Associate Design Engineer Jobs in Charleston, SC

Engineer the Passenger Experience – Shape the Future of Flight as a Payload Systems Design Engineer

PDS Tech Commercial is proud to partner with a premier leader in the aviation industry to bring on a talented Payload Systems Design Engineer. This is your opportunity to help design and deliver the aircraft interiors, cargo systems, and onboard features that define the flying experience for millions of passengers worldwide.

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About the Role

As a Payload Systems Design Engineer, you will be at the heart of aircraft innovation—developing and integrating the systems that passengers see and interact with, as well as critical components behind the scenes. From concept through certification and production, your work will directly impact safety, performance, and the customer experience.

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What You’ll Do

In this dynamic, full lifecycle engineering role, you will:

• Develop, integrate, and document requirements for aircraft payload systems, including interiors and structural components

• Create and modify designs using 3D CAD tools to deliver detailed product definitions

• Validate and verify system performance through analysis and testing

• Collaborate with suppliers to manage development, testing, and production efforts

• Optimize designs to meet program goals, ensuring efficiency and manufacturability

• Support certification processes and demonstrate compliance with aviation regulations

• Interface with cross-functional teams including project engineering, production, and leadership

• Contribute to areas such as monuments (lavatories & galleys), lighting, cargo systems, livery, and configuration

• Drive continuous improvement by developing new processes, tools, and innovative design concepts

• Stay ahead of industry trends by researching and applying emerging technologies

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What You BringRequired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil, Aeronautical, Materials Science, or related)

• 5+ years of engineering experience in design, integration, and/or certification

• Strong understanding of engineering principles and product lifecycle processes

• Ability to work independently with general direction in a fast-paced environment

• This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.
  

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Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of FAA Title 14 Part 25 and/or EASA regulations

• Experience with aircraft interiors and payload systems, including materials and design processes

• Background in design for manufacturing and production integration

• Experience in program or project management, including scheduling, risk management, and resource planning

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate with suppliers

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills

• Excellent communication skills across diverse audiences

• A commitment to continuous learning and professional growth

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Why Join Us

At PDS Tech Commercial, you’ll work alongside some of the most innovative minds in aviation while contributing to programs that shape the future of air travel.

What you can expect:

• Competitive pay Starting at : $65.21 per hour

• Predictable schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• A 6-month full-time consulting opportunity with a top aviation leader

• Exposure to cutting-edge aircraft technologies and full lifecycle design

• A collaborative, high-energy environment where your ideas matter

• Opportunities to expand your expertise across multiple engineering disciplines

You’ll be part of a team responsible for everything passengers see—and much they don’t—making a direct impact on airline operations, branding, and customer satisfaction.

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Ready to Make Your Mark on Aviation?

If you’re driven to innovate, collaborate, and elevate the flying experience, this is your chance.

Apply today and help bring the next generation of aircraft interiors and payload systems to life.

Pay Details: $65.21 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.