Principal Engineer

Principal EngineerComlux America is a world-class VIP aircraft completion and refurbishment center located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company designs, engineers, and installs custom luxury interiors and advanced aircraft systems for airliner-derivative business jets. Comlux also offers scheduled and unscheduled maintenance services. Specializing in highly customized aircraft, Comlux transforms aircraft into personalized flying environments that reflect exceptional craftsmanship, precision engineering, and uncompromising safety.The Principal Engineer serves as a senior technical authority within Engineering and provides technical leadership and guidance for complex aircraft interior completion and modification projects, including large interior completion STC projects for transport category aircraft and modifications for executive aircraft undergoing maintenance. This position plays a key role in developing engineering talent by mentoring less experienced engineers, providing technical coaching and feedback, and contributing to the continued growth and effectiveness of the Engineering organization. This position works closely with Technical Leads, Project Engineers, Designers, Supervisors, Project Management, Sales, Interior Design, Production, Quality, and senior leadership to ensure engineering solutions are technically sound, manufacturable, compliant, and aligned with customer and project requirements.Essential Job Functions· Serves as a senior technical expert and provides engineering guidance, direction, and recommendations to the Engineering organization and senior leadership.· Provides technical leadership for large and complex interior completion STC projects involving transport category aircraft and supports complex modifications for executive aircraft.· Reviews and coordinates departmental review of engineering models, drawings, analyses, technical documents, and design packages supporting interior modifications and STC projects.· Provides technical guidance to Technical Leads and Project Engineers in the development, evaluation, and implementation of engineering solutions.· Supports vendor coordination by assisting with technical specifications, evaluating vendor technical information, participating in Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and Critical Design Review (CDR) meetings, and providing technical direction as required.· Reviews complex engineering problems and provides recommendations for design solutions, technical approaches, and resolution of engineering issues.· Coordinates technical design solutions with regulatory approval authorities and supports engineering certification activities as required.· Provides guidance regarding FAA, EASA, and other applicable aircraft certification requirements and ensures engineering solutions are developed in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.· Collaborates with Engineering, Interior Design, Production, Quality, Project Management, and other functional teams to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, certifiable, and aligned with project requirements.· Collaborates with designers and engineering personnel to ensure designs are developed in accordance with industry best practices, internal processes, approved engineering methods, and applicable work instructions.· Provides technical review and feedback on engineering work products and assists in establishing appropriate technical approaches for complex projects.· Provides technical guidance to Sales, Interior Design, Project Management, and Supervisors in the development of new concepts, project requirements, technical approaches, and project quotations.· Works directly with Supervisors and other Principal Engineers to identify, develop, and implement engineering process improvements and technical standards.· Identifies opportunities to improve engineering methods, processes, tools, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration.· Promotes a positive engineering culture through technical leadership, professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and leading by example.· Mentors less experienced engineers and provides technical coaching, feedback, and guidance to support their personal and professional development.· Supports the development of engineering capabilities and knowledge by sharing technical expertise, lessons learned, and industry best practices.· Assists in resolving complex technical issues that require advanced engineering knowledge, experience, or cross-functional coordination.· Communicates complex technical concepts, risks, recommendations, and solutions clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadership and customers as appropriate.· Represents Engineering in technical meetings and cross-functional discussions and provides authoritative technical input when required.· Maintains current knowledge of aircraft certification requirements, engineering practices, industry standards, and applicable FAA and EASA regulations.· Supports internal and external customer requirements by providing timely, technically sound engineering guidance throughout the project lifecycle.· Performs other duties as assigned by management.Minimum Qualifications, Education and Experience· Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.· Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in aerospace engineering design, analysis, aircraft modification, completion, or certification.· Demonstrated experience providing technical leadership on complex aerospace engineering projects.· Demonstrated experience with aircraft interior modifications, aircraft completion, STC development, or related aircraft engineering activities preferred.· Experience supporting transport category aircraft and/or executive aircraft modifications preferred.· Advanced knowledge of aircraft certification and modification requirements.· Experience working with FAA and EASA regulatory requirements and approval processes.· Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop engineers and provide technical guidance across multiple levels of experience.· Valid passport with the ability to travel internationally as required.· Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.Required Skills and Abilities· Advanced understanding of aerospace engineering principles and their application to aircraft design, modification, integration, and certification.· Advanced understanding of FAA and EASA regulations governing aircraft certification and modification.· Advanced understanding of aircraft installations, systems integration, and aircraft interior modifications.· Strong ability to evaluate complex technical issues and develop practical, technically sound solutions.· Ability to provide authoritative technical guidance while balancing regulatory, customer, schedule, cost, manufacturability, and operational considerations.· Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, models, specifications, technical data, and documentation associated with aircraft modifications.· Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other standard business applications.· Working knowledge of AutoCAD and SolidWorks; advanced proficiency in either platform is preferred.· Strong understanding of engineering documentation, configuration control, technical specifications, and design review processes.· Ability to communicate technical issues and recommendations in a clear, assertive, professional, and tactful manner.· Ability to present advanced technical concepts to engineers, leadership, customers, vendors, and other stakeholders through written and verbal communication.· Strong technical leadership, mentoring, and coaching abilities.· Strong analytical, problem-solving, time-management, and organizational skills.· Ability to work independently and make sound technical decisions while operating effectively within a cross-functional team environment.· Ability to influence technical decisions and build alignment across Engineering and other functional organizations.· Demonstrated commitment to engineering quality, regulatory compliance, continuous improvement, and professional development.Work EnvironmentThe Principal Engineer primarily works in an engineering office environment but may routinely work within aircraft hangars, production areas, and other operational areas to support aircraft completion and modification activities. The position may require interaction with aircraft, tooling, equipment, production personnel, vendors, customers, and regulatory representatives. Occasional travel, including international travel, may be required.Why join us?Your success is our success. We provide a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package that supports you and your family.· 401(k) with company annual contribution equal to 3% of eligible compensation· Company-sponsored HSA· 100% company-paid vision premiums· Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, and EAP benefits· Free financial consultations and guidanceEEO StatementComlux is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.