Design Validation Engineer II

Recaro; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

RECARO is seeking a Design Validation Engineer II for our Fort Worth site to independently execute structural and crashworthiness validation for aircraft seating systems. You will own analysis models, evaluate worst-case loading, and drive design robustness through predictive simulations and data-driven judgment.

Key responsibilities include conducting linear/non-linear static analysis, dynamic crash simulations, and correlating results with physical tests to support certification and product

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, with 4+ years of related experience.
• Experience in aircraft interior products or certification environment.
• Strong analytical and numerical modeling skills with FEA
• Familiarity with FAA, airframer and certification requirements.

Responsibilities

• Execute structural design validation using classical methods, advanced FEA and supporting test evidence.
• Perform linear and nonlinear static analyses and dynamic crash simulations (e.g., 14G/16G).
• Develop and maintain finite element models with proper boundary conditions and load cases.
• Correlate physical test results with analytical models to support certification.
• Provide guidance to certification programs on load cases and test configurations.
• Drive design improvements by evaluating load paths and margins across variants.
• Collaborate with design teams to influence early design decisions with predictive analysis.
• Review MRB dispositions and engineering drawings for compliance.

Skills

Organizational skills

Self-motivation

Attention to deadlines

Detail-oriented

Verbal communication

Written communication

Team collaboration

Ethical judgment

Education

B.S. Aerospace/Mechanical Eng

M.S. Aerospace/Mechanical Eng

Tools

ANSA

LS-DYNA

Ansys

CATIA V4/V5

Job description

As an international brand company with German roots, we at RECARO pursue the vision of improving the performance of people in motion like no other. In keeping with our tradition, Safety, Quality, and Ingenious Design are at the core of all that we do. This allows us to exceed the expectations of our customers every day and make performance something you can feel: Feel Performance.

In addition to RECARO Holding and RECARO Child Safety, our corporate group also includes RECARO Aircraft Seating headquartered in Schwäbisch Hall. We develop, produce, and market innovative seats for economy and business class, which meet the highest standards when it comes to comfort, lightweight construction, and design. As an internationally renowned brand, we are one of the world’s three largest suppliers of aircraft seats with our premium products. To enhance our team, we are looking to fill the following position at our site in Fort Worth at the earliest possible date:

Design Validation Engineer II

Overview

The Design Validation Engineer II is responsible for independently executing structural and crashworthiness validation activities for aircraft seating systems. This role provides specialized technical expertise to demonstrate compliance with FAA, airframer, airline, and internal structural requirements through advanced numerical analysis, classical engineering methods, and correlation with physical test evidence.

The position plays a critical role in certification programs and new product development by owning analysis models, evaluating worst-case loading conditions, and driving design robustness through predictive simulations and data-driven engineering judgment.

Responsibilities

• Execute structural design validation for aircraft seating systems to demonstrate compliance with FAA, airframer, airline, and internal requirements using classical analytical methods, advanced finite element analysis (FEA), and supporting physical test evidence.
• Perform linear and non-linear static analysis and dynamic crash simulations (e.g., 14G / 16G conditions) using LS-DYNA and equivalent solvers to assess structural integrity, occupant safety, and certification compliance.
• Develop, own, and maintain finite element models by defining appropriate boundary conditions, material properties, load cases, and modeling techniques to realistically represent certification and operational scenarios.
• Analyze and correlate physical test results with analytical models to validate assumptions, establish confidence in simulation accuracy, and support certification substantiation
• Provide technical guidance to certification programs through assessment of critical load cases, test configurations, and worst-case structural conditions in accordance with regulatory and customer requirements.
• Drive structural design improvements by evaluating load paths, margins of safety, failure modes, and robustness across multiple configuration variants.
• Collaborate with design engineering teams on development of new components and seat architectures by providing predictive analysis input and validation feedback to influence early design decisions.
• Review and assess engineering drawings, MRB dispositions, concessions, and design deviations by performing structural impact assessments to ensure continued compliance with certification and structural integrity requirements.
• Review and witness component qualification, certification, and abuse load tests by evaluating test plans, setups, and acceptance criteria.
• Author and review technical analysis summaries and engineering substantiation documentation to support certification findings and internal technical reviews.

Qualifications

• A minimum of Four year B.S degree is required preferably in Aerospace / Mechanical / other engineering with at least 4 years’ experience in aircraft interior products or a Masters degree preferably in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering with at least 2 years’ experience in aircraft interior products.
• Organizational skills, self-motivation, a sense of urgency and sensitivity to deadlines, and detail-oriented style are required.
• Evidence of ability to hand calculate generating reserve factors, at limit and ultimate load conditions using classical methods or methods described by Tom Rhodes.
• Ability to learn independently
• At a minimum 2 year experience in ANSA or similar software and LS-Dyna software is required.
• Knowledge of Ansys software is desired.
• Experience in CATIA V4 or V5 or a similar program desired.
• Experience in Certification is a plus.
• Internship experience is preferred, but not required.
• Good verbal and written communication skills are required.
• The ability to work as part of a team in conjunction with more and or less experienced people.
• Strong ethical persuasion to seek out the truth in a technical situation.
• The wisdom to deal with technical challenges with tack and professionalism.

You will be a perfect fit for our team if you are enthusiastic about innovative products, enjoy setting ambitious goals, love taking on responsibility, are motivated by an environment of appreciative, trusting collaboration, and have a strong creative drive. In return, we promise to give you the freedom to develop your potential with individual development opportunities and will provide you with the necessary competencies to increase your personal responsibility so that you can face the future together with RECARO.

Our recruiting team looks forward to receiving your application. Your personal information will be kept confidential. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business needs.