Design Engineer III

Company: Elevate Aircraft Seating
Location: Santa Maria
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Since 2018, Elevate Aircraft Seating has been enhancing the passenger experience through innovative aircraft seat design and manufacturing. With locations in California, Washington, and Germany we are guided by creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to quality. We are looking for a skilled Design Engineer to join our team in Santa Maria, CA. This is an on-site position based in Santa Maria, CA. We value teamwork, inclusivity, and continuous professional development, and we offer competitive benefits along with opportunities for growth. JOB SUMMARY The Design Engineer is responsible for creating and helping the implementation of effective seating design solutions, from inception to completion, with consideration to schedule, budget, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications. Note : The primary differences between job levels tie to skill level, complexity of the problem solving, and years of experience. Job assignments will be based on experience, job opening and budget availability, and the performance level of the incumbent. SUMMARY OF JOB DUTIES - Essential Functions (Other duties and projects may be assigned or requested.) Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions Design products by defining and executing engineering concepts, including material and process selections Coordinate with groups such as manufacturing, planning, purchasing, program management, certification, stress engineering, and electrical engineering to ensure program completion according to safety standards, regulations, and schedule Apply engineering principles in the development of products to ensure unit meets specification, regulation, schedule, and budget requirements Provide design support for current and new product design projects Create 3D models of individual components and assemblies in CATIA. Create and or check 2D drawings of parts, components, sub-assemblies and assemblies as required in CATIA and AUTOCAD Research and verify the design criteria and needs per customer as well as based upon regulatory and integrator or OEM requirements Develop and optimize designs which adhere to performance targets including cost, volume, weight, and quality, as established by management and customer demand. Identify opportunities to optimize components and assemblies whenever possible Ensure designs are optimized for manufacturing and assembly, including and not limited to soliciting observations from fabricators, operators, quality assurance, product support, supply chain specialists, or other disciplines as needed Coordinate component integration aspects such as electronics and other BFE items Create design proposals, including presentations, and objectively demonstrate the benefits and rationale behind proposed designs. This may include presentations to a variety to groups including other disciplines, and customers Provide technical support to supply chain to address vendor inquiries Monitor project tracking status to ensure projects are completed accurately and timely Maintains a safe, secure and legal work environment, adhering to all Company policies and procedures Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed Maintains and protects the confidentiality of the Company’s information and products GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS – Education, Knowledge, and Experience Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline Experience: Job assignments will be based on experience, job opening and budget availability, and the performance level of the incumbent. Level IIl: 5 years of experience with 1 year leading or mentoring the work of assigned employees Skills: Ability to successfully handle multiple tasks simultaneously Experience in understanding a variety of manufacturing processes including composites forming, CNC machining, stampings, sheet metal forming, and thermoforming Understanding of material properties including metals, general plastics, and composites Ability to design complex integrated kinematic assemblies Knowledge of related software including CATIA, AUTOCAD, and PLM Other: May be asked to work extended or irregular hours as required Must show proof of ability to work in the United States Elevate Aircraft Seating is an “at-will” employer; employment is at the mutual consent of both the employee and the employer, and may be terminated at will for any reason, with or without cause, at any time during employment with the Company As business conditions warrant a change in the operating necessities of the Company, all employees are expected to react productively, handle other essential tasks assigned now or in the future SUPERVISION PROVIDED TO THE POSITION Level III: Direction is provided in terms of tasks and objectives. Work is reviewed upon completion on how well objectives have been met. Will work autonomously on any assembly or design with only occasional status updates with supervisor LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY Level III: May oversee the work of others. Assist in the training and coaching of other team members PROBLEM SOLVING Level III: Uses considerable judgment to plan and perform complex work. Decisions may involve innovation and ingenuity LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both verbally and in writing COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Elevate Aircraft Seating offers competitive wages and benefits to recognize employees for their work. The base pay offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, experience and take into account internal equity. Salary Range Transparency: $85,000 - $120,000 annually Featured Benefits: Up to 7% bonus potential (for bonus eligible positions) Generous 401(K) matching with immediate eligibility and vesting 3 weeks of Paid Time Off 12 paid holidays Affordable health care plans for yourself and your family And so much more! Other Perks: On-site gym Free electric car charging stations Potential for growth within organization Supportive workplace environment with a team-oriented culture

Keywords: Elevate Aircraft Seating, Bakersfield , Design Engineer III, Engineering , Santa Maria, California