Senior Helicopter Seat Design Engineer

Robinson Helicopter Co; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Robinson Helicopter Company, based in Torrance, CA, is seeking an experienced Seat Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and certification of helicopter seats that balance safety, weight, and cost objectives. You will apply expertise in structures, dynamics, manufacturing, and human factors to deliver compliant seating solutions.

The role covers from concept through production release, with hands-on CAD work, testing, and collaboration with suppliers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering or equivalent.
• Direct experience designing seating with human factors considerations.
• Direct experience with computer aided design and modeling with focus on manufacturability and GD&T (Solidworks or CATIA).
• Strong understanding of structures, loads, and mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Team-oriented, positive attitude, and ability to work with others.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of seating solutions including seat structures, functional mechanisms, foam, and covers from concept through detailed engineering and production release.
• Ensure human factors requirements are met including defining the H-point and eye point, and evaluation of kinematics, reach envelopes, ergonomics, and usability.
• Design and optimize Energy Attenuation (EA) systems to meet 14 CFR 27.562.
• Conduct numerical simulations to predict structural integrity, restraint geometry, and head strike (LS-DYNA, MADYMO).
• Conduct user evaluations of proposed seat designs.
• Create detail, assembly, and installation design definitions using CAD software.
• Oversee development and manufacturing of prototype articles.
• Develop requirements, specifications, and processes including material selection.
• Lead tests for components and assemblies in lab, ground, and flight test environments; handle planning, instrumentation, data analysis, and issue resolution.
• Validate designs meet customer expectations, design objectives, and 14 CFR Part 27 requirements.
• Interface with suppliers to identify solutions and ensure requirements are satisfied.

Skills

Problem-solving

Self-starter

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Team oriented

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering

Tools

Solidworks

CATIA

LS-DYNA

MADYMO

Job description

Robinson Helicopter Company, based in Torrance, CA, is seeking an experienced Seat Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and certification of helicopter seats that balance safety, weight, and cost objectives. You will apply expertise in structures, dynamics, manufacturing, and human factors to deliver compliant seating solutions.

The role covers from concept through production release, with hands-on CAD work, testing, and collaboration with suppliers.