Senior Mechanical Engineer (Contract)

Accountabilities: Design complex mechanical aircraft interior furnishings and structural components, including ceilings, sidewalls, flooring, floor structures, ceiling grids, monuments, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) modifications. Analyze and interpret project specifications, subsystem requirements, and customer expectations to develop appropriate engineering solutions. Select and evaluate materials based on structural performance, technical specifications, and project objectives, considering composites, hardness, treatments, coatings, and other material properties. Collaborate with material suppliers and testing teams to assess material suitability and support engineering decisions. Work closely with Manufacturing Engineers to optimize designs for manufacturability and assembly, reducing part counts, production costs, assembly errors, and quality risks. Apply knowledge of bills of materials, assembly concepts, fabrication specifications, and manufacturing processes throughout the design lifecycle. Ensure all engineering designs comply with customer requirements, internal quality standards, applicable FAA regulations, and relevant industry standards. Manage engineering deliverables in accordance with project budgets, technical requirements, and strict delivery schedules. Provide technical guidance, design reviews, and constructive feedback to other engineering professionals. Research and implement innovative solutions to complex technical challenges, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of mechanical design practices, materials, components, and CAD technologies. Collaborate with Design teams to develop aesthetically appealing products that meet customer expectations and market requirements. Provide liaison engineering support to facilitate communication and resolve technical issues across departments. Support the preparation of test setups, engineering validation activities, and test report documentation. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and maintain high standards of engineering accuracy, reliability, and quality. Perform additional responsibilities as required to support project and departmental objectives. Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, with at least 8 years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Mandatory experience in the aviation industry, including hands-on experience with aircraft interiors. Advanced proficiency in 3D and 2D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools, preferably Autodesk Inventor for 3D design and AutoCAD for 2D drafting. Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering design principles, industry-standard fasteners, materials, components, and the ability to identify and specify appropriate supplier parts. Understanding of manufacturing methodologies, design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA), production costing, and material selection. Knowledge of engineering design, documentation, and drafting standards, including ANSI Y14.5 and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T). Experience with mechanical motion modeling, weight and balance analysis, and engineering drawing reviews to verify fit, form, and function. Broad technical knowledge across multiple aerospace disciplines, including: Mechanical systems: Lower and upper attached structures, monuments, ceilings, sidewalls, flooring, placards, and OEM modifications. Avionics: Equipment location, provisioning, and installation requirements for Line Replaceable Units (LRUs). Ability to adapt to specialized engineering processes designed for prototype development rather than conventional production engineering. Demonstrated ability to deliver technically accurate solutions while managing demanding schedules, budgets, and complex engineering requirements. Strong analytical thinking, independent problem-solving skills, and the ability to develop creative solutions to challenging technical issues. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, design, manufacturing, and other functional teams. Strong organizational and time-management abilities, including the capacity to prioritize multiple tasks and meet project deadlines. Proven adaptability, initiative, dependability, sound judgment, and commitment to high-quality work. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while contributing effectively to an established and growing engineering team. Eligibility to meet U.S. Person requirements for programs subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). This generally includes U.S. citizens, qualifying permanent residents, and individuals with protected asylum status, subject to applicable legal requirements. Willingness and ability to travel when required and work outside standard business hours when project demands arise. Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including extended periods of sitting, frequent hand use, occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds, and sufficient close and color vision to perform essential duties. Benefits: Competitive annual salary range of $109,000 to $150,000 USD, depending on relevant experience, education, location, and other applicable factors. Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Life insurance coverage. Paid time off (PTO) to support personal time and work-life balance. 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions. Opportunity to work on highly specialized VIP aircraft interior and aerospace engineering projects. Exposure to advanced mechanical design technologies, innovative materials, and customized engineering solutions. Opportunities to collaborate with experienced professionals across engineering, design, and manufacturing disciplines. A dynamic and technically challenging environment that encourages creativity, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Multiple contract openings available, offering opportunities to contribute to a range of specialized aerospace projects.