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.
- 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.