Project engineer iii- aftermarket

Since 2018, Elevate Aircraft Seating has been enhancing the passenger experience through innovative aircraft seat design and manufacturing. With locations in California, Washington, and Germany we are guided by creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to quality. We are looking for a skilled Project Engineer to join our team in Huntington Beach, CA. This is an on-site position based in Huntington Beach, CA. We value teamwork, inclusivity, and continuous professional development, and we offer competitive benefits along with opportunities for growth.

Export Control Requirements: This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

JOB SUMMARY

The Project Engineer III- Aftermarket provides engineering support and technical leadership for in-service products, customer modifications, and product upgrades. This role serves as a key engineering interface between customers and internal teams, ensuring product compliance, performance, and customer satisfaction through close collaboration with Serial Production and Development Project Engineers. The Project Engineer is responsible for translating identified in-service and Aircraft on Ground (AOG) issues into practical engineered solutions. Using a strong foundation of engineering knowledge and practical problem-solving skills, the role defines reported issues, conducts engineering investigations, and develops appropriately scaled solutions to ensure timely resolution.

Working cross-functionally with Program Management, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Certification, and Design Engineering, the Project Engineer helps ensure product conformity, production stability, and effective implementation of engineering changes. The role drives issue resolution, supports continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.

SUMMARY OF JOB DUTIES - Essential Functions

(Other duties and projects may be assigned or requested.) Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Serve as the engineering focal point for aftermarket and in-service support.
• Provide technical support to internal and external customers and ensure appropriate engagement of the wider Engineering team.
• Coordinate timely customer responses on technical issues and engineering solutions.
• Travel to customer locations and work onsite with products as required (up to 50% travel).
• Manage problem reports for in-service and aftermarket programs and establish a daily cadence of internal communication for assigned products and programs.
• Analyze and translate operational issues into technical engineering language to support corrective actions and change management.
• Apply prescribed analysis and problem-solving methodologies to expedite issue resolution under tight timelines.
• Prioritize workload and manage time to ensure timely resolution of issues.
• Lead engineering assessments for post-delivery in-service issues and modification/upgrade requests.
• Support modification and upgrade programs and provide in-service engineering solutions.
• Provide engineering feedback to appropriate functions using problem-report data and analysis to ensure transfer of lessons learned.
• Leverage product feedback from internal and external sources to support design optimization for manufacturing and assembly.
• Maintain technical documentation and ensure on-time delivery of engineering submittals to OEMs, integrators, and customers.
• Prepare and submit Service Bulletins and other aftermarket engineering documentation as required.
• Support Serial Production and Development Project Engineers as needed.
• Maintain a safe, secure and legal work environment, adhering to all Company policies and procedures.
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Protect the confidentiality of the Company’s information and products.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS – Education, Knowledge, and Experience

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline is required.

Experience: The position requires a wide knowledge of Engineering, design principles, manufacturing techniques, and the constraints of change within an Aerospace environment. Minimum 8 years of related experience required, Minimum of 4 years of experience in the aircraft industry.

Level III: Leads system design and integration activities for complex products and manufacturing environments. Provides technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and cross-functional teams. Drives resolution of complex engineering issues while ensuring alignment with product performance, manufacturing requirements, and certification standards.

Applicable to Levels I, II, and III: Ability to consider a wide range of details from the problem-solving and concept stages through testing and modeling phases, ensuring nothing critical is overlooked. Ability to approach problems and tasks with a calm and analytical mindset and resolve issues while minimizing risk. Ability to immerse in product design intent, stay updated on industry trends, and continuously learn new technologies and engineering techniques. Ability to effectively share information with team members and explain technical concepts clearly and concisely using appropriate methods. Ability to identify priorities, plan work accordingly, and manage time effectively to ensure successful execution.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Microsoft Office proficiency (i.e., Excel, Word, Outlook, Excel, Projects)
• Knowledge of related software including CATIA, AUTOCAD, and PLM
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Awareness of structured problem-solving tools such as DFMEA, PFMEA, and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) processes.
• Awareness of Six Sigma methodologies and data-driven decision-making tools.
• Experience supporting engineering change management processes in a regulated environment.
• Awareness of FAA and/or OEM regulatory compliance requirements.

Other: Extended or irregular hours may be required. Must be authorized to work in the United States. Elevate Aircraft Seating is an “at-will” employer; employment is at the mutual consent of both the employee and the employer, and may be terminated at will for any reason, with or without cause, at any time during employment with the Company. As business conditions warrant a change in the operating necessities of the Company, all employees are expected to react productively, handle other essential tasks assigned now or in the future.

SUPERVISION PROVIDED TO THE POSITION

Works under general direction, receiving guidance in terms of objectives and project priorities. Performance is measured by achievement of defined engineering and program objectives. Receives additional guidance on complex, non-routine, or high-risk technical issues as needed. Exercises independent judgment in executing assigned engineering tasks and coordinating engineering solutions.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY

Supports alignment of engineering activities with organizational goals, operating policies, and budgetary guidelines.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Develop and implement solutions for a variety of technical problems using established precedents, engineering principles, and organizational policies.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Elevate Aircraft Seating offers competitive wages and benefits to recognize employees for their work. The base pay offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, experience and take into account internal equity. Salary Range Transparency: $100,000 - $135,000 annually.

Featured Benefits: Up to 7% bonus potential (for bonus eligible positions), Generous 401(K) matching with immediate eligibility and vesting, 3 weeks of Paid Time Off, 12 paid holidays, Affordable health care plans for yourself and your family, And so much more!

Other Perks: On-site gym, Free electric car charging stations, Potential for growth within organization, Supportive workplace environment with a team-oriented culture.