Job Description

We are an established engineering and manufacturing firm headquartered in
Everett, WA, with over a decade of experience serving OEM and Tier 1/2 clients
across aerospace, commercial, and automotive sectors. We are standing up a
dedicated FAA certification engineering division and seeking a contract
Structures Engineer to support an active first engagement with a certificated
MRO specializing in Part 23 aircraft — specifically landing gear structures.

You will work closely with our engineering leadership and a contracted
Structures DER to deliver structural substantiation packages, repair designs,
and FAA approval documentation. This is a ground-floor opportunity within a
growing division, with strong potential for recurring project work as the
pipeline expands.

**What you 'll work on**

* Structural analysis and substantiation for Part 23 aircraft landing gear components (static, fatigue, DTA as applicable)
* Repair designs and approval packages using approval-by-comparison and similarity methods (AC 21-40A)
* Coordination with FAA Designee DER — organizing data packages, addressing DER comments, managing 8110-3 sign-off workflow
* DFM-aligned repair documentation suitable for certificated shops and MRO environments
* Supporting regulatory compliance review: applicable ADs, STC applicability, airworthiness limitations
* Occasional client-facing technical communication (written and verbal)

**What we 're looking for**

* 5+ years of experience in aviation structures engineering, with direct exposure to landing gear systems
* Hands-on familiarity with FAA Part 23 certification — approval by comparison, similarity analysis, or equivalent methods
* Direct experience working with or as a Structures DER (FAA Order 8110.4C workflow, 8110-3 sign-offs)
* Strong working knowledge of metallic structural analysis: classical methods, FEA validation, fatigue/DTA basics
* Proficiency in at least one FEA environment (ANSYS, Nastran/Patran, Abaqus, or equivalent)
* Ability to work independently and own deliverables with minimal oversight Clear, professional technical writing — packages produced here go to the FAA

**Nice to have**

* Prior MRO or repair station (Part 145) experience
* Familiarity with landing gear MRO environments in the Pacific Northwest
* CATIA V5, SolidWorks, or Fusion 360 proficiency for repair geometry documentation
* Active or recently-active DER authorization (structures) — opens a separate conversation about partnership structure
* Pacific NW location preferred (Everett / Seattle / Auburn corridor) but not required

**Engagement details**

* Contract (1099), part-time — 10 to 30 hours/week depending on project phase
* Remote-first; some travel to client site in the Auburn, WA area may be required
* Rate: $100–$145/hr depending on experience and DER adjacency
* No benefits package — contractor structure; rate reflects this

We are an equal opportunity employer. We value direct communicators who take
ownership of their work. If you have spent years producing packages that
actually get approved — technically sound and FAA-navigable — we want to hear
from you. Please include a brief summary of your most relevant Part 23 or
landing gear structures project in your application.