Job Title: Avionics Mechanical Engineer
Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Senior Avionics Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, integration, and optimization of mechanical components and systems for avionics applications. In this senior role, you will be responsible for overseeing complex mechanical design tasks, ensuring avionics systems are seamlessly integrated into aerospace platforms, and driving innovation within the avionics mechanical design process. You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and lead design and testing initiatives to deliver high-performance, reliable, and compliant mechanical systems. This position is ideal for a seasoned engineer with a deep understanding of avionics, aerospace systems, and mechanical design.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead Avionics Mechanical Design and Development:
- Take the lead in the design, development, and optimization of mechanical systems and components for avionics systems, including sensor enclosures, housing, wiring harnesses, and mechanical supports.
- Oversee the creation of mechanical designs that integrate avionics components into complex aerospace systems (e.g., aircraft, spacecraft, or UAVs).
- Ensure designs meet stringent performance, safety, thermal, vibration, and environmental requirements while maintaining manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
Advanced Engineering Analysis:
- Lead the structural, thermal, and vibration analysis for avionics components, using tools such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and thermal simulation software.
- Validate designs under various operating conditions to ensure mechanical integrity and compliance with industry standards (e.g., FAA, MIL-SPEC).
- Make decisions on materials and design choices based on engineering principles and testing feedback.
System Integration and Testing:
- Manage the mechanical integration of avionics systems into larger aircraft or spacecraft, ensuring seamless interaction between mechanical and electrical/electronic subsystems.
- Oversee the testing and validation of avionics systems, ensuring all components meet operational, regulatory, and safety standards.
- Lead the analysis of test data, refine designs based on results, and ensure system performance through iterative design adjustments.
Cross-functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with electrical engineers, systems engineers, and manufacturing teams to ensure the mechanical design of avionics systems integrates with electrical systems and other subsystems.
- Lead cross-disciplinary design reviews, ensuring the mechanical and electrical systems are fully optimized for integration and performance.
- Collaborate with regulatory bodies to ensure all designs meet compliance and certification requirements.
Leadership and Mentorship:
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers, guiding them through design challenges, providing insights on industry best practices, and fostering their professional growth.
- Review and provide feedback on the work of junior engineers, ensuring high standards of design quality and compliance with project requirements.
- Help foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team, promoting efficient design processes and introducing new technologies and methodologies.
Project Management and Technical Leadership:
- Lead technical projects, manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables, and ensure alignment with broader organizational goals.
- Oversee risk assessments and mitigation strategies for avionics mechanical systems, managing potential issues before they arise.
- Ensure effective communication between engineering teams, project managers, and stakeholders, providing regular updates on progress and addressing any roadblocks.
Documentation and Compliance:
- Ensure all designs, prototypes, testing procedures, and results are documented thoroughly and comply with aerospace industry regulations.
- Manage and maintain technical documentation for avionics mechanical systems, including specifications, drawings, and reports.
- Lead audits and reviews to ensure all designs comply with internal quality assurance standards and external regulatory bodies.
Continuous Innovation and Improvement:
- Promote and implement best practices in avionics mechanical design, striving for continuous improvement in design efficiency, quality, and safety.
- Stay current with advancements in avionics technology, materials science, and aerospace engineering trends, applying new knowledge to design and development efforts.
- Explore and apply cutting-edge technologies such as additive manufacturing, new materials, and advanced simulation techniques to enhance design processes.
Key Focus Areas:
Aerodynamics:
- Assist in optimizing aerodynamic systems for aircraft or spacecraft performance using modeling software.
Propulsion Systems:
- Contribute to the development and testing of propulsion systems, focusing on efficiency and reliability.
Structural Engineering:
- Design and test structural components to ensure strength, durability, and safety.
Systems Integration:
- Support integration of mechanical, electrical, and avionics systems to ensure seamless operation.
Stress and Fatigue Analysis:
- Perform analysis on components to ensure they can withstand operational stresses and fatigue.
Quality Assurance & Control:
- Ensure adherence to industry standards through inspections, testing protocols, and quality control procedures.
Qualifications and Skills:
Educational Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
- 7+ years of experience in avionics mechanical design or a related field, with a focus on aerospace systems integration.
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, or CREO) for 3D modeling, technical drawings, and assemblies.
- Advanced knowledge of mechanical design principles, including structural analysis, materials selection, thermodynamics, vibration, and shock analysis.
- Extensive experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and other simulation tools for design validation.
- Strong understanding of avionics systems, their mechanical integration, and aerospace regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA, MIL-SPEC).
Soft Skills:
- Proven leadership and project management skills, with the ability to manage complex projects, deadlines, and resources.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating across multiple teams and stakeholders.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with a focus on innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges.
- Ability to mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.
Certifications (Preferred):
- Professional Engineer (PE) certification or similar engineering certification.
- Certification in CAD software (e.g., Certified SolidWorks Professional).
- Experience with aerospace-specific regulations (e.g., FAA, MIL-SPEC, ISO) and standards for avionics systems.
- Certification in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) or other relevant software tools.