Mechanical Engineer

Senior Mechanical Engineer (Contract)

Position Summary

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support the design and development of complex VIP aircraft interiors and aircraft structural components. This contract position will be responsible for creating innovative, FAA-compliant designs that meet customer requirements, quality standards, project budgets, and delivery schedules.

Multiple openings are available.

Key Responsibilities

• Design complex aircraft interior furnishings and structural components, including:
• Ceilings
• Sidewalls
• Flooring systems
• Floor structures
• Ceiling grids
• Monuments
• OEM modifications
• Interpret and analyze subsystem and project specifications.
• Select appropriate materials based on structural, manufacturing, and performance requirements.
• Evaluate material trade-offs involving composites, metals, coatings, treatments, and hardness specifications.
• Collaborate with suppliers and testing organizations to validate material selections.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering teams to optimize designs for:
• Reduced part count
• Lower manufacturing costs
• Improved manufacturability
• Increased product quality
• Reduced assembly errors
• Develop and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), fabrication specifications, and assembly documentation.
• Ensure designs meet customer expectations, FAA regulations, and company quality standards.
• Support program cost and schedule objectives.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to engineering personnel.
• Support liaison engineering activities and troubleshooting efforts.
• Assist with test planning, test setup preparation, and test report development.
• Stay current on emerging design methodologies, materials, software tools, and industry best practices.
• Work cross-functionally with Design, Manufacturing, and Program teams to develop aesthetically pleasing and technically sound solutions.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant engineering experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior aerospace or aviation experience required.
• Aircraft interior design experience strongly preferred.

ITAR Requirement

Candidates must qualify as a U.S. Person under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), including:

• U.S. Citizens
• Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)
• Individuals granted political asylum or refugee status as defined by applicable regulations

Technical Skills & Knowledge

Design Software

• Advanced 3D CAD experience ( Autodesk Inventor preferred )
• Strong 2D drafting experience ( AutoCAD )

Engineering Expertise

• Aircraft interior structures and furnishings
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA)
• Material selection and qualification
• Weight and balance analysis
• Mechanical motion modeling
• Engineering drawing creation and review
• ANSI Y14.5 GD&T standards
• Manufacturing processes and fabrication methods
• Cost-conscious engineering design

Additional Knowledge Areas

Experience supporting or designing:

• Aircraft structures (upper and lower attached structures)
• Monuments and cabinetry
• Ceiling and sidewall systems
• Flooring systems
• Placards and interior components
• OEM modifications
• Avionics equipment installations and LRU integration

Core Competencies

Professional Competencies

• Strong engineering judgment and decision-making
• Excellent planning, organization, and prioritization skills
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams
• Adaptability in a fast-paced engineering environment
• Commitment to quality and continuous improvement

Additional Requirements

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel as required.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours when needed.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally and perform standard office/computer-based work.