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.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and talented individual to become part of our team. This position provides the flexibility of remote work, enabling you to achieve a work-life balance tailored to your lifestyle. Please be aware that the job requires about 20%-30% travel for client engagements, conferences, and other business-related events. If you are seeking a vibrant role that blends remote work with travel opportunities, we encourage you to apply.

Summary

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 III engineer, the Project Engineer is responsible for management of highly technical projects, providing mentorship to lower level Project Engineers, and supporting business development opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• 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 – Large Radome, Interiors, or Cabin Systems.
• Formulate engineering inputs for proposals, including scope definition, hour’s estimates, 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.

This position may require knowledge of SOX / 404 internal audit controls and related documentation..

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

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.

Education and/or Experience

Required:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace Engineering or in a related technical and/or equivalent field

• Familiarity and/or experience working with a 3D CAD package, preferably Autodesk Inventor
• Familiarity and/or experience working with a 2D CAD package, preferably AutoCAD

• Familiarity and/or experience developing piece-part, assembly and/or installation models and drawings

• 4+ years of experience working as a technical lead on engineering projects such as an IPT lead or equivalent.
• 8+ years of experience working in a mechanical or electrical design capacity
• 2+ years of experience in a regulatory environment and coordinating with regulatory agencies, FAA background is preferred
• Experience in the aviation/aerospace or similar industry

Preferred:

• 10+ years of experience working in a mechanical or electrical design capacity
• 7+ years of experience working as a technical lead on engineering projects.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, blueprints, product and component specifications, data sheets and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively communicate technical details, design concepts, analysis results, and substantiation via verbal or written mediums. Ability to contribute to technical discussions before groups of customers and/or employees.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to read and interpret figures, graphs and plots. Ability to solve algebraic, geometry and calculus-based problems. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Ability to apply mathematical concepts to solve engineering and technical problems. Ability to manage, organize, analyze and decipher large amounts of data.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical, technical and engineering problems via a logical, analytic approach. Ability to simplify complicated problems using assumptions. Ability to validate work using verification techniques.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of electronic equipment. Additionally, intermediate PC skills and knowledge of Internet and Microsoft Office applications are required. Computer experience/operation is necessary.

Other Skills and Abilities

Ability to multi-task. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Strong time management and organizational skills. Ability to work under dynamic schedule constraints and consistently meet deliverable timelines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. May be exposed to high voltage electricity.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Personal Protective Equipment may be required when working in designated areas. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a drug test and background check, and applicants who do not successfully pass both the drug test and background check will not be considered for employment.

The salary range specified is applicable to positions within the State of Illinois and reflects various factors considered in compensation decisions. These factors include, but are not limited to, individual skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and the specific needs of our business and organization. At Astronics CSC, it is uncommon for new hires to receive an offer at or near the top end of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are made based on the unique facts and circumstances of each candidate. The current estimated yearly salary range for this position is $86,776 to $130,164 per year. In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus. Astronics offers a competitive salary, along with opportunities for career growth.

Astronics CSC provides a comprehensive benefits package available to full-time employees, with part-time employees potentially eligible for these benefits on a pro-rated basis.

• Stay Healthy – Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity.
• Save for the Future – 401K, Profit Sharing & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • The Astronics Corporation Profit Sharing/ 401(k) Plan is a “safe harbor” plan. Under the plan, Astronics has committed to contribute 3% of your eligible wages, with the ability to do an annual discretionary adder on top.
• Find Balance – Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program
• Time for You – Generous Paid Time Off (PTOS), Volunteer Time Off Program (VTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave.
• Professional Growth - Tuition Reimbursement Program

Accommodation Request

Astronics CSC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail CSC.HR@astronics.com or call: 847-244-4500. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.