Design Engineer

Senior Design Leader, at times leading up to 7 designers. Responsible for a variety of structural, mechanical, electrical, electronic, radio navigation, communication, avionics, armament, missile and missile defense systems and control systems on the following fixed-wing, rotary-wing and airships:

• MB 326KC (Impala MKII) (single seater)
• MB 326M (Impala MKI) (dual seater)
• ACE I (Advanced Composite Trainer) (750 HP turboprop trainer)
• ACE II (Advanced Composite Trainer) (1150 HP turboprop trainer, tandem seater) (development according to FAA 23 requirements)
• Oryx Helicopter
• AT 2000 Stealth Fighter Trainer / Mako Advanced Trainer and light attack aircraft; Germany
• Rooivalk Attack Helicopter
• Cheetah Aircraft (Mirage III)
• Alouette III Helicopter
• Puma Helicopter
• Mirage F1
• Hamilton Airship

More on the detailed tasks and responsibilities in aerospace for the above:

• "Midlife-Updates" and new installations including a full cockpit ergonomic study also, among others, according to Joint Primary Air Training System (JPATS) requirements for case 1 to case 7 pilots, design and interior design of the entire cockpit including all control panel layout for relevant onboard devices / CCPs (Cockpit Control Panel (intercom, fuel, oxygen, VHF 1 & 2, DME (Distance Measuring Equipment), ATRU (Aircraft Tracking Reference Unit), DTU (Data Transfer Unit), NAV, COM & GPS (Global Positioning System), RAS (Radio Altimeter Systems), ECS (Environmental Control System)), HOTAS (Hands On Tactical Aircraft Systems), PCS (Pilot Control Stick) and grip, PCL (Power Control Lever), "Crew escape" full ejection study of the crew in the ejection seat (Martin Baker MK11) with "on-command-ejection", rudder pedal system including adjustment and braking system, CBP (circuit-breaker-panel), cockpit lighting and layout for night attacks, changes to the "Head-Up Display", "caution panels and master caution panel" development & periodization, various other systems with additional intelligent tactical attack capabilities and system integration. (In close collaboration with test pilots)
• Design of new aircraft systems, installation of various electrical, electronic, communication, avionics, armament, flight control systems with kinematic/motion analysis and instrument panels fore and aft with side consoles.
• Design of new smoke system and installation for air show purposes considering role change within 10 minutes.
• Layout and design of hydraulic units for ground support equipment.
• Design of opening and locking mechanisms (overlock system) with hinge for the canopy including frame and pressure seal.
• Design of parking brake and control locking mechanisms for parking and ground safety.
• AT 2000 Stealth Fighter Trainer / Mako Advanced Trainer and light attack aircraft: design consisting of the following main assemblies: nose section, forward fuselage including the complete cockpit, canopy, rudder pedals, seats, inlets, mid fuselage with complete cargo compartments for all electronics, aft fuselage including afterburner section, wings including mounting points, tailerons, vertical tail and main landing gear.

Further detailed design skills for:

• Electrical and electronic systems: schematic wiring diagrams, electrical wiring diagrams, PCB designs, cable harnesses, bundles, sets, looms, cable formboards
• Aluminum structures: lofting and lofted assemblies, sheet metal assemblies, welded assemblies (including engine mounts), machined parts, cast parts, forged parts, various heat treatments and surface treatments with different materials
• Composite structures: aircraft structures and assemblies, fairings, various manufacturing methods
• Hydraulics and pneumatics: hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, braking systems, pitot and static systems
• Fuel and fire extinguisher systems: fuel system design and engine integration, fire extinguisher system installation
• Empennage and control surfaces and control systems: landing flaps, rudder, elevator and "traileron", ailerons, trim tabs