The Director of Cabin Systems leads the development, integration, and delivery of advanced cabin systems for commercial and military aircraft platforms. This role is responsible for overseeing cross-functional engineering and program teams that manage cabin interiors, environmental controls, lighting, seating, power, connectivity, and human-machine interfaces (HMI). The director ensures that cabin systems meet customer requirements, certification standards, cost targets, and reliability expectations while fostering innovation and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide strategic leadership and technical direction for the design, integration, and certification of cabin systems
Oversee all aspects of cabin systems including layout, pressurized interior structures, ECS interfaces, lighting, thermal comfort, and passenger service systems
Lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams across mechanical, electrical, software, and systems disciplines
Ensure compliance with airworthiness, safety, and environmental regulations (FAA, EASA, MIL-STDs)
Collaborate with airframe OEMs, tier-1 suppliers, airline operators, and defense customers to define and deliver cabin solutions
Manage lifecycle planning including concept development, product definition, prototype testing, certification, and production ramp-up
Drive standardization, modularity, and reuse across cabin system architectures to reduce complexity and improve maintainability
Support customer engagements, program reviews, trade shows, and proposal efforts as the technical voice of cabin systems
Champion user-centric design, with an emphasis on ergonomics, aesthetics, functionality, and maintainability
Lead cost, schedule, and performance tracking for cabin systems programs, including earned value management (EVM) where applicable
Promote a culture of innovation, safety, quality, and continuous improvement across the cabin engineering organization
Key Focus Areas:
Engineering leadership for aircraft cabin systems development
Program and customer management for both commercial and military platforms
Cabin ergonomics, safety, comfort, and technology integration
Cross-functional coordination and supplier oversight
Regulatory compliance and certification (Part 25, Part 29, MIL-STD)
Qualifications & Skills:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or related field (required)
Advanced degree (Master’s or MBA) preferred
Experience:
12–15+ years of experience in aircraft systems engineering, with specific focus on cabin systems for commercial or military aviation
5+ years in a technical leadership or director-level role, managing teams and large-scale integration efforts
Experience interfacing with certification authorities and compliance with DO-160, FAR/CS Part 25, or defense acquisition standards
Technical Skills:
Proficient in cabin systems design tools, CAD platforms (e.g., CATIA, NX), and systems integration methods
Familiarity with systems engineering V-model, human factors, interior acoustics, ECS/cabin interface design, and crashworthiness standards
Working knowledge of digital cabin technologies (e.g., IFE, smart cabin systems, lighting control)
Soft Skills:
Strong leadership and mentoring abilities with a collaborative mindset
Excellent communication and customer engagement skills
Strategic thinker with strong organizational and decision-making capabilities
Ability to lead high-visibility programs with multiple stakeholders and aggressive schedules