Engineer IV, Project Engineering

Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly Telefonix PDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems.

Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality. The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago’s Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award.

The Project Engineer is the primary technical point of contact between the customer, internal non-technical teams, and the technical engineering teams responsible for the detailed execution of a project. As a level I V engineer, the Project Engineer is responsible for management of highly technical projects, providing mentorship to lower level Project Engineers, and supporting business development opportunities.

• Support business development quotations requiring high levels of technical involvement
• Support the Project Engineering Manager to define Project Engineering process documentation
• Responsible for management of complex projects with high levels of coordination and technical discipline including a focus in one of the core business areas – Outside Aircraft Equipment Structural Modifications, Cabin Modifications / Interior reconfigurations, or Cabin Systems.
• Formulate engineering inputs for proposals, including scope definition, engineering budget, parts cost, and schedule assessments.
• Establish detailed staffing plans for project design execution.
• Work with Aircraft Integration Design Engineering Manager , Certification Engineering Manager and Project Engineering Manager to allocate resources for project tasking and develop detailed schedules.
• Identify customer dependencies for successful execution of project design within defined schedule
• Develop, manage, and communicate design and certification requirements and strategy to the engineering team
• Manage and provide status for engineering resources throughout project lifecycle
• Manage and provide status for deliverable execution
• Identify design scope (budget / schedule) changes and technical design risks throughout project lifecycle
• Responsible for the technical coordination of technical project vendors to include ODA, DOA, and compliance testing vendors
• Manages and documents technical tasks, risks, issues and escalations
• Coordinate all milestone meetings for projects (e.g. PDR, CDR, etc)
• Primary interface with customer on technical issues and during design reviews
• Technical decision maker during the project and ultimately accountable for producing a design which meets the project requirements within the project schedule and budget
• Support the engineering team as required during the development stage. Level of support may range from design/drawing review and approval to assisting in modeling, analysis and/or detailed certification deliverable development
• Provide mentoring and training to less senior employees
• Is a SME in all primary types of CSC projects and can serve as technical advisor for any active projects ongoing within the company
• Serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership and industry bodies
• Shapes organizational practices, mentors all levels, drives long-term technical vision

This position may require knowledge of SOX / 404 internal audit c o n tro l s a nd r e l a t e d d o c u m e n t a t i o n.

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace Engineering or in a related technical and/or equivalent field
• 6+ years experience working in a regulatory background, FAA background is preferred
• 10+ years of experience working as a technical lead on engineering projects.
• 10+ years experience in mechanical or electrical design
• Multi-disciplinary engineering experience (electrical, mechanical, manufacturing…