Aerospace Mechanical Engineer
Location: Newport News, VA
Job Type: Contract
Schedule: On-site (Remote work not available)
Starting Pay: $50.00/hour (Higher pay may be available based on experience)
Position Summary
We are seeking an Aerospace Mechanical Engineer to support aircraft modification, repair, integration, and certification programs. This position is responsible for developing mechanical and structural engineering solutions, preparing technical documentation, and supporting certification activities while ensuring compliance with aerospace and regulatory standards.
This role works closely with engineering, production, quality, and certification teams to deliver reliable, manufacturable solutions for aircraft upgrade projects.
Primary Responsibilities
Design and develop mechanical and structural solutions for aircraft modification and repair projects.
Perform engineering analyses, including structural, vibration, thermal, fatigue, and related evaluations.
Create and review engineering drawings, technical reports, specifications, test plans, and compliance documentation.
Coordinate with electrical engineers, production, quality, certification teams, and outside vendors throughout project execution.
Prepare engineering documentation supporting FAA certification and regulatory approval activities.
Evaluate designs for manufacturability, installation, maintenance, and long-term serviceability.
Provide engineering support during fabrication, assembly, installation, troubleshooting, testing, and aircraft modification efforts.
Participate in design reviews and recommend improvements to enhance safety, reliability, performance, and compliance.
Maintain engineering documentation using established configuration management processes.
Support continuous improvement initiatives and engineering best practices.
Perform additional engineering duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Experience supporting aircraft structures, mechanical systems, equipment installations, or aircraft modification programs.
Strong knowledge of structural design, engineering materials, mechanics, manufacturing processes, and mechanical system integration.
Familiarity with FAA regulations, aircraft certification requirements, Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) programs, or FAA Form 337 major alterations.
Experience preparing, reviewing, and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, reports, and technical documentation.
Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, production, quality, certification, and program management teams.
Comfortable working in both office and aircraft hangar environments.
U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident status required.
Preferred Qualifications
Five or more years of experience supporting aircraft modification, repair, integration, or aerospace product development.
Experience supporting FAA certification efforts, including STCs, compliance documentation, test plans, test reports, and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA).
Knowledge of MIL-HDBK-516C airworthiness requirements or military aircraft modification programs.
Experience performing structural, vibration, thermal, fatigue, or related engineering analyses.
Experience preparing engineering reports, installation instructions, substantiation documents, and certification packages.
Familiarity with ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards.
Knowledge of aerospace materials, manufacturing methods, fastener systems, and structural repair techniques.
Experience supporting aircraft production, installations, ground testing, or flight testing.
Experience working with certification authorities, OEMs, suppliers, or other engineering partners.
Understanding of AS9100 quality standards and engineering configuration management practices.
What You'll Bring
Strong attention to detail and commitment to engineering quality.
Ability to deliver accurate engineering documentation and technical solutions on schedule.
Experience supporting aircraft modification and certification activities while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Excellent collaboration and communication skills across multidisciplinary teams.
A proactive approach to solving technical challenges and improving engineering processes.
