Engineer 4 - 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.

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 IV 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

• 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 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.

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 understanding)
• Experience in 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:

• 10+ years experience in requirements determination and writing 
• 10+ years as project leader in at least 3 of the following projects – Connectivity system integration, In-seat Power, cabin modifications / Interior reconfigurations, Large Structures such as radome installations)

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; Designs work flows and procedures; 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.
• Cost Consciousness - Develops and implements cost saving measures; Conserves organizational and material resources.
• 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.

Additional Information

• 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 $110,000 to $154,000 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 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 [email protected] or call: 847-244-4500. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
• 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