Senior Engineer - Test & Validation (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2025-06-09

Country:

United States of America

Location:

HNC32: US096-Winston-Salem (Oak Plaza 190 Oak Plaza Boulevard , Winston-Salem, NC, 27105 USA

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

The company will offer immigration sponsorship for this position, if needed.​ The company will not seek an export authorization for this role.

Security Clearance:

None/Not Required

Make a measurable impact in aviation safety, innovation, and performance.

We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Test & Validation Engineer to join our dynamic structural testing team. In this hands-on, analytical role, you'll bring test plans to life—applying your mechanical, electrical, and systems expertise to design, build, and execute critical tests that support the development and certification of cutting-edge aircraft interior components.

From full-height monuments to mini-suites and galleys, your work directly supports products seen and used by millions of passengers worldwide. Join us as we turn concepts into certifiable reality.

What you will do:

This role offers the best of both worlds: strategic technical thinking and hands-on execution. You’ll be empowered to:

• Plan & Prepare: Review test plans and ensure all required materials and components are ready for execution.
• Collaborate Closely: Work with cross-functional teams—including Engineering and Certification—to coordinate instrumentation and develop safe, innovative test setups.
• Design Smart: Conceive, model, and build custom load fixtures and test rigs for non-TSO structural tests using your skills in 2D/3D CAD, mechanical analysis, and fabrication.
• Execute with Precision: Install and calibrate instrumentation including load cells, deflection sensors, and pneumatic cylinders; configure data acquisition systems for optimal results.
• Validate Rigorously: Perform spring plate stiffness validations, structural analyses (strength, buckling, stiffness), and complete thorough certification checklists.
• Continuously Improve: Identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Stay Compliant: Draft or revise procedural documents to remain aligned with FAA regulations and AS9100 standards.
• Support Versatility: Cross-train in flammability testing and execute coupon builds for Vertical, Horizontal, Heat Release, Smoke Density, and Toxicity testing.
• Troubleshoot Confidently: Address and resolve issues with test equipment, instrumentation, software, and data acquisition.

Qualifications you must have:

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience

Qualifications we prefer:

• Prior testing experience with multi-channel data acquisition systems and data analysis.
• Knowledge of non-TSO testing principles and experience with testing non-TSO structural testing.
• Hand-on experience with creating load fixtures compliant with certification plan requirements.
• Hands-on experience installing pneumatic cylinders and support structure
• Hands-on experience installing load cells, deflection sensors and configuring them on data collection systems
• 2D and 3D CAD experience
• Experience with National Instruments equipment & software
• Knowledge and understanding of test instrumentation and its functionality

At Collins Aerospace, our Interiors team is focused on innovation, safety and cost efficiency. But we don’t just get people from point A to point B. We’re committed to making air travel more comfortable, connected and secure. As a leader in aviation interior products and services, we’re helping airlines and original equipment manufacturers create a positive experience for their customers. With offices and manufacturing facilities in more than 12 states across the U.S. and more than 10 countries around the globe, we’re changing the game of aircraft interiors. Are you ready to join our team? 

What we offer: 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 

• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees 

• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option 

• Tuition reimbursement program 

• Student Loan Repayment Program 

• Life insurance and disability coverage