Lead Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer Company: Leonardo DRS, Inc. Location: Fitchburg, Massachusetts, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Engineering / Design Operations Date Posted: October 09, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in the design, analysis, optimization, and qualification of critical components for high-performance naval steam turbines, directly impacting the performance and reliability of naval power systems.
• The Lead Designer will be responsible for generating optimal designs of subcomponents such as buckets, diaphragms, and nozzles, ensuring their seamless integration and collective performance within the turbine assembly.
• This position requires a blend of advanced computational turbomachinery design tools and a deep analytical understanding of first-order models relevant to steam turbine design, emphasizing data-driven decision-making and process efficiency.
• The role involves leadership of multidisciplinary project teams, including engineers, detailers, and drafters, fostering collaboration to meet complex program requirements within a matrix organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is categorized under Engineering/Design Operations due to its focus on the technical design and development lifecycle of complex machinery, which is a core function within Go-To-Market (GTM) operational enablement and product development processes. The emphasis on design, analysis, optimization, and team leadership aligns with the strategic execution required in advanced engineering operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and drive the execution of detailed technical work scopes for large steam turbines, gas turbines, and generators, ensuring adherence to required quality, schedule, and budget parameters.
• Generate comprehensive turbine concept design options that strategically align with performance requirements to accelerate the detailed design phase and minimize iterative cycles.
• Lead and meticulously review detailed analyses to guarantee robust turbine designs that satisfy all specified performance requirements, including thermodynamic, blade shaping, flow path, blade stress, rotodynamic, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses using associated computational turbine design tool packages.
• Develop comprehensive project plans and pre-contract proposal estimates by thoroughly evaluating project scope, technical requirements, identified risks, and a clear understanding of customer needs.
• Organize, guide, and motivate technical teams through the development of complex products and systems, fostering an environment of innovation and accountability.
• Confidently and competently represent Leonardo DRS in customer interactions, particularly with the U.S. Navy, ensuring clear and effective communication of technical and programmatic information.
• Clearly communicate, both orally and in writing, complex technical and programmatic information to diverse audiences, including technical specialists and non-technical stakeholders.
• Review, analyze, and provide accurate status updates on project milestones, along with reliable estimates to complete ongoing projects and tasks, ensuring proactive project management.
• Foster collaboration with other departments, Leonardo DRS locations, and external suppliers to effectively solve problems and develop cost-effective, high-quality solutions.
• Champion Design for Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) and manufacturability principles, demonstrating this expertise in support of manufacturing and field activities.
• Mentor other team members by sharing knowledge and best practices in state-of-the-art design and analysis processes, promoting continuous learning and skill development within the engineering team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual technical contribution and leadership, typical for a "Lead" role. The emphasis on customer representation, project planning, and cross-functional collaboration indicates a strong need for operational communication and project management skills beyond pure design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree from a 4-year accredited college or university in Mechanical Engineering or another suitable engineering discipline.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in the development of steam turbines or other turbomachinery rotating components.
• Demonstrated excellence in applying fundamental Mechanical Design principles, including material selection, statistics, strength of materials, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, rotor dynamics, and life estimating methods related to Low and High Cycle Fatigue (LCF & HCF) and creep.
• Proven experience independently driving the product development lifecycle from initial concept through to qualified and fielded systems.
• Experience with system-level thinking and the application of system engineering principles and methods.
• Experience with the design of large welded fabrications and complex rotating assemblies.

Required Skills:

• Mechanical Engineering Fundamentals: Strong understanding of core mechanical engineering principles as applied to turbomachinery design.
• Steam Turbine Design: In-depth knowledge of Steam Turbine rotating and stationary bucket/blade design processes and procedures.
• Computational Analysis: Proficiency in performing thermodynamic, blade shaping, flow path, blade stress, rotodynamic, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses.
• Project Leadership: Ability to organize, motivate, and lead multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Customer Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively represent the company to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including the U.S. Navy.
• System Thinking: Aptitude for understanding and applying system engineering principles to complex product development.

Preferred Skills:

• CAD Proficiency: Proficient with Computer Aided Design (CAD) Tools, with a preference for Siemens NX and/or Solidworks.
• Turbomachinery Software: Proficient with specialized turbomachinery software such as Concepts NREC or SoftInWay for turbine design and analysis.
• FEA/CFD Tools: Proficient with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and/or Multi-Physics Analysis Tools, with a preference for ANSYS.
• Optimization Techniques: Experience with optimization techniques and processes to leverage computational turbomachinery design methods for enhanced performance.
