What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Mechanical Engineer position at Kawak Aviation Technologies Inc.?
We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, and certification of aircraft-integrated systems. This role requires deep technical capability across mechanical systems, sheet metal structures, composite structures, and Electric/hydraulic systems, along with hands-on experience working in a certification-driven aviation environment (FAA/STC or equivalent).
This is a high-impact role responsible for turning complex mission requirements into robust, certifiable, and manufacturable products.
Key Responsibilities
Engineering & Design Leadership
- Lead mechanical design of aircraft systems and components from concept through certification and production
- Develop detailed designs for:
- Sheet metal structures (mounting systems, tanks, airframe interfaces)
- Composite components (fairings, structural elements, enclosures)
- Hydraulic systems (power systems, actuation, fluid routing, control components)
- Create and review 3D CAD models, assemblies, and production drawings
Certification & Compliance
- Drive engineering efforts within FAA certification frameworks (STC, PMA, or equivalent)
- Develop and support:
- Certification plans
- Compliance documentation
- Test plans and reports
- Interface with DERs, FAA representatives, and certification authorities as required
Analysis & Validation
- Perform or oversee:
- Structural analysis (hand calcs and FEA)
- Hydraulic system sizing and performance analysis
- Failure mode and risk assessments (FMEA)
- Support ground and flight testing, including instrumentation and data review
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with:
- Production to ensure manufacturability and efficient build processes
- Quality to ensure compliance with FAA requirements
- Program leadership to meet cost, schedule, and performance targets
- Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- 8 years professional mechanical engineering experience
- 5 years of relevant engineering experience in aerospace or aviation
- Proven experience designing within a certification environment (FAA, EASA, or equivalent)
- Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks preferred or equivalent)
- Strong understanding of GD&T and engineering drawing standards
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with STC programs and certification processes
- Familiarity with rotorcraft systems and external load or mission equipment
- Experience in:
- Aircraft sheet metal design
- Composite design and integration
- Hydraulic system design and components
- Experience with aerospace materials and manufacturing processes
- Working knowledge of FAA/AS9100 quality systems
- Experience supporting production and transitioning designs into manufacturing
Key Traits for Success
- Practical, hands-on engineering mindset
- High ownership and accountability
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, small-team environment
- Strong problem-solving skills with a bias toward execution
- Clear communicator across engineering, production, and leadership teams
Why Kawak
- Work on mission-critical systems used in real-world aerial firefighting operations
- High level of ownership and impact on product direction
- Small, agile team with minimal bureaucracy
- Opportunity to shape next-generation firefighting platforms
Kawak Aviation is a focused aviation engineering and manufacturing company dedicated to supporting the world’s most critical aerial firefighting missions. We design, develop, certify, and produce mission-critical systems including aerial firefighting tanks, buckets, hydraulic systems, and aircraft components.
We operate with a small, high-performing team that values practical engineering, speed, accountability, and craftsmanship. Our work directly supports operators flying in high-risk, high-consequence environments where reliability is non-negotiable.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation based on experience and capability.
- Medical and dental coverage.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off (PTO).
- A consistent weekday schedule: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- A tight-knit team working on meaningful products that serve real-world missions.