Structures Engineer – FAA Part 23 / DER Support

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 — licensed or open-source; results must be deliverable in standard formats
• 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
• Contractor is expected to provide their own FEA and CAD toolchain — any licensed, validated, or open-source simulation environment (ANSYS, Nastran, Abaqus, CalculiX/PrePoMax, Fusion 360, etc.) is acceptable provided results are deliverable in standard formats
• 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.