• Project Management Tools: Experience with Program Management tools (MS Project preferred) and/or Agile Project Management tools (Jira preferred).
• Defense Project Experience: Experience with the execution of projects for the U.S. military.
• Industrial/Military Specifications: Familiarity with industrial and military design specifications.
• Manufacturing Process Understanding: Familiarity with the full manufacturing process, including forgings, machining, and factory assembly/testing practices, specifically as applied to power generation equipment.
• Fielded Turbine Experience: Experience with the development of steam turbines fielded in applications such as electric machines, electric motor/drive systems, and electro-mechanical systems.
• Security Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain an active DOD security clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead Designer" title and the responsibilities outlined suggest a need for significant experience in managing technical projects and mentoring junior engineers, which is a key operational leadership function. The emphasis on specific CAD and analysis tools points to a highly specialized technical operations role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase detailed case studies of complex steam turbine or turbomachinery component designs, highlighting the design process from concept to final implementation.
• Analysis & Optimization Examples: Present examples of analyses performed (e.g., CFD, FEA, rotordynamics) and how optimization techniques were applied to improve performance, efficiency, or durability.
• System Integration Documentation: Include documentation or diagrams illustrating how individual components were integrated into a larger system and the considerations for system-level performance.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Demonstrate instances where you identified and resolved complex design or performance issues, detailing the analytical approach and the impact of the solution.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Documentation: Evidence of established design workflows, including concept generation, detailed design, analysis, review, and documentation phases.
• Analysis Methodology Standards: Documentation outlining the methodologies and tools used for various analyses, ensuring consistency and robustness in the design verification process.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Protocols: Examples of how design processes integrate with manufacturing, testing, and project management, including communication protocols and feedback loops.
• Performance Measurement & Qualification: Documentation demonstrating how designs were qualified against performance requirements, including test plans, results, and any iterative improvements based on qualification data.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Designer role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display technical output but also demonstrate leadership in process definition and execution, highlighting how design processes contribute to overall project success and operational efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Lead Designer with 5-10 years of experience in specialized engineering fields like turbomachinery, particularly in the defense sector, and considering the Fitchburg, MA location, a competitive salary range is estimated between $120,000 - $160,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the specialized technical skills, leadership responsibilities, and the advanced nature of the work.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage to support employee health.
• Company contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA) for healthcare expense management.
• Telemedicine services for convenient access to medical advice.
• Life and disability insurance to provide financial security for employees and their families.
• Legal insurance for access to legal services when needed.
• 401(k) savings plan with company contributions to aid in retirement planning.
• Robust wellness programs focused on physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
• Flexible work schedules, including the 9/80 program, offering enhanced work-life balance.
• Competitive vacation time, health/emergency leave, and paid parental leave.
• Paid community service hours, encouraging employee engagement in local communities.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The company offers a 9/80 work schedule option, which allows employees to work a compressed schedule of 80 hours over nine days, resulting in every other Friday off, providing significant flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on available data for similar engineering leadership roles in Massachusetts, considering the defense industry context. The 9/80 work schedule is a notable benefit for work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense & Aerospace (Naval Power Systems) Company Size: Leonardo DRS, Inc. is a large enterprise, with its parent company, Leonardo S.p.A., being a global leader in aerospace, defense, and security. This scale offers stability and access to extensive resources. Founded: Leonardo DRS was established in 1961, bringing decades of experience and a rich history in developing advanced technological solutions for defense applications.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role is within the Naval Power Systems business unit, specializing in naval gas and hybrid power systems. The design team likely comprises experienced mechanical engineers, designers, analysts, and project managers.
• Reporting & Collaboration: The Lead Designer will lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers, detailers, and drafters. This role requires close collaboration with other technical disciplines, manufacturing, program management, and potentially external suppliers and customers (U.S. Navy).
• Matrix Organization: The team operates within a matrix structure, implying potential reporting lines to both functional engineering management and project management, requiring strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on modern computational turbomachinery design tools complemented by a strong analytical foundation for steam turbine design.
• Process Optimization: Focus on generating optimal designs, ensuring collective performance, and optimizing the product development cycle from concept to qualification.
