Design Lead – Aero Structures (CATIA V5)

UNIZON Taskforce Technology; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

UNIZON Taskforce Technology is seeking a Design Lead – Aero Structures with CATIA V5 expertise to guide aero-structure retrofit and modification projects, including NLG/MLG and belly fairings, from concept through release.

You will provide technical leadership, mentor engineering teams, participate in PDR/CDR, interpret tail-number configurations, and ensure documentation and certification requirements are met across the Bombardier Challenger program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• At least 12 years hands-on aero structures experience.
• 4+ years supporting Bombardier Challenger program.
• Strong CATIA V5 proficiency for 3D modeling and 2D drawings.
• Hands-on PLM/configuration management experience.
• Knowledge of BAMS/BAPS specs and Challenger requirements.
• Experience with retrofit, modification, and certification activities.
• Experience releasing KIT drawings.
• Understanding of sheet metal forming, Kevlar, anti-abrasion coatings, and landing gear structures.

Responsibilities

• Lead aero-structure design, retrofit, and modification projects through release.
• Support PDR and CDR and technical reviews.
• Interpret tail-number configurations using engineering docs.
• Develop and review KIT drawings and 3D/2D artifacts.
• Ensure designs meet customer, program, and certification requirements.
• Collaborate across cross-functional teams to resolve issues.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship.
• Support certification requirements and design reviews.
• Maintain proper configuration and engineering documentation.

Skills

CATIA V5

3D Modeling

2D Drawings

PLM Systems

Configuration Management

Mentorship

Aero Structures

Engineering Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

PLM Systems

BAMS/BAPS specs

Job description

Full-Time

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Design Lead – Aero Structures with strong expertise in CATIA V5 and hands‑on experience supporting the Bombardier Challenger program. The selected candidate will lead aero‑structure retrofit and modification activities, providing technical direction across design, configuration management, engineering documentation, and certification‑related requirements.

This role requires strong knowledge of aircraft structures, design standards, configuration control, and the ability to provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead aero‑structure design, retrofit, and modification projects from concept development 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, drawings, and related technical documentation.
• Develop and review 3D models, 2D drawings, and KIT drawings using CATIA V5 and applicable program standards.
• Ensure designs comply with customer, program, engineering, and certification requirements.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional engineering and program teams to resolve technical issues and deliver design solutions.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to engineering team members.
• Nose Landing Gear (NLG) and NLG well structures
• Main Landing Gear (MLG) structures
• Belly fairings
• Flap structures
• Support retrofit and modification activities while maintaining proper configuration and engineering documentation.
• Assist with certification‑related design requirements and technical reviews.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 12+ years of hands‑on experience in Aero Structures.
• 4+ years of experience supporting the Bombardier Challenger program.
• Strong proficiency in CATIA V5, including 3D modeling and 2D drawing creation.
• Hands‑on experience with PLM systems for configuration management, engineering data, and part information retrieval.
• Strong understanding of BAMS, BAPS, and applicable Challenger program specifications.
• Experience with aero‑structure retrofit, modification, and certification activities.
• Experience developing and releasing KIT drawings.
• Strong understanding of aircraft structural design and manufacturing processes, including:
• Sheet metal forming
• Kevlar manufacturing and applications
• Anti‑abrasion coating systems and specifications
• Nose Landing Gear (NLG) and NLG well structures
• Main Landing Gear (MLG)
• Belly fairing structures
• Flap structures

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with certification requirements associated with unpaved runway operations.
• Previous experience providing technical leadership to engineering teams.
• Experience participating in customer‑facing technical discussions and design reviews.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, problem‑solving, and mentoring skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross‑functional engineering environment.