Design Engineer Mechanics

Design Engineer Mechanics

Contract Type: Permanent

Job Location: Belgium - Zaventem

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will be a key contributor in the development of innovative airfield lighting products and mechanical systems, supporting the entire product lifecycle from concept to commercialization. You will work within a multi-disciplinary team to deliver reliable, high-quality solutions, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards (FAA, ICAO) and driving continuous improvement in design, processes, and technology.

Responsibilities:

• Execute detailed mechanical and thermal design, starting from requirements specification through to final product.
• Integrate light engine and electronics into new products, considering both mechanical and electrical interfaces.
• Develop, review, and enhance mechanical models for new and existing products.
• Create and maintain piece-part and assembly drawings for suppliers and in-house production.
• Conduct static and dynamic stress simulations, thermal analysis, and failure/root cause investigations.
• Design and perform verification and validation testing to ensure and improve design quality.
• Support prototype builds, certification testing, and compliance with quality and change management procedures.
• Cooperate in establishing product specifications and documentation (manuals, leaflets).
• Provide maintenance and support for existing products throughout their lifecycle.
• Build up knowledge of business standards (FAA, ICAO, etc.) and participate in activities to improve these standards.
• Prospect new technologies, materials, and components; evaluate competitor products and follow up on new market offerings.
• Support in securing intellectual property through invention disclosures and patents.
• Provide technical support to other departments; including but not limited to supply chain, manufacturing, suppliers, sales team and customers.
• Document findings, prepare technical reports, and communicate solutions to stakeholders.
• Continuously search for improvement of design and test tools and identify improvements to departmental processes.
• Adhere to all relevant administrative requirements, policies, procedures, and compliance rules.
• Domestic and international travel may be required (less than 10%).

Experience

• 3+ years (mid-level) or 8+ years (senior-level) experience as a design engineer, preferably in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience with aluminium castings, plastics, sheet metal, sealed enclosures.
• Experience with failure analysis, root cause investigations, and corrective design improvements.
• Experience with electro-mechanical systems, structural and mechanism design.
• Experience in highly regulated product design environments (eg UL, CSA, ETL, FDA, FAA, ICAO) is highly preferred.
• Prior experience in lighting design (airfield or automotive) is a plus.
• Experience with photometric analysis and integration of electrical components is a bonus.
• Master's degree in mechanical engineering or related field is a plus.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant work experience may be considered.
• Fluency in Dutch or French and English required. German is an asset.
• Able to work and communicate effectively in an international, intercultural environment.

Competencies

• Advanced proficiency in 3D solid modelling (SolidWorks, SolidWorks PDM strongly preferred), 2D drawing documentation, and AutoCAD.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and SharePoint.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good understanding of product design methodology and static FEA (SolidWorks Simulation preferred); experience with other simulation tools (Thermal, Fatigue, LightTools, etc.) is a plus.
• Ability to support and analyze photometric data and provide guidance to stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, especially in international and intercultural environments.
• Creative, result- and quality-oriented, with an "out of the box" mindset.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.