Design Engineer Senior - Composite Structures
JanickiAbout the role
Location: Hamilton,Washington,United States
Janicki Industries is an innovative, family-owned aerospace company located at the foot of the Cascades. We focus on engineering and manufacturing complex projects for companies in the aerospace, defense, and space industries. We are looking for a Design Engineer Senior – Composite Structures to join our growing team.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
This position is located on-site in Hamilton, Washington State.
Design Engineer Senior's are responsible for leading the conceptual and detailed design of composite aircraft structures and assemblies. This includes developing CAD models, conducting trade studies, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating across disciplines to ensure designs meet performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability requirements. Senior engineers are expected to demonstrate technical leadership, cross-functional coordination, and continuous improvement.
The following essential job functions are performed as a Design Engineer Senior:
- Lead design and development of primary and secondary aircraft structural components
- Create and manage CAD models (NX preferred), perform structural sizing, and guide design reviews
- Conduct trade studies using first principles and analytical methods
- Collaborate with Stress Analysts, Manufacturing, Procurement, and QA to mature designs from concept to production
- Present models and technical rationale in multidisciplinary design reviews
- Support manufacturing through tooling, fixture design, documentation, and design changes
- Mentor junior engineers and support team tasking
- Maintain good attendance and punctuality
- Perform other duties as assigned
The Design Engineer Senior has multiple job levels and career paths. Competency will be determined by performance, certifications, and supervisor discretion.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Due to our ITAR and EAR regulations, applicants must be a US Citizen or of Legal Permanent Resident Status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b (a) (3)
- This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). Janicki will assist with gaining this access once employed. Special Access Program or other Government Access Requirements are mandatory for this position and requires candidate agreed to enter a Continuous Evaluation program
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical engineering, or related field required
- 5+ years of experience in composite aircraft design, including leadership or mentoring responsibilities
- Proficiency in CAD software (NX or CATIA V5 preferred)
- Practical aircraft understanding and passion (pilot, homebuilding, A&P, RC, etc.) is highly valued
- Proficiency in structural analysis using classical hand methods or FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, or Nastran) to validate designs under various load conditions is required. Proficiency with FEA tools is preferred.
- Strong communication skills—written, verbal, and graphical
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities
- Experience with SAP ERP software is advantageous
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- A passion for and hands on experience (building, machining, fabricating, repair, etc.) is highly valued
- Experience in lean manufacturing environments and complex assemblies preferred
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Salary range for this role is between $80,000 - $145,000, plus discretionary bonus, 401(k) matching, vacation, and health benefits. Employees can also receive additional pay for off-shifts. The range provided is Janicki’s estimate of the base compensation for this role. Actual amount offered will be based on job-related and non-discriminatory factors such as experience, location, education, training, skills, and abilities.
- This position is designated by Janicki as a safety sensitive position.
BENEFITS
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution
- Disability insurance as well as Life/AD&D insurance
- HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer contribution and FSA (Flexible Savings Account)
- 401k with employer matching
- Paid time off and paid holidays (including two floating holidays)
- Education reimbursement program
- Several shift options
- Premium pay for off-shifts
Not sure that you’ll be the perfect fit for this role? You should still apply! We’ll review your application for other opportunities. We are always on the lookout for talented people!
Janicki Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Janicki Industries does not discr
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