Design Lead – Aero Structures - CATIA

Tech One IT; Wichita (KS); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Tech One IT in Wichita, Kansas, seeks an experienced Design Lead with deep CATIA V5 expertise to lead aero-structure retrofit activities. The role focuses on design, analysis, and compliance with Challenger program standards, with responsibility for producing 3D models, 2D drawings and KIT drawings.

The candidate will mentor engineering teams, coordinate with cross-functional groups, and support PDR/CDR reviews, certification activities, and configuration management across NLG/MLG and related

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering.
• 12+ years of hands-on experience in the Aero Structures domain.
• Minimum 4+ years of experience on the Client 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.

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.

Skills

CATIA V5

Aero Structures

PLM Systems

Configuration Management

3D Modeling

2D Drawings

Challenger Program

NLG/MLG Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering

Tools

KIT drawings tooling

Job description

Work Mode: Hybrid model (currently 2 days/week on-site, moving toward 3 days/week; select roles 100% on-site)

Location: Wichita, Kansas, USA

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Design Lead with strong expertise in CATIA V5 and the Client 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 Client 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