$140,000–$160,000 Per Year
3D Modeling, Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace and Defense, Aircraft Maintenance, Applications Security, Aviation Industry, Best Practices, Budgeting, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), Campaigns, Communication Skills, Computer Aided Engineering (CAE), Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional, Customer Relations, Engineering Drawing, Engineering Management, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Assembly, Mechanical Engineering, Problem Solving Skills, Product Data Management (PDM), Product Development, Project Engineering, Project/Program Management, Prototyping, SolidWorks, Support Documentation, Team Player, Technical Leadership, Technical Support, Technical Writing, Technical/Engineering Design, Testing, Validation Testing
Principal Aerospace Mechanisms Design Engineer
Location: Placentia, CA
Salary: $140,000 - $160,000
RPS is partnering with a globally recognized aerospace and defense manufacturer boasting more than 80 years of engineering heritage. A market leader in a niche product domain, this organization delivers mission‑critical hardware across commercial and defense aviation as well as emerging space programs.
A day in the life
Your morning might begin in design review, refining a mechanism update for an in‑service aircraft platform. By mid‑day, you’ll be on the manufacturing floor—assembly and test are all onsite—collaborating with production to resolve a tolerance stack issue. In the afternoon, you’ll update 3D models and drawings, brief a supplier on a design change, and align schedules and budgets with a cross‑functional team. Every day brings exposure to a diverse set of aerospace applications, expanding your technical range and impact.
Why this role
- Consistent project pipeline across multiple sectors provides long‑term stability and career security.
- Strong culture of internal promotion and fast‑track progression with a clear path into technical leadership and engineering management.
- Hands‑on collaboration—design, manufacturing, assembly, and test all under one roof.
What you will do
- Lead engineering change initiatives and product modification projects for active aerospace programs.
- Create and revise 3D CAD models, detailed engineering drawings, and supporting technical documentation.
- Support prototype builds, test campaigns, and validation activities as needed.
- Own schedules, budgets, and coordination across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Serve as the technical liaison to customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
What you bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
- 8+ years of mechanical product development experience in a manufacturing setting focused on latches or mechanisms.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD and CAE; SolidWorks and PDM experience strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of aerospace standards, GD&T, and best practices for engineering drawings.
- Robust project management capability with strong problem‑solving and stakeholder communication skills.
This position is ideal for a Senior Project Engineer seeking ownership of challenging engineering change and product development efforts within a collaborative aerospace environment. You’ll join a company that values technical excellence, stability, and continuous improvement, with broad exposure across aerospace and defense applications.
All successful applicants will be contacted within two working days.
You should be proficient in: