Mechanical Aerospace Engineer

Mechanical Aerospace Engineer Location: Newport News, VA Job Type: Contract Work Schedule: On-site only (No remote work available) Starting Pay: $35.00/hour (Higher compensation may be available based on experience.) Position Overview We are seeking a Mechanical Aerospace Engineer to support aircraft modification, repair, integration, and certification projects. This position focuses on designing and integrating structural and mechanical systems while ensuring compliance with industry regulations and airworthiness standards. The ideal candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, production personnel, and certification specialists to develop practical, reliable engineering solutions that support aircraft upgrades and modifications. This role also provides opportunities to assist with mechanical design and 3D modeling activities as project needs require. Key Responsibilities Develop engineering solutions that meet technical requirements, regulatory standards, and program objectives. Perform engineering analyses including structural, thermal, vibration, fatigue, and related evaluations. Prepare and review engineering drawings, reports, technical documentation, test plans, and compliance records. Coordinate with electrical engineering, certification teams, production, quality, and external vendors to ensure successful project execution. Support certification efforts by preparing engineering documentation and compliance substantiation for regulatory approval. Evaluate manufacturability, maintainability, installation requirements, and long-term serviceability during the design process. Provide engineering support during fabrication, assembly, installation, troubleshooting, testing, and aircraft modification activities. Participate in design reviews and recommend improvements related to safety, reliability, performance, and regulatory compliance. Maintain engineering documentation using established configuration management practices. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, engineering standards, and best practices. Perform additional engineering duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. Experience supporting aircraft structures, mechanical systems, equipment installations, or aircraft modification programs. Strong understanding of structural design, materials, mechanics, manufacturing processes, and mechanical system integration. Familiarity with FAA regulations, aircraft certification processes, Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) programs, or FAA Form 337 major alterations. Experience creating, reviewing, and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, reports, and technical documentation. Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Ability to collaborate with cross-functional engineering, production, quality, certification, and program management teams. Comfortable working in both office and aircraft hangar environments. U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident status required. Preferred Qualifications Five or more years of experience supporting aircraft modifications, repairs, integration, or aerospace product development. Experience with FAA certification programs, including STCs, compliance documentation, test plans, test reports, and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness. Knowledge of MIL-HDBK-516C airworthiness requirements or military aircraft modification programs. Experience performing structural, vibration, thermal, fatigue, or related engineering analyses. Background developing engineering reports, installation instructions, substantiation documents, and certification support packages. Familiarity with ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards. Knowledge of aerospace materials, manufacturing methods, fastener systems, and structural repair practices. Experience supporting aircraft production, installations, ground testing, or flight testing. Experience working with certification authorities, suppliers, OEMs, or engineering stakeholders. Understanding of configuration management processes and AS9100 quality standards. What Success Looks Like Successful candidates will consistently produce accurate engineering documentation, complete assigned projects on schedule, support successful aircraft modifications and certification activities, respond effectively to technical challenges, maintain compliance with applicable standards, and contribute to ongoing process improvements and engineering excellence.