Aircraft Structures Design Engineer

Elliott Aviation; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Elliott Aviation is seeking an Aircraft Structures Design Engineer to design and certify structural and interior modifications for business and general aviation aircraft. You will develop structural and interior installation packages, create CAD models, and support engineering documentation from concept through certification.

Responsibilities include reviewing manuals, supporting production, and coordinating with DERs, FAA inspections, and cross-functional teams to ensure safe, compliant, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, manuals, and specifications.
• Experience with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Good verbal and written communication; able to work independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Design engineering drawings and installation packages for aircraft modification projects.
• Create CAD models and maintain drawings and documentation.
• Review manuals, repair and certification data to support engineering activities.
• Provide manufacturing support and coordinate with cross-functional teams.
• Assist in weight and balance evaluations and engineering analyses.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

CATIA

Job description

Design the Future of Business Aviation

Join our Engineering team and help bring innovative aircraft modification solutions to life. As an Aircraft Structures Design Engineer, you will support the design, development, and certification of structural and interior aircraft modifications for business and general aviation aircraft.

This role plays an important part in aircraft modernization, refurbishment, avionics integration, cabin reconfiguration, structural repairs, and special mission projects. Working closely with Engineering, Production, Interiors, Certification, and Program Management teams, you'll help deliver safe, compliant, and high-quality solutions that meet customer needs and industry standards.

What You'll Do

Engineering Design

• Develop engineering drawings, installation packages, and technical documentation for aircraft modification projects.
• Design aircraft structural and interior modification installations including cabin furnishings, cabinetry, seating provisions, avionics equipment mounting, structural reinforcements, and associated support structures.
• Design structural repairs, brackets, doublers, equipment mounts, and support structures in accordance with company standards and approved engineering data.
• Create and maintain CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation.
• Review aircraft manufacturer manuals, service bulletins, structural repair manuals, and technical publications to support engineering activities.
• Assist in material selection involving metals, composites, laminates, and aircraft interior materials.
• Support weight and balance evaluations and other engineering analyses associated with aircraft modifications.

Production Support

• Provide engineering support during aircraft modification, refurbishment, and installation projects.
• Collaborate with technicians, interior craftsmen, avionics specialists, and cross-functional project teams.
• Assist in troubleshooting design and installation challenges encountered during production.
• Perform aircraft surveys and collect field measurements to support project development.
• Coordinate with production personnel to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and efficiently installed.
• Incorporate production feedback into engineering revisions and design improvements.

Certification & Compliance

• Assist in the preparation of engineering documentation supporting STC, repair, alteration, and certification projects.
• Support FAA conformity inspections and certification activities.
• Coordinate with Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs), certification personnel, and regulatory representatives as required.
• Ensure engineering designs comply with FAA regulations, aircraft manufacturer requirements, and company standards.
• Maintain accurate engineering records and revision control documentation.

Continuous Improvement

• Support the development and maintenance of engineering standards, templates, and best practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve design processes, installation methods, and documentation quality.
• Stay informed on industry trends, aircraft technologies, materials, and regulatory changes.

Aircraft You'll Support

Experience with the following aircraft platforms is highly desirable:

• Bombardier Challenger Series
• Beechcraft King Air 90/200/300 Series
• Cessna Citation 560, 560XL, XLS, XLS+
• Other business and general aviation aircraft

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience using CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar platforms.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, aircraft manuals, and technical specifications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• 3-8 years of engineering experience in aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, or a related industry.
• Experience supporting aircraft modifications, refurbishments, repairs, or certification projects.
• Familiarity with FAA regulations and aircraft certification processes.
• Previous business aviation experience.
• Experience supporting Challenger, King Air, Citation, or similar aircraft platforms.

What Makes You Successful

• Strong understanding of aircraft structures and modification practices.
• Ability to develop practical and manufacturable engineering solutions.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Strong project coordination and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, technicians, regulatory representatives, vendors, and customers.
• Adaptability and a willingness to support a variety of aircraft programs and projects.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in office, hangar, and aircraft environments.
  • Travel up to 50% required.
• Ability to access confined aircraft spaces when necessary.
• Ability to climb ladders, maintenance stands, and aircraft access platforms.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, crawl, and reach for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds routinely and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to obtain and maintain airport security access credentials as required.

Why Join Us?

• Work on industry-leading business aviation aircraft.
• See your designs come to life from concept through installation.
• Partner with highly skilled aviation technicians, engineers, and craftsmen.
• Gain exposure to structures, interiors, certification, and aircraft modification programs.
• Make a direct impact on the quality, functionality, and performance of customer aircraft.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and job requirements without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.