• Collaborative Problem-Solving: A consultative approach to problem-solving with other technical disciplines to ensure robust and integrated solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on naval defense systems implies a culture that values precision, reliability, security, and long-term product support. The "Lead" designation suggests a culture that empowers experienced individuals to guide technical direction and mentor others.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Lead" position, indicating a senior individual contributor role with significant technical leadership and mentorship responsibilities. It sits above a standard Senior Engineer but may not be a formal management role unless specified. It's a critical node in the technical execution of GTM product development. Reporting Structure: The Lead Designer will report to engineering management and will lead a team of engineers, detailers, and drafters. The role necessitates reporting on project status and technical challenges to program managers and potentially senior leadership or customers. Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the success of naval power system development by ensuring the optimal design and performance of critical steam turbine components. Successful designs contribute to the reliability, efficiency, and competitive advantage of Leonardo DRS's offerings to the U.S. Navy and international navies, influencing revenue and market share.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced turbomachinery design and analysis, becoming a subject matter expert within the company and industry.
• Leadership Development: Transition into formal engineering management roles, leading larger teams or entire functional groups.
• Program Management: Develop skills in project execution, client relations, and business development, potentially moving into program management roles.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to work on diverse projects across different business units or collaborate on international initiatives.
• Mentorship & Training: Continue to mentor junior engineers, contributing to the company's talent pipeline and potentially developing training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title implies a clear path for career progression within technical leadership or into management. The emphasis on mentorship and cross-functional collaboration suggests opportunities for developing broader operational understanding.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, indicating a traditional office and potentially lab/engineering workshop environment within Leonardo DRS's facilities in Fitchburg, MA. Office Location(s): Fitchburg, Massachusetts, USA. This location likely offers access to a skilled engineering talent pool and proximity to relevant industries.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Engineering Hub: Expect an environment where engineers, designers, and analysts work closely together, fostering knowledge sharing and rapid problem-solving.
• Tool & Technology Access: The workspace will be equipped with necessary engineering software (CAD, FEA, CFD), high-performance computing resources, and potentially access to testing facilities.
• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with immediate team members, project managers, manufacturing representatives, and potentially customer representatives.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time, on-site work. The availability of a 9/80 compressed work schedule offers significant flexibility, allowing for extended weekends and improved work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the mention of the 9/80 schedule are key details for candidates assessing their preferred work environment and schedule flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with job requirements.
• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on mechanical engineering fundamentals, steam turbine design principles, turbomachinery analysis, CAD/FEA proficiency, and problem-solving scenarios. Expect scenario-based questions and technical challenges.
• Portfolio Review: Presentation and discussion of your design and analysis portfolio. Be prepared to walk through your most relevant projects, explain your design choices, analytical methods, and the outcomes achieved.
• Behavioral & Leadership Interview: Assessment of leadership capabilities, team collaboration, communication skills, decision-making processes, and cultural fit within Leonardo DRS. Questions will likely probe how you mentor others and manage technical teams.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or key stakeholders to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-4 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your expertise in steam turbine design, analysis, and leadership.
• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly articulate:
  • The problem statement/design challenge.
  • Your role and responsibilities.
  • The design process and methodologies employed.
  • Key analyses performed and results.
  • Optimization strategies and their impact.
  • The final outcome and lessons learned.
• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., efficiency improvements, stress reduction, weight savings, cycle life extension).
• Highlight Leadership: If applicable, describe how you led a design effort, mentored junior engineers, or facilitated collaboration within the project team.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, analytical assumptions, and trade-offs considered.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Problem-Solving: Practice solving typical turbomachinery design or analysis problems under timed conditions.
• Design Trade-off Analysis: Be ready to discuss how you would evaluate different design options based on performance, cost, manufacturability, and risk.
• Communication & Presentation: Prepare to clearly articulate complex technical concepts and present your portfolio effectively, emphasizing how your work aligns with Leonardo DRS's objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and technical challenges is standard for senior engineering roles. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just technical skills but also their ability to lead and communicate effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Siemens NX and/or Solidworks (preferred for detailed design and component modeling).
• Turbomachinery Design Software: Concepts NREC or SoftInWay (or equivalent) for specialized turbine design, aerodynamic, and thermodynamic analysis.
• FEA/CFD Software: ANSYS (preferred) for structural, thermal, fluid dynamics, and rotordynamic simulations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Simulation Data Analysis Tools: Software associated with FEA/CFD packages for interpreting simulation results.
• Data Visualization Tools: Potentially used for presenting analysis results, though specific tools are not mentioned.
• Spreadsheet Software: Microsoft Excel for data manipulation, calculations, and basic analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: MS Project (preferred) or Jira (Agile Project Management) for planning, tracking, and managing project tasks and timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in specific CAD, turbomachinery design, and analysis software is critical. Candidates should highlight their experience with these tools and be ready to discuss their application in design and problem-solving.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to rigorous analysis, precise design, and continuous improvement in engineering practices.
