Senior Design Engineer – Thermal Insulation Products

TIGHITCO, Inc.; Berlin (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

TIGHITCO, Inc. is seeking a Senior Design Engineer specializing in thermal insulation products. The role involves designing various insulative solutions for high-temperature environments, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and providing technical support for manufacturing.

Qualified candidates will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and 7 to 12 years of relevant experience. Strong communication skills and U.S. citizenship are required due to ITAR compliance.

Qualifications

• 7 to 12 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Strong experience in thermal insulation and manufacturing support.
• Experience with export licensing for non-ITAR products.

Responsibilities

• Design thermal insulation and related products.
• Create and maintain all required documentation.
• Support manufacturing operations remotely.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Thermal Insulation Design

Engineering Product Definition

Communication Skills

Spanish Language

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

NX

Catia

Job description

Senior Design Engineer – Thermal Insulation Products

Job Title: Senior Design Engineer – Thermal Insulation Products

Responsibilities

• Product Design: Design of thermal insulation, firewall insulation, heat shields, blankets, and other insulative products used around engines and high-temperature equipment.
• Design Documentation: Responsible for creating and maintaining technical drawings, models, analysis, specifications, DFMEAs, and configuration management.
• Manufacturing Readiness: Translate customer requirements, legacy product definition, and shop needs into practical manufacturing methods that can be executed consistently at the Mexico sites. Assist in tooling concepts, alternate work instructions, bills of material, and other manufacturing documentation required to launch and support production.
• Quote Support: Review RFQs for new and previously produced parts. Create the required technical data package so the work can be quoted and manufactured successfully.
• Export Licensing: Prepare technical data packages for export license submissions of non-ITAR (EAR) products using the SNAP-R system and coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely filings.
• PMA licenses: Lead preparation and submission of FAA Part Manufacturing Approval (PMA).
• Technical Clarification: Provide clear English‑language clarification of customer requirements, drawings, notes, and specifications to prevent misinterpretation and avoid unnecessary escalation of minor issues.
• Remote Site Support: Support two Mexico manufacturing sites remotely by answering technical questions, resolving issues quickly, and giving practical guidance that keeps production moving.
• Coaching and Development: Coach manufacturing engineers and engineering managers at the Mexico sites on thermal applications, material behavior, build methods, and sound engineering decision‑making.
• Decision Support: Help site teams distinguish between issues that require escalation and issues that can be resolved locally within defined engineering boundaries.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work closely with operations, quality, supply chain, program management, and estimating teams to support quoting, production, problem solving, and continuous improvement.

Travel and Relationship Building: Travel periodically to the Mexico sites to support launches, training, issue resolution, and stronger local ownership of the product line.

Qualifications

• This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements; U.S. citizenship is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 7 to 12 years of relevant engineering experience, with the level adjusted based on depth of thermal insulation design and manufacturing support experience.
• Experience with thermal insulation, firewall insulation, heat shielding, thermal blanket systems, soft goods, or other high‑temperature protection products.
• Strong experience creating Engineering Product Definition, including drawings, models, work instructions, tooling concepts, and flat patterns. Experience in NX or Catia preferred.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations remotely across multiple sites, preferably including support to Mexico or other international operations.
• Working knowledge of export licensing for non‑ITAR (EAR) products and experience using SNAP‑R strongly preferred.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical requirements clearly, reduce ambiguity, and provide calm practical guidance to manufacturing teams.
• Spanish language capability preferred and would be beneficial.
• Demonstrated judgment, patience, and leadership style suited for coaching risk‑averse teams while building confidence and accountability over time.

Work Authorization

U.S. citizenship is a requirement for this position as TIGHITCO is subject to ITAR compliance. Applicants must meet the definition of a "US person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.15 for purposes of Export Control compliance requirements.

AAP / EEO Statement

TIGHITCO, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer with a standing policy of non‑discrimination. This means that all qualified persons are afforded equal opportunity in all aspects of employment including hiring and promotion without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified Individual with a Disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.