Design Engineer

This opportunity is with one of Gardner Standard's portfolio companies, Pacific Aero Tech.

Pacific Aero Tech (PAT) is an FAA Part 145 Repair Station specializing in aerospace transparencies, advanced repair development, and innovative engineering solutions supporting commercial and military aircraft operators worldwide.

Design. Develop. Certify. Make an Impact.

Pacific Aero Tech is seeking a Design Engineer who enjoys solving complex aerospace challenges and taking ownership of engineering projects from concept through certification and into production. In this role, you'll develop FAA-approved repair solutions, reverse engineer aircraft components, collaborate with experienced engineers and technicians, and play a hands‑on role extending the life of critical commercial and military aircraft components.

Unlike traditional design engineering roles, you'll own the full engineering lifecycle—from reverse engineering existing aircraft components to developing, testing, certifying, and implementing innovative FAA-approved repair solutions. If you're someone who enjoys research and development, hands‑on engineering, and seeing your work make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

• Develop innovative FAA-approved repair solutions for commercial and military aircraft.
• Lead reverse engineering efforts for complex aerospace components using CAD, metrology, engineering analysis, and testing.
• Own engineering projects from concept through testing, certification, production implementation, and continuous improvement.
• Work directly with FAA regulations and certification requirements to support airworthy repair development.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and leadership to develop practical, production‑ready engineering solutions.
• Make a visible impact in a growing aerospace organization where engineers have meaningful ownership and responsibility.
• Reverse engineer aerospace components and create complete engineering definitions.
• Develop 3D models, engineering drawings, and documentation using Solid Works.
• Apply GD&T principles in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Utilize metrology techniques to establish accurate part definitions and critical dimensions.
• Ensure engineering data complies with FAA regulations, airworthiness requirements, and Part 145 repair standards.

• Design and execute engineering experiments to validate new repair methods, materials, tooling, and manufacturing processes.
• Develop and evaluate prototype components, assemblies, fixtures, and tooling.
• Analyze test results and refine engineering solutions based on data and technical findings.
• Develop and validate process parameters across mechanical, thermal, material, and electrical applications as required.
• Translate engineering concepts into repeatable, production‑ready repair processes.

• Develop qualification and certification test plans.
• Author engineering reports, substantiation packages, compliance documentation, and technical procedures.
• Maintain detailed engineering documentation and program traceability.
• Serve as a technical liaison between internal teams, suppliers, and regulatory stakeholders.
• Develop engineering specifications, acceptance criteria, and repair standards.

• Convert approved engineering data into shop‑ready work instructions and inspection criteria.
• Support implementation of new repair processes into production.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing challenges and implement corrective engineering solutions.
• Ensure repair processes are robust, repeatable, scalable, and cost-effective.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering,…