Aircraft Interior Designer

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 221,000 - 443,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

High-profile aviation projects

Hands-on design tools

Potential long-term engagement

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Aircraft Interior Designer to craft high-end cabin interiors for private and commercial aircraft in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You’ll translate client visions into functional, luxurious, and regulation-compliant designs, applying aerospace material knowledge, ergonomics, and safety standards.

You will produce 2D drawings and 3D renderings, collaborate with engineers and manufacturing teams, and oversee design implementation from concept to installation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Industrial Design, Architecture, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of professional interior design experience with luxury/transport projects.
• Experience or keen interest in aerospace interior design desired.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Maya, SolidWorks or similar.
• Strong knowledge of materials, finishes, upholstery, and cabin systems.
• Excellent ergonomics and space planning understanding.
• Familiarity with aviation regulations and certification processes is a plus.
• Excellent communication and client-facing skills.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop aircraft cabin interior designs, including layouts, seating, materials, lighting, and amenities.
• Create detailed design specifications, 2D drawings, and 3D renderings using industry-standard software.
• Collaborate closely with clients to understand preferences, requirements, and budget constraints.
• Work in partnership with aerospace engineers, project managers, and manufacturing teams to ensure design feasibility and compliance.
• Select appropriate materials, finishes, and furnishings, considering durability, weight, safety regulations, and aesthetic appeal.
• Prepare and present design proposals and concepts to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Oversee the implementation of designs during the manufacturing and installation phases, ensuring quality and adherence to specifications.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends in luxury interior design, aerospace technology, and sustainable materials.
• Ensure all designs comply with aviation safety standards and regulations (e.g., FAR, EASA).
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, adhering to project timelines and milestones.

Skills

3D modeling

Rendering software

AutoCAD

3ds Max

Maya

SolidWorks

Ergonomics

Space planning

Client-facing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Interior Design

Tools

AutoCAD

3ds Max

Maya

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious entity within the aviation industry, is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Aircraft Interior Designer to join their team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is pivotal in conceptualizing and executing high-end cabin interiors for a range of private and commercial aircraft. You will be responsible for translating client visions into functional, aesthetically pleasing, and compliant designs, ensuring the highest standards of luxury, comfort, and safety. This position requires a strong understanding of aerospace materials, ergonomics, and regulatory requirements. The role is based in our client's state-of-the-art facility, offering a hands-on opportunity to shape the future of in-flight experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop innovative interior designs for aircraft cabins, including layouts, seating arrangements, materials, lighting, and amenities.
• Create detailed design specifications, 2D drawings, and 3D renderings using industry-standard software.
• Collaborate closely with clients to understand their preferences, requirements, and budget constraints.
• Work in partnership with aerospace engineers, project managers, and manufacturing teams to ensure design feasibility and compliance.
• Select appropriate materials, finishes, and furnishings, considering durability, weight, safety regulations, and aesthetic appeal.
• Prepare and present design proposals and concepts to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Oversee the implementation of designs during the manufacturing and installation phases, ensuring quality and adherence to specifications.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends in luxury interior design, aerospace technology, and sustainable materials.
• Ensure all designs comply with aviation safety standards and regulations (e.g., FAR, EASA).
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, adhering to project timelines and milestones.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Industrial Design, Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in interior design, with a strong portfolio showcasing luxury or transportation-related projects.
• Demonstrated experience or a keen interest in aerospace interior design is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling and rendering software such as AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Maya, SolidWorks, or similar.
• Strong knowledge of materials, finishes, upholstery, and cabin systems relevant to aircraft interiors.
• Excellent understanding of ergonomics, human factors, and space planning principles.
• Familiarity with aviation regulations and certification processes is a significant advantage.
• Exceptional creativity, attention to detail, and aesthetic sensibility.
• Strong communication, presentation, and client-facing skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Must be eligible to work in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Benefits

• This contractor role offers a competitive daily rate commensurate with experience and the project scope.
• Our client provides opportunities to work on high-profile projects within the aviation sector, contributing to designs that will be experienced by clients worldwide.
• You will have access to advanced design tools and resources and the chance to collaborate with industry-leading professionals.
• While this is a contract position, there is potential for long-term engagement based on performance and project needs.