Design Lead – Aero Structures

AIT Global Inc.; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

AIT Global Inc. seeks an experienced Design Lead for aero-structures retrofit and modification activities in Wichita, KS. The role emphasizes deep aircraft-structure knowledge, CATIA V5 modeling, and compliance with certification standards.

The candidate will mentor engineering teams, drive design releases, support PDR/CDR reviews, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to meet customer and program requirements for Bombardier Challenger projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related field.
• 12+ years in Aero Structures domain.
• 4+ years on Bombardier Challenger program.
• Proficient in CATIA V5, PLM, and engineering databases.

Responsibilities

• Lead aero-structure design and retrofit projects from concept through detailed design and release.
• Participate in PDR and CDR reviews.
• Interpret aircraft tail-number configurations and perform configuration assessments.
• Develop and review 3D models, 2D drawings, and KIT drawings per Challenger standards.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with requirements.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to engineers.
• Support design solutions for landing gear, belly fairings, flap structures, and anti-abrasion systems.

Skills

CATIA V5

PLM systems

Aero structures

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical or Aerospace Eng

Tools

CATIA V5

PLM software

Job description

Job Title: Design Lead Aero Structures
Location: Wichita, KS

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Design Lead with strong expertise in CATIA V5 and the Bombardier Challenger program to lead aero-structure retrofit and modification activities. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical knowledge of aircraft structures, configuration management, design standards, and certification requirements, along with the ability to mentor and guide engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead aero-structure design and retrofit projects from concept through detailed design and release.
• Participate in and support Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR) and Critical Design Reviews (CDR).
• Interpret aircraft tail-number configurations and perform configuration assessments using engineering databases and drawings.
• Develop and review 3D models, 2D drawings, and KIT drawings in accordance with Challenger program standards.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with customer, program, and certification requirements.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to engineering team members.
• Support design solutions related to landing gear structures, belly fairings, flap structures, and anti-abrasion protection systems.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline.
• 12+ years of hands-on experience in the Aero Structures domain.
• Minimum 4+ years of experience on the Bombardier Challenger program.
• Strong proficiency in CATIA V5 for 3D modeling and 2D drawing creation.
• Hands-on experience with PLM systems for configuration management and part data retrieval.
• Strong understanding of BAMS, BAPS, and associated Challenger program specifications.
• Experience in aero-structure retrofit, modification, and certification activities.
• Experience in developing and releasing KIT drawings.
• Strong knowledge of:
• Aluminum machining and sheet metal forming processes
• Kevlar manufacturing processes and applications
• Anti-abrasion coating systems and associated specifications
• Nose Landing Gear (NLG) and NLG well structures
• Main Landing Gear (MLG), belly fairing, and flap structures

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exposure to certification requirements for unpaved runway operations.
• Prior experience leading engineering teams and customer-facing technical discussions.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and mentoring skills.