The Mid-Level ECS Engineer is responsible for the design, analysis, integration, and verification of aircraft Environmental Control Systems (ECS), including heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and cabin pressurization systems. This position plays a key role in supporting subsystem development through modeling, component selection, testing, and cross-functional coordination. The engineer ensures HVAC and thermal systems meet performance, safety, and certification requirements for both commercial and military aerospace platforms.
Key Responsibilities:
Design and analyze ECS/HVAC components such as air cycle machines, heat exchangers, fans, valves, ducts, and temperature control systems
Perform thermal and fluid flow analysis to evaluate system performance under various operating conditions and flight phases
Develop system architectures, schematics, interface control documents (ICDs), and requirements documentation
Support integration of ECS/HVAC systems into aircraft platforms, collaborating with structures, avionics, electrical, and propulsion teams
Oversee and interpret lab, rig, and flight test data to validate HVAC and environmental system performance
Assist in writing qualification test plans, procedures, and reports in support of FAA/EASA certification and military standards
Support supplier technical management, part selection, and verification of delivered hardware
Participate in design reviews (PDRs, CDRs), trade studies, and risk management for ECS subsystems
Provide troubleshooting support for production and in-service ECS/HVAC issues
Key Focus Areas:
HVAC system architecture and thermal-fluid design
Component- and system-level analysis and validation
Regulatory compliance and qualification test planning
Cross-functional collaboration with systems, integration, and suppliers
Qualifications & Skills:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field (required)
Master’s degree in a relevant technical field is a plus
Experience:
3–6 years of experience in ECS, HVAC, or thermal system design within the aerospace industry
Prior experience with aircraft ECS or cabin climate control systems strongly preferred
Hands-on experience with design validation, CFD/thermal analysis, and testing is required
Technical Skills:
Proficient in thermodynamic and fluid flow analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, SINDA/FLUINT, MATLAB/Simulink)
Skilled in CAD and drafting software (e.g., CATIA, NX, Creo) and PLM tools
Familiar with DO-160, FAA Part 25, ARP4754A, and MIL-STD environmental qualification processes
Soft Skills:
Strong technical communication and documentation skills
Ability to work independently while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams
Proactive, detail-oriented, and effective at balancing priorities in a fast-paced environment