Join the Piper Team

 Piper’s worldwide headquarters is based in beautiful Vero Beach, FL., – located just a few miles from the Atlantic Coast. We are the largest private employer in Indian River County and offer exciting and enriching careers. We aim to be the best. So it’s only natural that we strive to recruit the best people in and to give you every opportunity to become even better. After all, ours is a company that never stands still. That’s why we provide a supportive team-working environment in which each individual’s needs are respected. No matter what role you’re in, you’ll help us make the most of our business. And we’ll help you make the most of your career. So, make Piper Aircraft your ultimate destination. Together, we’ll go further than you ever thought possible. 

COME SOAR WITH US!

Piper Aircraft is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local law. Are you a current Piper Employee? If yes, click here.

Current openings:

Structural Test Engineer  (Full Time)
Department: All Openings, Engineering

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsibilities include the design, implementation, and operation of structural tests for new and derivative designs of Part 23 aircraft. The ideal candidate is a hands-on person with broad testing and manufacturing experience, and with a particular focus on aerospace structural (fatigue and static) tests. The role will be based primarily at our Vero Beach facility for all design and testing.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Primary Job Functions:

Works under limited supervision; work should only be required to be reviewed for accuracy and consistency with meeting overall objectives.

Work with the respective engineers to understand the test article function, and design a test configuration that replicates the critical loading environments, including instrumentation requirements.

Design/analyze the structural adequacy of the test fixtures.

Source and install all necessary instrumentation.

Work with vendors and in-house machining and fabrication shops to fabricate the fixture design.

Guide the installation of the test article and perform the tests.

Provide the data needed to document compliance with the applicable regulations covering the structural strength, crash protection, interiors item retention, basic loads, weight and balance, stress analysis, static test, dynamic test, fatigue analysis/assessment, and evaluation of the design to substantiate aircraft structure.

Determine and develop approaches to solutions within schedule and cost objectives.

Acts as liaison with representatives outside of the assigned group/area.

Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Requires a bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering; a minimum of five years in structural test or equivalent education and experience is desired. Pay grade will be commensurate with experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Structural design experience using Unigraphics/NX/Teamcenter environment.

Experience with welded structures.

Experience in general aviation certification programs.

Capability to design and implement hydraulic control systems with MTS hardware and software.

Strong hands-on mechanical background.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and frequently required to stand; walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Requires moderate physical effort consisting of occasionally lifting and/or moving light to moderately heavy weight material up to 35 lbs.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

The employee must possess the ability to communicate effectively with all internal and external customers in both written and oral form.

Considerable self-management skills are required to successfully perform the planning, directing, and reporting responsibilities of this position. Must be able to work multiple concurrent assignments while maintaining high quality of deliverables.