Aircraft Engineer - Subject Matter Expert in Aircraft Retrofit & Cabin Engineering

About the Role

We are looking for a highly skilled Subject Matter Expert (SME) with over 10 years of experience specializing in aircraft retrofit and cabin engineering. The candidate will spearhead engineering service introductions, aircraft interior modifications, cabin systems integration, retrofit projects, and certification support within the aerospace and aviation sector. This role involves close collaboration with commercial aviation clients, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), airlines, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and act as the technical SME for aircraft retrofit and cabin engineering initiatives.
• Oversee engineering service introduction activities that support cabin modification projects.
• Manage retrofit and reconfiguration programs of aircraft cabins from concept phase through certification.
• Analyze customer requirements to devise innovative engineering solutions for cabin upgrades.
• Facilitate optimization and integration of cabin layouts.
• Prepare and review key engineering documentation such as modification packages, engineering orders, service bulletins, compliance documents, installation drawings, and certification papers.
• Coordinate with airlines, OEMs, MROs, suppliers, and certification bodies to ensure smooth project execution.
• Back aircraft survey tasks, embodiment planning, and installation implementation.
• Conduct rigorous design reviews and perform technical risk evaluations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve sophisticated engineering and integration challenges.
• Mentor engineering personnel and institute engineering best practices.

Technical Expertise

• Extensive knowledge in passenger-to-passenger configuration changes, cabin reconfiguration, fleet modernization, interior upgrades, structural retrofits, in-service modifications, and service bulletin implementation.
• Proficiency in cabin systems including passenger service units, cabin management systems, in-flight entertainment, connectivity, lighting, galley and lavatory integration, stowage and monuments, seating systems, and emergency equipment installation.
• Experienced in engineering service introduction, new cabin product release, design release support, installation package development, aircraft service entry, configuration control, change impact assessment, and fleet rollout management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Aeronautical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in aerospace cabin or retrofit engineering and aircraft modification programs.
• Strong familiarity with commercial aircraft cabin systems, modification projects, and certification processes.
• Deep understanding of aircraft configuration management and engineering change control procedures.

Technical Skills and Tools

• Expertise in cabin layout design, seating and monument integration, galley and lavatory installations, overhead stowage, structural modifications, electrical and mechanical systems integration.
• Skilled in engineering change requests and orders, retrofit design packages, configuration management, installation planning, aircraft survey, and embodiment engineering.
• Knowledgeable in compliance demonstration, certification documentation, airworthiness, safety assessments, risk analysis, and ongoing airworthiness support.
• Proficient with CAD software such as CATIA V5/V6, Siemens NX, Creo, and PLM tools including Teamcenter, ENOVIA, Windchill. Also familiar with AutoCAD, DOORS, SAP, and SmarTeam.

Regulatory Knowledge

• Well-versed with FAA FAR Part 25, EASA CS-25, aircraft interior certification guidelines, supplemental type certificate (STC) procedures, cabin safety regulations, DO-160 environmental standards, and airworthiness continuing requirements.

Leadership and Soft Skills

• Proven leadership capabilities in directing retrofit and cabin engineering projects.
• Excellent communication, customer-facing skills, and ability to manage stakeholders effectively.
• Competence in leading international, cross-functional engineering teams.
• Strong analytical and root-cause problem-solving skills.
• Experience in mentoring and developing engineering professionals.

Additional Information

The suitable candidate will serve as the lead technical expert managing complex aircraft cabin modification programs, aligning with airline customer demands, and offering technical guidance across retrofit and cabin engineering functions.