Engineer III - Cabin Modifications

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.

Summary

The role of Cabin Modification Engineer III bridges project engineering and engineering design for aircraft cabin modification programs. The position provides technical leadership across mechanical and electrical disciplines, ensures the integrity and certification readiness of design outputs, and manages design scope and interdependencies among internal teams.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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

• Act as the technical lead for multi-disciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, and related specialties) on cabin modification programs.
• Serve as the design subject matter expert (SME) for all technical interdependencies, ensuring that structural, systems, electrical, and cabin modification design aspects are fully coordinated.
• Translate high-level project, customer, and regulatory requirements into clear, actionable technical direction for engineering teams.
• Provide guidance on design standards, methods, tools, and best practices to ensure consistency and technical excellence across projects.
• Review, check, and approve engineering design documents, including drawings, 3D models, engineering reports, interface/control documents, and bills of material.
• Review and approve designated certification and compliance documents, ensuring traceability to requirements and adherence to aerospace regulatory standards (e.g., EASA/FAA, internal company standards).
• Ensure all design deliverables meet quality, safety, reliability, and maintainability expectations.
• Drive resolution of design issues, non-conformances, and discrepancies, coordinating with design engineers and relevant stakeholders.
• Facilitate and manage design interdependencies.
• Participate in technical reviews, design coordination meetings, and customer/supplier design reviews, providing clear communication of technical status, risks, and issues.
• Identify design scope boundaries during bid, planning, and execution phases, ensuring design activities align with project budget and schedule.
• Proactively identify and flag design scope changes, including additional work, deviations from the original requirements, and design creep, and provide input to change control processes.
• Assess and manage technical design risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support the engineering design team during all development stages, from concept through detailed design, verification, and certification.
• Depending on project needs, provide hands-on support in
  • 3D modeling and drafting
  • Design analysis (e.g., structural, systems, electrical routing, or loads/supporting calculations)
  • Preparation of detailed certification deliverables (e.g., compliance reports, test plans, analysis reports, conformity documentation).
• Ensure alignment of design outputs with installation and production needs, supporting manufacturing engineering and production teams as required.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, airworthiness, and internal design standards for all assigned projects.
• Promote continuous improvement in design processes, tools, and workflows, capturing lessons learned and feeding back into design guidelines and standards.
• Mentor and coach junior engineers and designers, promoting a culture of technical rigor and collaborative problem-solving.

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
• 6+ years of experience working in the aviation/aerospace or similar industry
• Familiarity and/or experience working with a 3D CAD package, preferably Solidworks or Catia V5
• 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

Preferred:

• Prior level II or III experience designing, integrating or supporting cabin modification programs
• 4+ years of experience in a regulatory environment and coordinating with regulatory agencies, FAA background is preferred
• 4+ years of experience working in a mechanical or electrical design capacity

Compensation & Benefits:

• The base salary range for this position is $90,000 to $105,000, 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. In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus.

• This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary.

• Astronics CSC provides a comprehensive benefits package available to full-time employees:

  • 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

Competencies                                    

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Able to parse large amounts of data and distinguish the pieces with a large impact; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Employs logic when solving problems.
• Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Demonstrates attention to detail; Satisfies all requirements; Finds optimal solutions to complicated problems.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Consistently and continuously identifies ways to validate answers; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Technical Skills - Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others; Builds knowledge base from research and experience.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things; Takes responsibility and ownership for mistakes.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly, concisely and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork - Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works in an ethical manner and with integrity; Upholds organizational values.
• Organizational Support – Disciplined in thought and action; Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values.
• Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Planning/Organizing - Uses time efficiently; Strives to increase productivity.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions.
• Adaptability - Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Communicates conflicting work/personal needs in a timely manner.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Follows up on assigned tasks; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.
• Innovation - Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Participates and facilitates brainstorming activities; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

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.