Design Engineer

Role details

Design Engineer

Location: Greater Seattle Area (Kent, WA)

This opportunity is with one of Gardner Standard's portfolio companies, Pacific Aero Tech.

About Pacific Aero Tech

Pacific Aero Tech (PAT) is an FAA Part 145 Repair Station specializing in aerospace transparencies, advanced repair development, and innovative engineering solutions supporting commercial and military aircraft operators worldwide.

Design. Develop. Certify. Make an Impact.

Pacific Aero Tech is seeking a Design Engineer who enjoys solving complex aerospace challenges and taking ownership of engineering projects from concept through certification and into production. In this role, you'll develop FAA-approved repair solutions, reverse engineer aircraft components, collaborate with experienced engineers and technicians, and play a hands-on role extending the life of critical commercial and military aircraft components.

Unlike traditional design engineering roles, you'll own the full engineering lifecycle—from reverse engineering existing aircraft components to developing, testing, certifying, and implementing innovative FAA-approved repair solutions. If you're someone who enjoys research and development, hands-on engineering, and seeing your work make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Develop innovative FAA-approved repair solutions for commercial and military aircraft.
• Lead reverse engineering efforts for complex aerospace components using CAD, metrology, engineering analysis, and testing.
• Own engineering projects from concept through testing, certification, production implementation, and continuous improvement.
• Work directly with FAA regulations and certification requirements to support airworthy repair development.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and leadership to develop practical, production-ready engineering solutions.
• Make a visible impact in a growing aerospace organization where engineers have meaningful ownership and responsibility.

Key ResponsibilitiesReverse Engineering & Design Development

• Reverse engineer aerospace components and create complete engineering definitions.
• Develop 3D models, engineering drawings, and documentation using SolidWorks.
• Apply GD&T principles in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Utilize metrology techniques to establish accurate part definitions and critical dimensions.
• Ensure engineering data complies with FAA regulations, airworthiness requirements, and Part 145 repair standards.

Research, Development & Validation

• Design and execute engineering experiments to validate new repair methods, materials, tooling, and manufacturing processes.
• Develop and evaluate prototype components, assemblies, fixtures, and tooling.
• Analyze test results and refine engineering solutions based on data and technical findings.
• Develop and validate process parameters across mechanical, thermal, material, and electrical applications as required.
• Translate engineering concepts into repeatable, production-ready repair processes.

Certification & Technical Documentation

• Develop qualification and certification test plans.
• Author engineering reports, substantiation packages, compliance documentation, and technical procedures.
• Maintain detailed engineering documentation and program traceability.
• Serve as a technical liaison between internal teams, suppliers, and regulatory stakeholders.
• Develop engineering specifications, acceptance criteria, and repair standards.

Production Support & Implementation

• Convert approved engineering data into shop-ready work instructions and inspection criteria.
• Support implementation of new repair processes into production.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing challenges and implement corrective engineering solutions.
• Ensure repair processes are robust, repeatable, scalable, and cost-effective.

QualificationsRequired

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or another ABET-accredited engineering discipline.
• 3-5\+ years of engineering experience, preferably within aerospace, aviation, aircraft maintenance, defense, or another highly regulated engineering environment.
• Experience leading engineering projects involving design, research, testing, validation, certification, or manufacturing support.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks and engineering documentation.
• Working knowledge of GD&T, metrology, reverse engineering, and engineering drawing creation.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
• Experience designing tooling, fixtures, or manufacturing support equipment.
• Comfortable working hands-on in manufacturing, laboratory, and shop environments.
• Experience collaborating with suppliers and vendors to support engineering solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage engineering projects while working cross-functionally with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident due to customer and regulatory requirements.

Preferred

• FAA Part 145, Part 21, aircraft OEM, MRO, or aerospace manufacturing experience.
• Familiarity with FAA regulations, DER processes, conformity inspections, and certification requirements.
• Experience with aerospace transparencies, bonded structures, composite materials, or complex aircraft assemblies.
• Experience authoring engineering substantiation packages, certification documentation, and technical reports.
• Qualification and certification testing experience.
• Electrical design or systems integration experience.

Engineering Culture

At Pacific Aero Tech, engineers don't work in silos. You'll collaborate directly with manufacturing, quality, technicians, and leadership to solve challenging aerospace problems and bring new repair capabilities to life. Your work will be visible, your ideas will be valued, and you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both the business and the customers we serve.

Why Join Pacific Aero Tech?

• Own projects from concept through certification and production implementation.
• Develop innovative engineering solutions that directly support commercial and military aircraft.
• Gain hands-on experience with FAA regulations, reverse engineering, advanced repair development, and manufacturing.
• Work alongside experienced aerospace professionals in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Build a long-term engineering career with a growing organization investing in innovation and engineering excellence.
• Candidates located in the Greater Seattle area are preferred. Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.

Pay: $86,000 - $110,000 per year

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off

Pay: $86,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person