Engineer Methods & Material

PDS Tech, Inc.; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-term disability

401K plan

commuter benefits

EAP program

Paid leave

Job summary

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking an Engineer, Methods & Material to join our aviation client’s defense operations in Wichita, KS. The role emphasizes tool design, CATIA, manufacturing methods, and material planning to improve fabrication and assembly of aircraft components.

You will collaborate with design and manufacturing teams, interpret 2D/3D drawings, and drive projects from concept through implementation in a fully onsite environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in Methods, Material Planning, tool design, or manufacturing engineering.
• Proven tool design experience with collaboration between design and methods teams.
• Strong working knowledge of CATIA V4 and/or V5, including modeling/analysis.
• Experience interpreting 2D and 3D drawings/models.
• Thorough knowledge of aircraft systems, parts, and installation locations.
• Understanding of manufacturing fundamentals and supply chain management (MRP).

Responsibilities

• Define efficient methods for fabricating and assembling components to meet kit requirements.
• Develop concepts supporting interchangeability and replacement requirements.
• Evaluate the need for new manufacturing equipment and support its implementation.
• Collaborate with design and methods teams using CATIA to develop practical solutions.
• Work with 2D/3D drawings and models.
• Monitor evolving industry certification standards and manufacturing methods.
• Incorporate new technologies into departmental processes.
• Support project workflows and adjust personnel assignments as needed.
• Provide technical training and guidance to department personnel.
• Ensure policies are reflected in new document releases.
• Lead program reviews, cost-reduction initiatives, and data-management activities.
• Serve as focal point for ROM bids.

Skills

Tool design

CATIA V4/V5

2D/3D drawings interpretation

Aircraft systems knowledge

Manufacturing fundamentals

MRP / supply chain

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

University degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

CATIA V4/V5

MRP systems

SAP

MACPAC

OSDB databases

Job description

Engineer, Methods & Material

Take Your Aviation Engineering Expertise from Concept to Production

Location: Wichita, KS, Defense Facility
Schedule: Fully Onsite
Overtime: May be available based on business needs
Company: PDS Tech Commercial, partnering with a leader in the aviation industry
Pay Rate: $64.64

Are you an experienced aviation engineering professional who knows how to turn complex designs into practical, efficient manufacturing solutions? PDS Tech Commercial is hiring an Engineer, Methods & Material to join our aviation client's defense operations in Wichita, KS.

In this role, you'll combine your expertise in tool design, CATIA, manufacturing methods, material planning, and aircraft systems to develop innovative solutions that improve how aircraft components are fabricated and assembled. We're looking for a creative problem solver who can think outside the box, collaborate with design and manufacturing teams, and help drive projects from concept through implementation.

If you're ready to put your technical expertise to work on challenging aviation programs, this could be the opportunity for you.

What You'll Do

As an Engineer, Methods & Material, you'll play a key role in developing and improving manufacturing processes while supporting critical aircraft programs. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Define the most efficient methods for fabricating and assembling components to meet kit requirements.
• Develop concepts that support interchangeability and part replacement requirements.
• Evaluate the need for new manufacturing equipment and support its implementation.
• Collaborate with design and methods teams using CATIA to develop practical manufacturing and tooling solutions.
• Work with and interpret both 2D and 3D engineering drawings and models.
• Support process improvement initiatives by monitoring evolving industry certification standards, practices, and manufacturing methods.
• Incorporate new technologies and advancements into departmental processes and procedures.
• Monitor project workflows and adjust personnel assignments to support changing project demands.
• Provide technical training, guidance, and assistance to department personnel.
• Ensure departmental and company policies are incorporated into new document releases.
• Initiate and lead program reviews, cost-reduction initiatives, system modifications, and data-management activities.
• Serve as the Methods/Material focal point for ROM bids supporting proposed projects and programs.
• Develop effective solutions to technical and business-related challenges of moderate scope and complexity.
• Participate in interdepartmental and cross-functional teams supporting special projects and organizational objectives.

Required Qualifications

To thrive in this role, you should bring:

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in Methods, Material Planning, tool design, manufacturing engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated tool design experience, including collaboration with both design and methods teams.
• Strong working knowledge of CATIA V4 and/or V5, including modeling and analysis.
• Experience interpreting and working with 2D and 3D drawings/models.
• Thorough knowledge of aircraft systems, aircraft parts, and installation locations.
• Strong understanding of technical principles and theories related to manufacturing fundamentals.
• Thorough knowledge of MRP principles and supply chain management.
• Knowledge of CAS, SAP, MACPAC, and OSDB databases.
• Basic project management skills with the ability to contribute effectively to cross-functional teams and special projects.
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to think outside the box when developing engineering and manufacturing solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• University degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline preferred.
• College-level education combined with appropriate relevant experience may also be considered.
• Previous experience supporting aviation, aerospace, or defense manufacturing environments.
• Experience identifying opportunities for cost reduction and manufacturing process improvement.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and training to other team members.

Why Join Us?

At PDS Tech Commercial, we connect talented professionals with opportunities to contribute to some of the aviation industry's most exciting and technically challenging programs.

In this position, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Make a direct impact: Your ideas will help shape how aircraft components are fabricated, assembled, and supported.
• Solve meaningful engineering challenges: Combine creativity with technical expertise to develop practical manufacturing solutions.
• Work with advanced aviation technology: Apply your CATIA, tooling, manufacturing, and aircraft systems knowledge in a fast-paced defense environment.
• Collaborate with experienced professionals: Work alongside engineering, design, methods, materials, and manufacturing teams.
• Develop your career: This is a contract-to-hire opportunity, offering the potential to build a long-term future within the organization.
• Earn additional hours when available: Overtime may be offered based on workload and business needs.

For candidates local to the Wichita, KS area, an onsite interview is preferred.

Pay Details: $64.64 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.