Senior Aerospace Systems Engineer – Design & Innovation

RFD Beaufort, Inc.; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Beaufort is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead the design engineering process for Aircrew Flight Equipment for military applications. You will guide a Design Engineering team, advance product innovation, and ensure safety and commercial objectives are met.

This role requires deep aerospace mechanical knowledge, system integration experience, and active involvement in developing junior engineers while leading a Design Engineering team.

Qualifications

• Extensive aerospace engineering experience.
• Experience with system-level integration and finite element analysis.
• Product certification experience for aviation or military applications.
• Background in materials science.
• 5–10 years of engineering experience in industry.
• Chartered Engineer status preferred.
• Experience with inflatable/pressure vessel products.
• Knowledge of coated textiles/films manufacturing joining processes (e.g. HF welding).

Responsibilities

• Provide top-tier design engineering expertise within contract terms or SLAs, including planning, coordinating, and supervising major contracts.
• Identify and implement improvements to existing product designs and deliver product roadmap changes within Beaufort's NPD process.
• Manage the knowledge management system and ensure effective knowledge sharing.
• Address design, quality, safety, and operational issues, identifying causes and stakeholders.
• Develop procedures and interpret regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and best practice.
• Analyze feasibility of complex products and services and advise on development, replacement, or retirement.
• Oversee a portfolio of change projects and report progress to seniors.
• Recommend improvements to policies, processes, standards, and practices.
• Evaluate solutions that meet business and customer needs.
• Engage in continuous professional development and maintain knowledge of technology and industry best practices.

Skills

Aerospace engineering

System-level integration

Finite element analysis

Mechanical design

Product certification experience

People management

Regulatory compliance

Education

BEng/MEng/BSc/MSc in Engineering (mechanical or aerospace)

Job description

Beaufort is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead the design engineering process for Aircrew Flight Equipment for military applications. You will guide a Design Engineering team, advance product innovation, and ensure safety and commercial objectives are met.

This role requires deep aerospace mechanical knowledge, system integration experience, and active involvement in developing junior engineers while leading a Design Engineering team.