Mechanical Design Engineer/Tool-Secret Clearance

Location: Cincinnati, OH

Department: BU.GEA.GEA4.GEA4-2 - GEA 4-2

Quest Defense is an organization at the forefront of innovation and one of the world’s fastest growing engineering services firms with deep domain knowledge and recognized expertise in the top OEMs across seven industries. We are part of a twenty-five-year-old company on a journey to becoming a centenary one, driven by aspiration, hunger and humility.

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 willing to obtain a security clearance. This position is 100% onsite in Cincinnati, OH.

 Potential Functions:

• Read and interpret conceptual designs, drawings, blueprints, engineering orders, sketches, tool orders, manuals, charts and graphs to layout and draw tool designs utilizing drafting techniques including computer-based design or drafting systems.
• Perform mathematical calculations using shop math, including geometric and trigonometric formulas to compute and locate dimensions, angles, contours, convex and concave surfaces, reference lines, center points and machining guidelines. Understand and apply results from stress analysis.
• Design a variety of production, engineering and developmental tools to be used in machining, fabrication, and processing, applying knowledge of the working properties and machining characteristics of various metals, plastics, ceramics and composite materials.
• Coordinate tool requisition, design concepts, changes, modifications and requirements with Tool Engineers as required.
• Collaborative Spirit: Coordinate with Product Definition Engineers to meet tool requisitions and implement design changes to ensure modifications align with requirements.
• Assist shop personnel in understanding the tool design drawing as required.
• Record manufacturing data and statistics manually or with the use of a computer or computer-based systems.

Required skills

• Hold a BS in Engineering or have commensurate years of experience in a relevant discipline.
• Proficient in the use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and modeling skills using NX
• Read and interpret information from engineering documents, sketches, drawings, blueprints, engineering models, conceptual designs and verbal discussions.
• Prior knowledge and a minimum of 3 years of experience interpreting and applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance (GD&T) to support tool fixture design and fabrication process.
• Apply machining theory, best practice, mechanical systems, welding and assembly to design tooling in support of turbomachinery repair and manufacturing.
• Complete understanding of product tolerance stack ups and datum structures and how these apply to designing appropriate tooling fixtures.
• Must have excellent math skills, specifically shop math (i.e. Trigonometry).
• Must exhibit behaviors that reflect our Safety Values and understand factory process safety rules and requirements.
• Ability to interact with employees/managers at all levels with strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to effectively contribute to and perform within a team while possessing the capability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to review, interpret and upgrade heritage/legacy tooling designs to modern standards, applications and practices.
• Ability to discuss, comprehend and adhere to established or agreed-to budgets for the design of tooling (models and drawings).
• Requires U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain DOD clearance

 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.
• Due to the nature of the work, all candidates must be a U.S. Citizen

 Desired Skills:

• 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.