Mechanical Aerospace Engineer

Position Location and Type

This role is based in Newport News, VA and requires working on-site; remote work is not permitted. It is a contract position starting at an hourly rate of $35, with potential for higher pay based on experience.

Role Overview

The Mechanical Aerospace Engineer will support projects involving aircraft modification, repair, integration, and certification. The position primarily focuses on mechanical and structural system design and integration while ensuring adherence to industry regulations and airworthiness requirements.

Key Duties

• Formulate engineering solutions that fulfill technical specifications, regulatory requirements, and program goals.
• Conduct analyses related to structure, thermal characteristics, vibration, fatigue, and similar areas.
• Develop and examine engineering drawings, reports, technical documents, test plans, and compliance materials.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers, certification teams, production staff, quality assurance, and external vendors to guarantee smooth project delivery.
• Assist certification by generating engineering documentation and supporting compliance verification for regulatory consent.
• Assess factors such as manufacturability, ease of maintenance, installation prerequisites, and durability during the design stage.
• Provide engineering expertise during fabrication, assembly, installation, troubleshooting, testing, and modification activities on aircraft.
• Engage in design reviews and suggest enhancements focused on safety, performance, reliability, and regulatory conformance.
• Maintain engineering records using recognized configuration management methods.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts, adherence to engineering standards, and best practices.
• Perform other engineering duties as needed.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a similar field.
• Experience with aircraft structures, mechanical systems, equipment installation, or modification programs.
• In-depth knowledge of structural design, materials, mechanics, manufacturing techniques, and integration of mechanical systems.
• Understanding of FAA regulations, aircraft certification processes, Supplemental Type Certificate programs, or major alterations (FAA Form 337).
• Capability to create, interpret, and analyze engineering drawings, specifications, reports, and technical documents.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools like SolidWorks.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office applications.
• Analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving aptitude.
• Effective verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively across engineering, production, quality, certification, and program management teams.
• Comfortable operating in both office and hangar settings.
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident status is mandatory.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least five years' experience with aircraft modifications, repairs, integration, or aerospace product development.
• Familiarity with FAA certification activities including STCs, compliance documentation, testing plans and reports, and maintenance instructions.
• Knowledge of MIL-HDBK-516C airworthiness guidelines or military aircraft modification efforts.
• Expertise in structural, vibration, thermal, fatigue, and related engineering assessments.
• Experience authoring engineering reports, installation guidance, substantiation materials, and certification documentation.
• Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing per ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Understanding of aerospace materials, manufacturing methods, fasteners, and structural repair procedures.
• Background in supporting production, installation, ground and flight testing.
• Experience working with external certification bodies, suppliers, OEMs, or engineering consultants.
• Familiarity with configuration management and AS9100 quality standards.

Success Criteria

Success in this role is defined by precise engineering documentation, timely project completion, facilitation of effective aircraft modifications and certification, response to technical issues, compliance with standards, and contribution to engineering process improvements.

Additional Information

Artificial Intelligence tools may be utilized during parts of the recruitment process to analyze applications and detect inconsistencies, assisting human decision-making. Final hiring determinations are made by humans. Inquiries regarding data processing can be directed to the company.