Chief Engineer
Job details
General information
Entity
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.
Safran Cabin designs, certifies, manufactures and supports innovative aircraft cabin interiors, equipment and systems, providing airlines and OEM Customers with distinctive aircraft branding, and their passengers with a safe, comfortable and enjoyable flying experience.
Reference number
2026-169854
Job details
Domain
Research, design and development
Job field / Job profile
Architecture and systems engineering - System architecture
Job title
Chief Engineer
Employment @type
Permanent
Professional category
Professional, Engineer & Manager
Part time / Full time
Full-time
Job description
Here, we craft excellence together. Your mission? Making the journey the most enjoyable part of the trip.
Join our first-class team to reinvent in-flight experience. In the role of Chief Engineer you'll play a pivotal part on our Research, Design & Development team.
a) Support Development Programs and In-Service/Sustaining Programs:
Advise on new product/feature/design concepts and designs (risk analyses, definition of criteria to pass milestone, review of development logic, expert reviews on proposed designs, etc.).
Validate design decisions and relevance of the justifications provided.
Establish product commonality and standard technical solutions across programs.
Contribute to the resolution of technical issues (current and upcoming), and in-service issues.
Mitigate program risks through regular technical reviews.
Be a technical resource for all departments, (Marketing, Contracts, Project Engineering etc.), offering specialist knowledge and guidance as required specific to a particular commodity.
Develop, author, and maintain product specifications and ensure requirements are kept up-to-date.
Develop, author, and maintain a catalog of design principles and standard parts and components.
Act as mediator/liaison during development engineering within engineering/between engineering and customer/supplier to prevent and/or solve any engineering issues that may arise.
Perform the role of tie breaker/final decision maker for technical decisions.
Review and approve technical documents.
b) Innovation, Research and Preparation of Future Technologies, Methods & Tools:
Review R&T activities and validate their achievements.
Define expectations for achievement of Technology Maturity Levels.
Ensure there is a scientific, technology, and innovation watch related to the division for technological advancements, market trends, competition, related fields etc.
Strive to maintain at the state-of-the-art regarding relevant methods and tools.
Generate original and innovative design concepts and solutions when faced with design problems.
Develop, author, and maintain templates for key component level specifications.
c) Develop and Capitalize on Knowledge:
Mentor coach and train less experienced engineers of their respective division in their fields of expertise.
Develop training materials.
Contribute to development and population of knowledge management database.
Validate knowledge (e.g., lessons learned) and support their distribution and implementation.
Organize seminars, workshops, etc. to share knowledge.
Develop, author, and maintain development manuals, design guides, and training materials for their division commodities.
d) Proposal and Bid Process:
Work with Marketing and Contracts departments to review and recommend technical solutions at the bid/RFQ/RFI stages.
But what else? (advantages, specificities, etc.)
Safran Cabin is #1 worldwide for aircraft interiors.
Here, you will build your skills and grow with a community of experts to enrich yourself every day.
Here, collaboration is embodied within the diversity of our teams all around the world.
Here, we're cutting our emissions, not your ambitions.
Together, let's shape the sustainable future of aeronautics.
https://www.safran-group.com/companies/safran-cabin
At Safran Cabin, we provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, age, national origin, ancestry, disability/medical condition, military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic characteristics or information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Your Benefits: Our suite of comprehensive benefits include health care (medical, dental and vision), life insurance, 401(k) savings plans with company match, paid time off, and employee discounts & rewards for consumer products/services and more!
Management roles may be eligible for a bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable incentive plan.
Candidate skills & requirements
The Chief Engineer is a technical expert for their commodity / commodities. He/she has in-depth knowledge of all aspects of their product: design, manufacture, material, process, certification/qualification, tooling, quality, and the environment in which it is installed.
The Chief Engineer is a technical resource that assures excellence in all aspects of the product's lifecycle, from marketing and the proposal stage, through contract negotiation and award, and throughout development engineering. He/she participates in design reviews, assesses tool design, M&P, and qualification/certification data, and continues supporting through FAI, first install, entry-into-service, and operational maturity.
The Chief Engineer's principle function is to promote Engineering excellence that will lead to the design of a best-in-class aircraft interior product. He/she provides a platform for learning, mentoring, and the development of less experienced engineers. The Chief Engineer owns the creation, development, and maintenance of the division's product related design standards. The Chief Engineer will participate on internal and external design and milestone reviews and secure established standard design principles are applied across all programs.
Education: BS Engineering/Science (MS preferred), Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering preferred.
Experience: 15+ years engineering; Inclusive of all characteristics of Principal Design Engineer.
Computer Skill: MS Office Suite?, MS Windows?. AutoCAD?, CATIA V5, SmarTeam are preferred. Proven ability to be self-motivated with core disciplines of design for: cost, weight, manufacturability, qualification and quality.
Description: Senior-level position within field
This job posting has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee within this position. The actual duties, responsibilities and qualifications may vary based on assignment or group.
Annual salary
$136K - $214K USD + bonus
Job location
Job location
North America, United States, California
City (-ies)
1620 Sunflower Avenue CA 92626 Costa Mesa
Applicant criteria
Minimum education level achieved
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum experience level required
More than 8 years
Additional Languages preferred
English (Fluent)
ITAR Controlled Position: Select "Yes" if role requires U.S. citizenship/permanent residency
No
