Lead Aerospace HVAC Engineer

Job Title: Lead Aerospace HVAC Engineer Job Description
We are seeking a skilled Lead Aerospace HVAC Engineer to guide the engineering development of helicopter air conditioning systems from concept through FAA certification. This position offers the opportunity to lead new product development in a dynamic and innovative environment.
Responsibilities
- Manage and mentor a team of two design engineers.
- Develop system architectures, performance requirements, and engineering schedules.
- Design and integrate vapor-cycle refrigeration systems, R134a HVAC systems, compressor systems, condensers and evaporators, expansion devices, environmental control systems, and cabin cooling systems.
- Perform thermal, airflow, and refrigeration cycle analysis.
- Develop engineering calculations, design reports, and certification documentation.
- Coordinate with helicopter OEMs, suppliers, manufacturing personnel, and certification authorities.
- Conduct design reviews and technical risk assessments.
- Support qualification testing, vibration testing, environmental testing, and flight test activities.
- Generate and review engineering drawings, Bills of Material (BOMs), test procedures, compliance reports, installation instructions, and continued airworthiness documentation.
- Ensure compliance with applicable FAA regulations and aerospace standards.
- Support transition from prototype development to production.
Essential Skills
- Proficiency in HVAC and R134a refrigeration systems.
- Experience with FAA Part 27 or 29 regulations.
- Strong knowledge in Aerospace Engineering, Thermodynamics, and CAD.
- Experience with DO-160 environmental qualification testing.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
- 10+ years of engineering experience.
- 5+ years of experience designing HVAC or refrigeration systems.
- Demonstrated experience with R134a refrigeration systems.
- Experience leading engineering teams or major aerospace development programs.
- Experience developing products for aerospace, rotorcraft, or aircraft applications.
- Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, refrigeration cycles, airflow analysis, and mechanical system integration.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, and CATIA.
- Experience creating engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation.
- Strong communication and project leadership skills.
- U.S. Person status required due to aerospace industry regulations.
Work Environment
This position is based on-site at a facility in North Fort Worth, providing a collaborative and technologically advanced work environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fort Worth, TX.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $55.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fort Worth, TX.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 25, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Fort Worth,TX. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
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.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.