• Reliability & Quality: A strong focus on delivering highly reliable and robust products, especially critical for naval applications where failure is not an option.
• Innovation: Encouraging the development of new technologies and optimized designs to maintain a competitive edge.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where engineers work together, share knowledge, and achieve common goals.
• Customer Focus: Dedication to meeting and exceeding the stringent requirements of customers, particularly the U.S. Navy.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly integrated approach where design teams work closely with manufacturing, procurement, testing, and program management to ensure seamless product development from concept to delivery.
• Consultative Approach: The role involves a consultative approach to problem-solving, requiring open communication and the ability to influence and be influenced by other technical disciplines.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that values mentorship and the sharing of best practices, particularly in advanced design and analysis techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's defense sector focus suggests a culture that prioritizes precision, accountability, and adherence to strict standards, while the "Lead" role implies a value placed on mentorship and technical guidance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Design Requirements: Meeting the stringent performance, reliability, and environmental requirements for naval power systems.
• Integration Complexity: Ensuring seamless integration of complex turbomachinery components into larger naval power systems.
• Regulatory & Security Compliance: Navigating defense industry regulations, security protocols, and potential requirements for security clearances.
• Balancing Innovation with Legacy Systems: Incorporating new design methodologies and technologies while adhering to established standards and supporting existing fielded systems.
• Team Leadership in a Matrixed Environment: Effectively leading and motivating a diverse team with potentially competing project demands.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Turbomachinery Training: Access to specialized training and resources for cutting-edge turbomachinery design and analysis techniques.
• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend relevant industry conferences and pursue professional certifications to stay abreast of advancements.
• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal mentorship from senior engineers and leaders within Leonardo DRS to guide career development.
• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Working with state-of-the-art design tools and on advanced naval power system projects.
• Leadership Skill Enhancement: Development opportunities focused on project management, team leadership, and strategic decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the defense industry and complex engineering projects, offering significant opportunities for skill development and professional growth for motivated individuals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Strategy: "Describe your approach to designing a high-efficiency steam turbine bucket under specific pressure and temperature constraints. What analytical tools would you prioritize, and what are the key trade-offs you'd consider?" (Focus on structured problem-solving, tool application, and trade-off analysis).
• Leadership & Teamwork: "Tell me about a time you led a design team through a challenging project. How did you motivate your team, resolve conflicts, and ensure project success?" (Prepare a STAR method example demonstrating leadership, communication, and problem-solving).
• Process Improvement: "How would you improve the current design process for steam turbine components at Leonardo DRS, considering our focus on reliability and customer requirements?" (Think about workflow optimization, tool integration, and best practices).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Alignment: "Why are you interested in Leonardo DRS and specifically our Naval Power Systems business? How do your skills and career goals align with our mission?" (Research the company's products, values, and recent news).
• Team Dynamics: "How do you prefer to collaborate with other engineering disciplines (e.g., manufacturing, controls)? Can you provide an example of a successful cross-functional collaboration?" (Highlight your consultative and problem-solving approach).
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your designs? What metrics are most important for steam turbine components in a naval application?" (Focus on performance, reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise & Focused: Prepare a presentation that is clear, visually appealing, and highlights your most relevant projects. Aim for 15-20 minutes of presentation, leaving ample time for Q&A.
• Storytelling with Data: For each project, tell a compelling story that demonstrates your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and leadership. Use clear visuals and quantify results wherever possible.
• Highlight Leadership & Mentorship: Explicitly point out instances where you led a team, mentored junior engineers, or influenced design decisions.
• Address Company Needs: Tailor your presentation to show how your experience directly addresses the requirements and challenges outlined in the job description, especially regarding naval applications and turbomachinery design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical depth but also leadership, communication, and strategic thinking relevant to a "Lead" role in a defense engineering context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Leonardo DRS careers portal.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with steam turbines, turbomachinery, mechanical design, relevant software (CAD, FEA, CFD), and any leadership or mentorship activities. Use keywords from the job description.
• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a professional portfolio showcasing your most relevant design and analysis projects. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and leadership capabilities. Be ready to present this during the interview process.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Leonardo DRS, its Naval Power Systems division, its products, and its role in the defense industry. Understand their commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
• Interview Practice: Practice answering common technical, behavioral, and situational questions, particularly those related to design challenges, team leadership, and project execution. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail.

⚠️ 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.

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