higher-level engineering management role within the CDT/DSE organization. They will also directly manage a team of engineers and/or technicians, acting as a team lead and supervisor. Collaboration will be extensive with peers in Test Engineering and the broader Gas Power Engineering (GPE) design teams.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the speed and quality of new product introduction (NPI) for gas turbine measurement sensors. Successful prototyping and fabrication directly influence the validation timelines, cost-effectiveness, and ultimate reliability of critical engine components. By leading the RPM Lab's efforts, this engineer contributes significantly to GE Vernova's ability to innovate and deliver advanced technologies in the energy sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced measurement technologies, fiber optics, metrology, and gas turbine systems, potentially leading to principal engineer or subject matter expert roles.

• Management & Leadership: Progress into higher-level management positions, overseeing larger teams, broader project portfolios, or entire operational departments within R&D or manufacturing.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into roles within broader R&D, product management, manufacturing operations, or even customer-facing technical support, leveraging a strong understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Lead initiatives to enhance prototyping workflows, implement new manufacturing technologies, or optimize the integration between design, fabrication, and testing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual nature of this role—technical expert and people manager—offers a unique growth trajectory. Candidates can advance either by deepening their technical mastery of complex systems or by developing their leadership and strategic operational management skills. The company's focus on energy transition also presents opportunities to work on high-impact, future-oriented technologies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role located at GE Vernova's facility in Greenville, South Carolina. The work environment will be a blend of office space for design, analysis, and project management, and a hands-on laboratory setting (Rapid Prototyping & Machining Lab).

Office Location(s): Greenville, South Carolina, USA. This location is known for its strong industrial and engineering base, offering access to a skilled workforce and a supportive business environment.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will include dedicated areas for CAD work, engineering analysis, and project planning.

• Direct access to the Rapid Prototyping & Machining Lab (RPM Lab) is a key feature, providing a hands-on environment with machinery (mills, lathes, drill presses), 3D printers, and assembly stations.

• Opportunities for close collaboration with Test Engineers and other design teams will be integrated into the daily work environment, fostering a dynamic and communicative atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time engineering position.

• Given the prototyping and project leadership nature, there may be a need for occasional flexibility to meet critical deadlines, particularly during intense fabrication or testing phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and direct lab access are critical for this role. Candidates should be comfortable working in both an office and a workshop environment and understand the importance of hands-on involvement in the prototyping process. The Greenville location offers a solid industrial base for operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely review applications and resumes to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect in-depth interviews focused on mechanical design principles, gas turbine technology, CAD proficiency, machining processes, and problem-solving scenarios. You may be asked to walk through specific projects from your resume.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss your engineering portfolio. This is where you'll showcase your design work, fabrication projects, and project leadership experience. Be prepared to discuss your design rationale, challenges faced, and solutions implemented.

• Behavioral/Leadership Interview: Questions assessing your leadership style, team management capabilities, collaboration skills, and how you handle challenging situations, especially relevant given the people management aspect of the role.

• On-site Visit/Final Interview: Potentially a visit to the Greenville facility to meet the team, tour the RPM Lab, and have final discussions with senior leadership.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 projects that best demonstrate your skills in mechanical design, prototyping, project leadership, and working with gas turbine technologies.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the design process, the tools/techniques used (CAD, FEA, machining, 3D printing), the challenges encountered, your solutions, the results achieved (quantify where possible), and lessons learned.

• Highlight Operations & Efficiency: Emphasize how your designs or processes contributed to efficiency, cost savings, faster development cycles, or improved reliability.

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality renderings, photos of prototypes, schematics, and data charts to visually support your presentations.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your design choices, analytical methods, fabrication challenges, and how you managed project timelines and resources.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You might be given a hypothetical design problem related to a sensor or component and asked to outline your approach, key considerations, and potential solutions.

• Process Optimization: Questions about how you would improve a given prototyping process, reduce lead times, or enhance quality control in a lab setting.

• Leadership Scenario: You may be presented with a team management scenario and asked how you would address it, focusing on performance, conflict resolution, or resource allocation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component for this role. Candidates must be prepared to visually and verbally articulate their design process, technical solutions, and project management experience. Highlighting hands-on prototyping and leadership will be key differentiators.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Expertise required in solid modeling tools like UG (Siemens NX), Autodesk Inventor, or Fusion 360. Proficiency in creating detailed 3D models, assemblies, and generating technical drawings is essential.

• Prototyping Equipment: Hands-on experience with 3D printers (various technologies like FDM, SLA, SLS), CNC milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and associated tooling.

• Machining Operations: Working knowledge of manual and possibly basic CNC machining processes (milling, drilling, turning).

