Design Lead – Aero-Structures

Shiv Software Experts; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Shiv Software Experts seeks an experienced Design Lead – Aero-Structures to provide technical leadership for aircraft retrofit and modification projects supporting the Bombardier Challenger program. The role emphasizes aerospace structural design and CATIA V5 modeling.

You will guide design from concept through detailed design and release, mentor engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliant, manufacturable solutions. Prior Challenger program experience is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years in aerospace aero-structures design/engineering.
• 4+ years on Bombardier Challenger program.
• Expert CATIA V5 proficiency for 3D modeling, assemblies, and 2D drawings.
• Experience with PLM systems and aerospace data-management.
• Familiarity with BAMS/BAPS and Challenger specs.
• Hands-on retrofit, modification, certification support, and KIT drawings.
• Knowledge of aerospace materials and manufacturing processes.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Experience in leading design teams and presenting to customers.

Responsibilities

• Lead aero-structure design and modifications from concept to release.
• Provide technical direction and mentoring to teams.
• Review tail-number configurations using drawings and docs.
• Create and approve CATIA V5 models, 2D drawings, KIT drawings.
• Lead PDR/CDR, design reviews, and certification activities.
• Collaborate with stress, manufacturing, certification, quality, and other teams.
• Resolve structural design issues with manufacturable solutions.
• Support design activities for landing gear, belly fairings, flap structures, anti-abrasion systems.
• Participate in customer-facing technical discussions and communicate risks/status.
• Mentor engineers and enforce design standards and quality processes.

Skills

Aerospace/aero-structures design

CATIA V5

PLM systems

BAMS/BAPS standards

Bombardier Challenger experience

Aircraft retrofit & certification

KIT drawings development

Stakeholder management

Problem solving & communication

Bombardier Challenger program

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or related

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Design Lead – Aero-Structures to provide technical leadership for aircraft retrofit and modification projects supporting the Bombardier Challenger program.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in aerospace structural design, strong expertise in CATIA V5, and a proven track record in aircraft modifications, certification support, engineering drawing release, and technical team leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead aero-structure design and modification activities from concept development through detailed design, release, and engineering support.
• Provide technical direction, design oversight, and mentoring to engineering and design teams.
• Review and interpret tail-number-specific aircraft configurations using engineering databases, drawings, and technical documentation.
• Create, review, and approve CATIA V5 3D models, 2D drawings, and KIT drawings in accordance with Bombardier Challenger standards.
• Lead and support PDR/CDR, design reviews, engineering changes, and certification activities.
• Collaborate with Stress, Manufacturing, Certification, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet technical, regulatory, and customer requirements.
• Resolve complex structural design issues and provide technically sound, manufacturable solutions.
• Support design activities involving landing gear structures, belly fairings, flap structures, and anti-abrasion systems.
• Participate in customer-facing technical discussions and communicate design decisions, technical risks, and project status effectively.
• Mentor engineers and promote consistent application of engineering standards, design practices, and quality processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in aerospace/aero-structures design and engineering.
• Minimum 4 years of experience working on the Bombardier Challenger program.
• Expert proficiency in CATIA V5, including 3D modeling, assembly design, and 2D drawing/detailing.
• Experience with PLM systems and aerospace engineering data-management processes.
• Familiarity with BAMS, BAPS, and Bombardier Challenger specifications and standards.
• Hands-on experience with aircraft retrofit, modification, certification support, and KIT drawing development/release.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace structural materials and manufacturing processes, including: -(Aluminum machining, Sheet-metal forming, Kevlar/composite structures, Anti-abrasion materials and coatings, Nose and Main Landing Gear (NLG/MLG) structures, Belly fairings, Flap structures)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder-management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting unpaved runway certification.
• Previous experience leading or mentoring aerospace design/engineering teams.
• Experience in customer-facing technical discussions, design reviews, and technical presentations.
• Good understanding of aircraft certification and modification processes.