Aircraft Mechanical Engineer

Citadel Aviation; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Citadel Aviation in Lake Charles, LA, seeks an experienced Aircraft Mechanical Engineer to lead design, development, and support for VIP aircraft interior and structural systems. You will collaborate with certification, production, and quality teams to deliver compliant, manufacturable solutions.

The role requires a bachelor's in mechanical engineering and 7+ years in aerospace or related fields, with strong CAD skills (CATIA/SolidWorks/AutoCAD/Siemens NX).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of engineering experience in aerospace, aviation, manufacturing, or related industries.
• Experience creating engineering drawings, technical documentation, and design packages.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as CATIA, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Siemens NX, or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical designs, engineering drawings, installation packages, and documentation for interior and structural modifications.
• Design and analyze interior components including monuments, cabinetry, seating installations, partitions, galleys, lavatories, and related structures.
• Create and maintain engineering models, drawings, BOMs, and design documentation using CAD software.
• Perform calculations and analyses to support structural integrity, load requirements, material selection, and system integration.
• Prepare engineering data packages to support FAA, EASA, and other certification requirements.
• Coordinate with certification teams to support compliance findings and regulatory approvals.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to ensure designs are producible and efficiently integrated into aircraft.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of technical issues during fabrication, installation, testing, and delivery.
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical recommendations to improve product performance and manufacturability.
• Review customer requirements and design changes to ensure project objectives are met.

Skills

Mechanical design

Aerospace engineering

CAD software

CATIA

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Siemens NX

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Siemens NX

Job description

About Citadel Aviation

Citadel Aviation has grown from a startup vision into a global leader in V/VVIP aircraft completions, maintenance, modifications, and luxury interiors. Located in Lake Charles, Dallas, and serving customers onsite where they're at, our teams deliver work on some of the most sophisticated narrow and wide body aircraft in the world. We have significantly expanded project volume since 2019, and that growth was built by people who take pride in doing the work right. Whatever your role, Citadel is a place to bring what you know and build what comes next.

About Citadel Aviation

Citadel Aviation has grown from a startup vision into a global leader in V/VVIP aircraft completions, maintenance, modifications, and luxury interiors. Located in Lake Charles, Dallas, and serving customers onsite where they're at, our teams deliver work on some of the most sophisticated narrow and wide body aircraft in the world. We have significantly expanded project volume since 2019, and that growth was built by people who take pride in doing the work right. Whatever your role, Citadel is a place to bring what you know and build what comes next.

Purpose

The Aircraft Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the design, development, analysis, and support of aircraft interior and structural systems for VIP and large cabin aircraft completions, modifications, and refurbishment programs. This role develops engineering solutions that meet customer requirements, regulatory standards, and operational objectives while supporting manufacturing, installation, certification, and aircraft delivery activities. The Aircraft Mechanical Engineer collaborates closely with design, program management, production, quality, and certification teams to ensure successful project execution.

Essential Job Functions

• Develop mechanical designs, engineering drawings, installation packages, and technical documentation for aircraft interior and structural modifications.
• Design and analyze aircraft interior components including monuments, cabinetry, seating installations, partitions, galleys, lavatories, and related structural assemblies.
• Create and maintain engineering models, drawings, bills of materials, and design documentation using CAD software.
• Perform engineering calculations and analyses to support structural integrity, load requirements, material selection, and system integration.
• Prepare engineering data packages to support FAA, EASA, and other certification requirements.
• Coordinate with certification teams to support compliance findings, substantiation reports, and regulatory approvals.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and installation teams to ensure designs are producible and efficiently integrated into aircraft.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of technical issues encountered during fabrication, installation, testing, and aircraft delivery.
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical recommendations to improve product performance, quality, and manufacturability.
• Review customer requirements, specifications, and design changes to ensure compliance with project objectives.
• Support supplier and vendor evaluations related to mechanical systems, materials, and components.
• Maintain configuration control and engineering change management throughout project lifecycles.
• Assist with aircraft surveys, fit checks, and on-aircraft validation activities.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to engineering processes, product development, and operational efficiency.

Requirements

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline required.
• 7+ years of engineering experience in aerospace, aviation, manufacturing, or related industries.
• Experience creating engineering drawings, technical documentation, and design packages.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as CATIA, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Siemens NX, or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.

Preferred

• Experience in aircraft completions, modifications, MRO, or aerospace manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with VIP/VVIP aircraft platforms including Gulfstream, Boeing BBJ, or Airbus ACJ.
• Knowledge of FAA, EASA, and aviation certification requirements.
• Experience with aircraft interiors, cabin systems, monuments, or structural modifications.
• Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and configuration management processes.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities but may provide technical guidance and support to junior engineers, designers, and project teams.

Knowledge, Skills, And Other Attributes

• Strong mechanical design and engineering analysis skills.
• Proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional team environments.
• Knowledge of manufacturing, fabrication, and installation processes.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
• Commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in both office and aircraft hangar environments.
• Frequent use of engineering software, computer systems, and technical documentation.
• Regular interaction with engineering, production, quality, certification, and program management teams.
• May require occasional access to aircraft, manufacturing facilities, and installation areas.
• Exposure to aircraft maintenance and production environments including noise, equipment, and varying temperatures.
• Must comply with company safety policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
• This position is considered LIGHT work, with frequent lifting up to 20 lbs; occasional climbing, stooping, kneeling, squatting, and reaching, with repetitive movements of arms and hands and seated work with back supported.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Citadel Aviation, LLC. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.