Analytics & Reporting:

• FEA Software: Exposure to finite element analysis tools for stress, modal, thermal, and vibration analysis is desired. Specific software might include ANSYS, Abaqus, or integrated modules within CAD packages.

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly listed, proficiency in tools for analyzing test data and performance metrics (e.g., MATLAB, Excel, Python with libraries like NumPy/Pandas) would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• PLM Software: Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill) for managing design documentation, revisions, and product data is highly preferred for formal documentation and control.

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with project scheduling and resource planning tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana) would be advantageous for managing project timelines and supplier coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes core engineering design tools (CAD, FEA) and practical fabrication equipment. The explicit mention of PLM highlights the company's structured approach to product development and configuration management, which is crucial for a large engineering organization.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A commitment to rigorous design, detailed analysis, and high-quality fabrication, ensuring the reliability and performance of critical components.

• Innovation & Agility: Embracing rapid prototyping and iterative development to quickly bring new measurement technologies to market and respond to evolving engine requirements.

• Safety First: Strict adherence to GE Vernova's safety practices and Life Saving Rules, particularly critical when operating machinery and working in a lab environment.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a culture where engineers, technicians, and cross-functional partners work together seamlessly to achieve common goals.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing precise measurements and analytical insights to inform design choices and validate performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration with Test Engineers, Gas Power Engineers, and Sourcing teams is fundamental to the success of prototyping projects.

• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and transparent communication, especially within the RPM Lab and with project stakeholders, to ensure alignment and swift problem resolution.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that values sharing best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned, particularly in areas like advanced measurement techniques and fabrication processes.

• Mentorship & Development: The role includes people management, suggesting a team environment where senior members mentor junior colleagues, and continuous learning is encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: GE Vernova's culture likely emphasizes a blend of established engineering rigor and forward-thinking innovation, reflecting its role in the energy transition. The emphasis on safety and collaboration is paramount for an industrial and R&D-focused organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration Demands: The need to quickly design, fabricate, and test prototypes for complex gas turbine sensors can be demanding, requiring efficient workflows and rapid problem-solving.

• Bridging Design & Fabrication: Effectively translating intricate 3D designs into high-precision physical parts, often requiring creative solutions to manufacturing limitations.

• Balancing Project Leadership & Hands-On Work: Managing direct reports and project schedules while also being deeply involved in the hands-on aspects of design and prototyping.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Staying current with advancements in measurement technology, 3D printing capabilities, and advanced materials relevant to gas turbine applications.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Skills: Opportunities to gain deep expertise in fiber optics, metrology, advanced materials, and specific gas turbine systems.

• Leadership Development: Formal training and on-the-job experience in people management, project management, and strategic operational planning.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to work on cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of energy generation and decarbonization.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Leading efforts to optimize the RPM Lab's capabilities, implement new technologies, and improve overall development efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a dynamic environment where challenges are directly linked to opportunities for growth. The candidate will be at the forefront of innovation in a critical industry, with ample scope to develop both technical and leadership competencies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex mechanical design project you led from concept to prototype. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" - Focus on your systematic approach, problem-solving, and use of analysis tools.

• "How would you approach the design and prototyping of a new fiber optic sensor for high-temperature gas turbine applications, considering accuracy and durability?" - Outline your design process, material considerations, fabrication methods, and testing strategy.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in GE Vernova and our role in the energy transition?" - Research GE Vernova's mission, recent projects, and connect it to your career goals.

• "How do you ensure safety is prioritized in a lab/manufacturing environment?" - Refer to their emphasis on safety and demonstrate your understanding of industrial safety protocols.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each portfolio piece, frame it as a narrative: the problem, your solution, the process, and the outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use numbers to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., "reduced prototyping time by 20%", "improved sensor accuracy by 5%", "managed a budget of $X").

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (renderings, photos, videos, diagrams) to illustrate your designs and prototypes.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, the specific tools you used, the fabrication challenges, and how you validated your designs.

• Connect to the Role: Explicitly link your experience and portfolio examples to the requirements of the CDT-DSE Mechanical Design & Prototyping Engineer role at GE Vernova.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing a blend of strong technical design skills, hands-on prototyping experience, project leadership, and people management capabilities. The portfolio is your primary tool to demonstrate these competencies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the GE Vernova careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and responsibilities that directly align with mechanical design, rapid prototyping, machining, gas turbine technology, CAD proficiency, and project leadership. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest projects that demonstrate your skills in design, fabrication, analysis, and project execution. Organize it clearly with project descriptions, visuals, and quantifiable results.

• Research GE Vernova: Understand their mission, focus on decarbonization, recent news, and their role in the energy sector. This will help you articulate your interest and align your answers with company values.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on clear communication, technical detail, and highlighting your operational impact and problem-solving abilities. Be ready to discuss your leadership approach.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.