Senior Aero Structures Design Lead CATIA V5

Location: Wichita, KS
Job Type: Contract
Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Aero Structures Design Lead with strong expertise in CATIA V5, aircraft structures, and aerospace modification/retrofit engineering.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience supporting Bombardier Challenger aircraft programs, along with strong knowledge of aircraft configuration, structural design, engineering drawings, PLM systems, and aerospace certification requirements.

This position requires a hands-on technical leader who can guide design activities, review engineering deliverables, and collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead aero-structure design and retrofit/modification activities from concept through detailed design and engineering release.
• Support Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR) and Critical Design Reviews (CDR).
• Analyze aircraft tail-number configurations and perform configuration assessments using engineering databases and drawings.
• Develop and review CATIA V5 3D models, 2D drawings, and KIT drawings.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable program, customer, engineering, and certification requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, certification, and other cross-functional teams.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to engineering team members.
• Support structural design activities involving landing gear structures, belly fairings, flap structures, and protective/anti-abrasion systems.
• Review engineering documentation and support design changes, modifications, and configuration management activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in aerospace/aircraft structures design.
• 4+ years of experience supporting Bombardier Challenger aircraft programs.
• Strong hands-on proficiency with CATIA V5.
• Experience creating and reviewing 3D models and 2D engineering drawings.
• Experience with KIT drawings and engineering release processes.
• Hands-on experience with PLM systems and configuration management.
• Knowledge of aircraft structural design, modification, retrofit, and certification processes.
• Familiarity with BAMS, BAPS, and applicable aircraft/program specifications.
• Strong understanding of aluminum machining, sheet metal forming, and composite/Kevlar applications.
• Experience with aircraft structures including NLG/NLG well, MLG, belly fairing, and flap structures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with certification requirements related to aircraft modifications and specialized operating environments.
• Experience leading engineering teams or serving as a technical lead.
• Experience participating in customer-facing technical discussions.
• Strong communication, collaboration, mentoring, and problem-solving skills.

Key Skills

Aero Structures | Aircraft Structures | CATIA V5 | Bombardier Challenger | Aircraft Modification | Retrofit | KIT Drawings | PLM | Configuration Management | PDR | CDR | Aerospace Certification | Landing Gear Structures | Belly Fairing | Flap Structures | Sheet Metal | Aluminum | Kevlar