Job Summary

Responsible for leading a growing, multi-site Structures Engineering team with design, testing, certification, and ongoing engineering support of all aspects of aircraft structures for FAA certified piston and turbine powered aircraft. In addition, responsible for developing the strategy for the Structures Engineering Standard work incorporating industry best practices.

Direct reports include individual contributors, supervisors, and managers.

Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions

Reporting to the V.P. of Engineering, the Director of Structures Engineering is responsible for leading a team of engineers and technicians performing the design, composite process development and testing, stress analysis, structural testing, certification, and ongoing engineering support of all aspects of aircraft structures for Cirrus Aircraft in accordance with FAA Part 23 regulations. She or he will provide leadership, oversight and approval of technical approaches, products and processes.

This position will deploy Structures Engineering Standard work on a broad basis using industry standards.

Technical areas of responsibility include:

• Requirements, Design, Traceability, and Installation of aircraft structural elements.
• Integration Test definition (requirements-based testing), execution, and troubleshooting both for on aircraft and lab test.
• Structures Engineering technical process definition and execution.
• Oversight of airframe design and systems integration with aircraft structure.
• Identification of potential solutions in the market amongst subcontractors.
• Development and Operation of the Materials and Process Test Laboratory
• Coordinate design development and integration within Cirrus and with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Generate engineering documentation in accordance with company procedures to develop and maintain type design data for multiple aircraft.
• Guiding design and structural analysis through FAA part 23 certification and foreign validation.
• Manages the Companys structural R&D direction to ensure alignment with company goals and continued industry leadership in creating new customer value through integration in coordination and collaboration with Platform Chief Engineers.
• Analysis and interpretation of requirements/technical specifications of aircraft structural elements and ensuring their successful integration onto aircraft.
• Definition of equipment, components, systems and installations specified to enable system testing, fault finding prior to installation and certification.
• Acquires resources for test activities, provides technical management oversight and leads process improvements.
• Provide feedback for airframe and structural design and analysis efforts.
• Development and certification plan and report writing and reviewing.
• The Director of Structures Engineering is responsible for developing, coaching, and mentoring of less experienced engineers and supervisors, resource allocation, staffing, and performance reviews, including creating and executing onboarding training plans. This individual supports the Engineering Department with budget planning and control, resource/project planning, and maintaining awareness of key deliverables and project milestones. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated history of fostering individual engagement and initiative, driving improvements to engineering process, and implementing design methodologies resulting in superior technical design and enhanced team productivity.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelors degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent required, masters degree preferred.
• 12 years related industry experience
• 8 years leadership experience
• Leading teams of 10 or more engineers working on multiple complex projects.
• Experience managing remote engineering teams and locations.
• Experience working with or developing structural test laboratories
• Previous certification experience with standards such as 14 CFR Part 23.
• Experience interacting with certification agencies.
• Experience with aircraft structural and flight testing
• Process development experience (Six Sigma Green belt or others).
• Process mapping and deployment experience (VSM).
• Previous DER/UM experience is preferred
• Use of design tools such as CREO, MATLAB, VBA, or similar programs.
• Familiarity with stress analysis (hand methods or software)
• Familiarity with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools
• Requirements Management tool experience (PTC Integrity, Doors, Jama, or equivalent).
• Change Management and Configuration Management tool experience (JIRA, Windchill, Clearquest, Clearcase, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with industry standards: DO-160, MIL-HDBKs, and SAE ARPs.
• Pilot or Ground School experience preferred.
• Experience communicating with executives, regulatory authorities, customers, and suppliers
• Must be able to demonstrate the ability to read, write and speak the English language
• Ability to work both independently and within a cross-functional team
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with Chief Engineers and management peer groups.
• Out of the box thinking to deliver required technical solutions to meet program goals.
• Able to write test schedules and reports
• Able to work with program managers and project leaders to develop and hold accountability to schedules.
• Ability to efficiently learn new skills and manage multiple tasks
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Visio, Project)

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Builds Effective Teams: Builds strong effective teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
• Communicates Effectively: Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Plans and Aligns: Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Manages Complexity: Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.

OUR BENEFITS Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:

• 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5 after 90 days, with 100 vesting.
• Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options.
• Free Health Tracking: With rewards for meeting health goals.
• Generous PTO: 200 hours accrued within the first year.
• Employee Referral Bonus: For referring talented candidates.
• Career Development: Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities.
• Exclusive Discounts: Access to partner and marketplace discounts.
• Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations.

These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!

LIFE AT CIRRUS
Cirrus is dedicated to advancing general aviation as a leading manufacturer of personal aircraft. The Cirrus Flying Club offers employees and their family members the unique opportunity to obtain their private pilots license in the comfort of a Cirrus or rent a Cirrus for an impromptu adventure at a greatly reduced rate.

At Cirrus, we are committed to investing in the future of our employees and company by offering professional development and career progression opportunities that include onboarding, recurrent and area-specific training, talent acceleration and leadership development, continuing education, and tuition assistance programs.

We also engage employees by offering several employee and family events throughout the year and the opportunity to participate in activity clubs and community events. From holiday and special occasion celebrations to local runs and barbecues, our team has the opportunity to connect with each other, the community, and our customers.

OF NOTE

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required.

Cirrus is dedicated to a drug free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.