05488 - Principle Engineer - Aerospace Research and Development

Crafted Staff • Kalamazoo, MI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Engineer leads complex aerospace research and development assignments involving new technologies, products, equipment, materials, and engineering methods. The role requires axial piston pump experience and advanced technical expertise to evaluate concepts, solve challenging engineering problems, and support projects with significant product, customer, technology, and business impact.

The engineer serves as a technical subject matter expert, conducts and directs engineering analyses and testing, documents findings, and provides recommendations to leadership and customers. The position plans and coordinates complex projects, guides multidisciplinary teams, leads continuous improvement initiatives, and mentors developing engineers. The role requires independent engineering judgment, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to make sound technical decisions when information is incomplete.

This is a full-time, direct-hire, onsite position in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on a first-shift schedule. Occasional customer visits, including international travel, are required. The stated annual salary range is $130,000–$160,000, depending on experience and education, with a 15% bonus opportunity. Relocation assistance is available.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electronic, or Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Typically 10 or more years of related engineering experience.
• Axial piston pump experience.
• Advanced knowledge of engineering principles, theories, techniques, industry practices, regulations, and policies relevant to the assigned specialty.
• Comprehensive knowledge of continuous improvement principles and ability to lead their implementation.
• Proficiency with standard business applications and specialized data analysis, engineering design, and project management tools.
• Ability to integrate knowledge from related engineering disciplines and technical specialists.
• Ability to plan and conduct complex assignments involving incomplete data, uncertain variables, and long-term technical considerations.
• Ability to analyze complex policies and recommend significant procedural improvements.
• Ability to respond effectively to complex technical inquiries from customers, leadership, and other divisions.
• Strong analytical skills, including defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment when developing engineering methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria.
• Ability to lead complex technology projects and guide the technical work of others.
• Ability to mentor engineers and support technical capability development.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work onsite in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally, including internationally.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in an applicable engineering discipline.

Responsibilities

• Research and execute complex engineering assignments requiring new or improved methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Develop new or refined equipment, materials, processes, products, and concepts using advanced engineering principles.
• Apply axial piston pump experience to aerospace research and development activities.
• Investigate and implement emerging technologies to improve product cost and performance.
• Evaluate technical concepts against cost, resource availability, schedules, business plans, and other engineering and economic considerations.
• Recommend manufacturing techniques, materials, properties, and process capabilities that inform long-term engineering plans.
• Conduct or direct analyses and tests supporting new designs, methods, materials, equipment, and processes.
• Determine required actions, coordinate technical tasks, and document findings and results.
• Compile and analyze operational, test, and research data to establish performance standards for new or modified products.
• Evaluate the feasibility and technical soundness of proposed tests, products, and equipment, and develop evaluation methods when data are incomplete or further testing is needed.
• Apply established engineering practices, industry standards, and documentation methods, and ensure activities comply with applicable company policies and aerospace industry requirements.
• Plan and conduct complex assignments involving major projects or multiple concurrent programs; establish technical goals and coordinate activities within and across divisions.
• Review project progress, evaluate results, and recommend changes to methods or procedures.
• Provide technical leadership to integrated product development and cross-functional teams, and consult senior management on significant engineering issues.
• Represent the organization on major projects and in technical discussions.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives involving engineering technology, product development, analytical tools, and production methods.
• Coordinate with technical specialists to share recommendations, lessons learned, problem-solving methods, and analytical approaches.
• Prepare technical proposals and presentations and communicate complex findings and recommendations to customers, division leadership, and senior management.
• Mentor developing engineers through technical feedback, goal-setting, and problem-solving guidance, and ensure transfer of specialized knowledge.
• Maintain technical expertise through advanced training, research publications, and professional associations.
• Travel to customer locations, including international destinations, as required.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
• Optional life, accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company matching contributions equal to 100% of the first 5% of pay.
• Company-funded defined-contribution retirement plan with an annual contribution equal to 3% of pay.
• Career development and tuition reimbursement.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short-term and long-term disability programs.
• Adoption assistance.
• Care.com membership and financial planning assistance.
• Optional identity protection, legal protection, and pet wellness programs.
• Paid time off and up to 15 company-paid holidays.
• Relocation assistance.
• 15% bonus opportunity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior