Mechanical Engineer - Senior

Position: Senior Mechanical Engineer
Company: Kawak Aviation Technologies
Location: Bend, Oregon

About Kawak

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.

Position Overview

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

Continuous Improvement

• Drive design improvements for performance, reliability, and cost
• Contribute to standardization of engineering practices and design methodologies
• Support development of scalable product platforms

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

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.

Pay: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person