What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Engineer position at WACO Aircraft Corp?
Job Title: Mechanical Engineer
Date: April 2025
Reports to: Engineering Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
Travel Time: First year (12 months) 100% in Germany
Up to 25% after first year
WACO Aircraft is the world’s only manufacturer of 1930’s era biplanes. Our planes are carefully and skillfully built by hand. Our Centennial business restores vintage WACO and JUNKERS aircraft. WACO Aircraft and JUNKERS Aircraft are small but growing companies with a long history of producing classic aircraft.
Scope:
Mechanical engineering plays a key role in designing, analyzing, and improving mechanical systems and components. Your responsibilities will span from conceptualization and prototyping to implementation. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that projects meet technical specifications, quality standards, and safety requirements. The first year will be spent in Germany documenting the design and development of a prototype aircraft.
What you will do:
- Comfortable designing and prototyping systems for the manufacturing of aircraft, ensuring efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
- Skilled in using CAD software to design, model, and analyze mechanical components and systems specific to aircraft development.
- Develop detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and physical prototypes of aircraft components to ensure proper function and integration.
- Perform stress analysis, thermal analysis, and other simulations to validate the structural integrity and performance of aircraft components under various conditions.
- Identify engineering challenges related to mechanical components and systems within aircraft design and take proactive measures to resolve them.
- Create prototypes of mechanical systems and components for aircraft to validate designs, conduct tests, and assess performance against specifications.
- Analyze data from prototype testing to determine design effectiveness and implement necessary modifications to improve performance or address issues.
- Evaluate and select appropriate materials for mechanical components based on performance requirements, weight considerations, and cost constraints.
- Work closely with procurement teams to source materials and components for aircraft manufacturing, ensuring quality and availability.
- Develop and implement quality control processes for aircraft components to ensure all manufactured parts meet design specifications and safety standards.
- Collaborate with quality assurance teams to investigate and resolve any product defects or deviations from design specifications in the aircraft manufacturing process.
- Prepare and maintain comprehensive documentation, including engineering drawings, bills of materials, and technical reports for aircraft components and systems.
- Ensure that all designs, prototypes, and manufactured components comply with relevant industry standards, regulations, and safety requirements for aircraft.
- Provide input on project cost estimation, considering the materials, labor, and manufacturing processes. Identify opportunities for cost savings while maintaining high quality and performance standards.
- Identify opportunities to improve aircraft design, manufacturing processes, and product performance. Stay informed about emerging technologies and trends in the aerospace industry.
- Work closely with electrical, software, and other engineering disciplines to ensure seamless integration of mechanical systems within the aircraft.
- Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure smooth production processes, addressing any mechanical design issues that arise during the production of aircraft components.
- Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.
What we are looking for:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical field related to Mechanical Engineering
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in mechanical engineering product development
- Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, AutoCAD)
- Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to work independently with little supervision – self motivated
- Excellent oral, written, communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and fabrication techniques
- Familiarity with aviation industry standards and regulations
- Aviation experience a plus
What we have to offer:
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance after 30 days
- 401(K) Company match up to 5%, 100% vest immediately.
- Short Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance Co. paid.
- Vacation, Paid Holidays, & Paid Sick Days after 90-days.
- Opportunity to be part of a dynamic and highly motivated work environment where you can develop your potential and launch an exciting career.
- Development opportunities where your input makes a difference.
WACO and JUNKERS Aircraft are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
