What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr Mass Properties Engineer position at Actalent?
Job Description
The Senior Mass Properties Engineer provides expert mass properties engineering in accordance with industry standards and Society of Allied Weight Engineers (SAWE) best practices. This role analyzes the mass properties impacts of internal and external aircraft modifications, as well as systems and subsystems changes, across the entire program lifecycle. The engineer models and calculates mass properties data to support all phases of project development, translates customer requirements into mass models, and supports mission profile development. This position plays a key role in certification efforts, multi-disciplinary collaboration, and weight optimization for a diverse fleet of military and commercial derivative aircraft.
Responsibilities
- Provide mass properties engineering support in accordance with industry standards and SAWE best practices throughout the program lifecycle.
- Analyze mass properties impacts of internal and external aircraft modifications, including changes to systems and subsystems.
- Model and calculate mass properties data to support all phases of project and aircraft development.
- Translate customer requirements into mass models to support development of mission profiles.
- Analyze mission configurations using 2D drawings and 3D CAD tools to determine mass properties and distributions.
- Generate mass properties distributions for aircraft modifications and integrate these with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) data for input to structural loads models.
- Analyze and account for changes in mass properties as programs evolve from conceptual design through production and sustainment.
- Manage and coordinate subcontractor and vendor efforts related to mass properties, including vendor weight control activities.
- Lead and execute weight reduction tasks and initiatives to meet performance and mission requirements.
- Articulate mass properties requirements, risks, opportunities, and status at formal design reviews to both internal and external stakeholders.
- Generate FAA and DoD mass properties documentation that meets airworthiness certification requirements, including weight and balance manuals, supplements, and equipment lists.
- Perform weight and balance measurements of components and final aircraft products, and document results using appropriate forms and charts.
- Coordinate mass properties requirements and data with multi-disciplinary teams including maintenance, production, logistics support, flight test, flight operations, and other engineering disciplines.
- Support conceptual-level design activities and parametric modeling to develop early mass properties estimates.
- Build mass properties estimates directly from CAD data to support design trade studies and configuration decisions.
- Author and maintain weight and balance reports and related technical documentation.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of mass properties processes, tools, and standards within the organization.
- Operate effectively as a problem solver, working independently or as part of a technical team in a fast-paced environment.
- Thorough knowledge of engineering principles and practices relevant to aerospace and aircraft design.
- Deep knowledge of Society of Allied Weight Engineers (SAWE) Recommended Practices RP-7 and RP-8.
- Experience with aircraft weighing procedures and completion of associated forms and charts.
- Experience providing conceptual-level design support and performing parametric modeling for mass properties.
- Experience building mass properties estimates directly from CAD data.
- Experience analyzing mission configurations using 2D drawings and 3D CAD tools.
- Proven experience authoring weight and balance reports and related certification documentation.
- Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams, collaborating across engineering, operations, and support functions.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently or as part of a technical team in a fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge of industry-standard aerospace principles, including parametric design, model-based definition, and fundamentals of flight mechanics.
- Background in the aerospace and defense industry, US Department of Defense programs, and/or US military aviation.
- Automated Weight and Balance System (AWBS) training within the previous three years.
- Hands-on experience with the Automated Weight and Balance System (AWBS) for aircraft weight and balance management.
- Familiarity with Commercial Derivative Aircraft (CDA) used in military programs.
- Experience with Dassault 3DX and/or SolidWorks for 3D modeling and mass properties analysis.
- 3D CAD experience applied to aircraft structures, systems, and modifications.
- Experience supporting or analyzing military aircraft such as C-130, KC-135, and smaller platforms including PC-12 and Dornier 328.
- Ability to communicate complex mass properties concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to lead weight reduction initiatives and coordinate with suppliers and vendors on weight control.
- Interest in working in a growing organization where engineers can take on diverse responsibilities and have direct access to leadership.
- Eligibility and willingness to obtain a security clearance, as required by certain programs.
The work environment combines modern office spaces with direct access to aircraft hangars, offering both analytical and hands-on engagement with aircraft. The typical dress code is business casual, with appropriate attire when working in hangar areas. Team members work in a fast-paced, collaborative setting alongside engineering, maintenance, production, logistics, flight test, and flight operations personnel. The organization operates as a mid-sized aerospace integrator, where engineers wear many hats, have visibility and access to leadership from day one, and contribute across multiple programs including military aircraft and commercial derivative platforms. The facility features a state-of-the-art onsite coffee house and a free onsite fitness center. The company offers attractive long-term prospects, including the potential for direct employment, opportunities to support major government programs, and a generous 401(k) package with a competitive employer match for direct employees.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Englewood, CO.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $70.00 - $75.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
This is a fully onsite position in Englewood,CO.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
- Hiring diverse talent
- Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
- Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
- Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
Salary : $70 - $75