The Chief Mechanical Engineer – Aerospace Platforms is a senior technical authority responsible for the strategic direction, design leadership, and systems integration of mechanical engineering across aircraft platforms. This role leads multidisciplinary teams in developing advanced mechanical solutions for structural, propulsion, landing gear, and thermal systems, ensuring compliance with aerospace standards and mission-critical requirements. The Chief Engineer provides oversight from concept through certification, driving innovation, performance, and reliability in all mechanical subsystems.
Key Responsibilities:
Define and lead the mechanical engineering strategy across multiple aerospace platforms, aligning with performance, safety, and certification goals
Oversee mechanical design and integration of airframe structures, actuators, environmental control systems, thermal management, and propulsion interfaces
Review and approve critical mechanical designs, analysis reports, and system-level integration documentation
Lead design reviews (PDR/CDR) and ensure alignment with FAA, EASA, MIL-STD, or NASA certification requirements
Direct mechanical engineering contributions across concept development, prototype, testing, and production transition phases
Collaborate with systems engineering, aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams to ensure optimal mechanical integration
Drive design for manufacturability (DFM), maintainability (DFMA), and lightweighting initiatives using advanced materials and technologies
Guide failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), root cause investigations, and corrective actions for critical systems
Mentor engineering teams, provide technical leadership, and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement
Represent mechanical engineering in executive reviews, customer meetings, and industry forums
Key Focus Areas:
Strategic mechanical systems leadership across aerospace platforms
Structural and systems integration of critical subsystems
Certification alignment with FAA/EASA/MIL/NASA standards
Lightweighting, material selection, and reliability engineering
Collaboration across propulsion, thermal, and systems domains
Leadership of large-scale, multi-platform engineering initiatives
Risk mitigation, failure analysis, and lifecycle performance optimization
Qualifications & Skills:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering required
Master’s degree or Ph.D. preferred
Certifications:
PE License or equivalent professional registration preferred
Familiarity with AS9100, DO-160, DO-254, and MIL-STD compliance
Experience:
15+ years of mechanical engineering experience in the aerospace sector
5+ years in a chief engineer or senior technical leadership role overseeing integrated platforms or systems
Proven track record in new product development and aircraft certification processes
Technical Skills:
Expert in finite element analysis (FEA), CAD/CAE tools (CATIA, Siemens NX, Ansys)
Deep knowledge of structural mechanics, kinematics, propulsion interfaces, and thermal systems
Experience with additive manufacturing, composites, and smart structures integration
Proficiency in systems engineering, integration planning, and requirements flow-down
Soft Skills:
Strategic thinker with strong leadership and mentoring capabilities
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and executive reporting skills
Demonstrated ability to drive cross-functional collaboration and resolve complex technical challenges
Committed to safety, quality, and innovation in aerospace engineering