Lead Project Engineer

Position Summary:

Responsible for management of concept to completion for customer programs and day to day activities of the members of the assigned Platform Engineering Team. Responsible for all technical aspects of the assigned product line aircraft seats, regulatory compliance, OEM and customer requirements. Plans and executes customer development programs based on RECARO established processes. Maintains capacity and training plans for all direct report personnel, forecasts capacity expansion and addition of new skills and capabilities as required, in accordance with the company strategy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following, other duties may be assigned:

• The management of all Platform Engineering functions of the Design Organization, including Project Engineers, and Platform Design Engineers within the assigned platform product line.
• Oversee the development, documentation, implementation and continual improvement of the Platform Engineering processes. Measure the effectiveness of the Platform Engineering processes through the tracking of Key Performance Indicators. Devise and implement corrective action measures to correct issues as they arise as reflected by the KPIs.
• Structure the assigned Platform Engineering team members and other personnel to ensure clear responsibilities and accountability, as well as optimum efficiency and productivity. Manage and participate in the hiring and training of new Platform Engineering Personnel as well as provide thorough and objective performance evaluations of all direct reports.
• Continuously analyze, communicate and plan the capacity requirements, in light of current and anticipated workload for the assigned Platform Engineering team.
• Maintain an in-depth understanding and current knowledge of the technical requirements driving the development of the RECARO Aircraft Seating products, including requirements from the OEMs and other regulatory authorities.
• Ensure all processes and procedures are documented, in compliance with the company’s ISO9001/AS9100 certification. Represents Company in internal and external audits to demonstrate compliance to regulatory requirements.
• Responsible for maintaining compliance with the department and program budgets once approved.
• Work in close cooperation with Platform Engineering Manager and other internal departments to plan and ensure proper and timely Engineering support for customer and development programs, and resolve any issues as they arise. Ensure that Engineering tasks are clearly understood and fulfilled on schedule and within budget.
• Work closely with the Sales team to prepare the customer offers and provide Engineering support in Sales campaign as required.
• Liaise with airlines, FAA/EASA, installers and suppliers to ensure timely project completion.
• Develop tools, as necessary, to track deliverables, testing, compliance findings so as to assure on-time completion of projects.
• Coordinate with Global Engineering management teams to ensure departmental processes are aligned and optimized as required, and ensure Best Practices are developed and implemented.
• Define the Platform Engineering Team training requirements, develop and implement a training program to ensure training requirements are fulfilled.
• Provide input to the program risk analysis and risk management process to address technical risks. Devise risk mitigation actions. Ensure risk mitigation activities are conducted in accordance with the department procedures and risk mitigation plans.
• Release of drawing and design documentation of seat components, assemblies and approval of design change proposals according to RECARO standards and processes.
• Support Management in the implementation of departmental strategic initiatives.

Education/Experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree (BS) in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering with minimum 8 years of experience in Aerospace interior industry or a Master’s degree (MS) in technical field with minimum 6 years of experience in Aerospace interior industry or equivalent experience is required.
• The position requires an in depth understanding of FAA / EASA Part 21, Part 25 Certification procedures for commercial aircraft seats, including the (E)TSO (Technical Standard Order) process.
• Working knowledge of CAD systems, mechanical design, drafting and tolerance, Electrical Engineering, rapid prototyping is required.
• Advanced knowledge about aircraft documentation systems for after sales (CMM, SB) and aircraft configuration control systems is desired.
• Understanding of dynamic and static testing principles.
• Must have knowledge of manufacturing processes used in the aircraft seat industry, including machining, forging, casting, plastic vacuum forming and injection molding, sheet metal fabrication and forming, and assembly.
• Must be well versed in concurrent engineering principles, as well as design for manufacturability, maintenance and design to cost principles.
• Proven track record of meeting commitments.
• Leadership skills are required, along with proven team building and motivational skills.
• Strong problem solving skills with the ability to exercise mature judgment is required, as well as the ability to anticipate technical issues and develop effective risk mitigation plans.
• Ability to multi-task and operate in a fast-paced, high pressure environment. Excellent organization skills are essential.
• Must have excellent internal and external communication and presentation skills.
• Prior experience as a technical lead or team lead is preferred.