Careers
Why Kawak Aviation?
We are a team of professionals, creators, and engineers inspired by transforming clients’ businesses through the products and services we provide. Our mission is to provide the aviation industry and our customers with intelligent innovation, industry leading performance, and the safest mission equipment solutions possible. Our teams brainstorm, research, test, and execute to achieve our mission. At the heart of everything we do is our unrelenting drive to develop the solutions and the fundamental relationships necessary to achieve our mission and succeed. It fuels our creativity. It’s how we solve business problems. It’s the reason we love rolling up our sleeves, getting to work and it’s why we’re successful. Our roots are in engineering great solutions to problems, our passion is contagious and our people are simply the best. Sound like fun? Join the family.
Location
Benefits
Healthcare
Kawak Aviation offers medical & dental coverage and pays for 100% of the insurance costs for its employees.
Vacation Time
As well as paid holidays throughout the year we encourage our employees to take advantage of vacation benefits to rest, inspire creativity and enjoy our very own Central Oregon playground.
401(K) /Contribution Match
We offer a 4% annual income 401(k) contribution match.
Coffee
We provide a 100% coffee coverage benefit ensuring that your caffeine intake needs are met for as long as you’re a Kawak team member! Yes we’re a serious company, but we do like to have fun…and appreciate a little humor from time to time.
Open Positions
Quality Inspector
Location: Bend, Oregon
Industry: Utility Aviation | Engineering | Manufacturing
Status: Full-Time | Immediate Opening
At Kawak Aviation, we don’t just build parts, we build trust. Our aerial firefighting and mission-critical products support some of the toughest aviation operations in the world.
We’re looking for a Quality Inspector to uphold the high standards that make our mission possible.
This role is for someone who takes pride in precision, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and understands that every detail can make a difference in the sky. If you’re ready to work with a team that values quality as much as innovation, this is your chance to make an impact.
What You’ll Do
You’ll be a key player in Kawak’s quality assurance process – inspecting, documenting, and ensuring the integrity of our components from the moment they arrive to the moment they ship. You’ll collaborate with engineers, production, and supply chain to help guarantee that every part that leaves our facility is something we can proudly stand behind by performing receiving inspections, final inspections, FAI documentation, maintaining inspection documents, and assisting with our Quality Management System.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform incoming, in-process, and final inspections on parts and assemblies using tools like calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and optical comparators.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications (including GD&T) to assess product compliance.
- Execute First Article Inspections (FAI) and prepare associated documentation per our internal standards.
- Verify incoming materials and supplier parts against purchase orders, certifications, and customer requirements.
- Identify and document non-conformances, escalating issues as needed and working closely with Production and Engineering management.
- Assist in calibration control and basic preventative maintenance of inspection equipment.
- Maintain organized and accurate inspection records and reports in accordance with our Quality Management System (QMS).
- Support internal audits and continuous improvement initiatives aimed at boosting product and process quality.
Required Skills & Experience
- 2+ years of inspection experience in an aerospace, aviation, or precision manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of quality inspection techniques, tolerance stacking, and precision measurement.
- Familiarity with manufacturing materials, fasteners, and machined components.
- Experience with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) interpretation.
- Able to use common inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, etc.) with confidence and accuracy.
- Computer skills, including Microsoft Office and digital documentation.
- Meticulous attention to detail, and a methodical, organized mindset.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with FAA production regulations (14 CFR Part 21), AS9100, ISO 9001, or other regulated industry standards.
- High school diploma or equivalent (additional technical training is a plus).
Benefits
- Competitive compensation based on experience and capability.
- Medical and dental coverage.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off (PTO).
- A consistent weekday schedule: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- A tight-knit team working on meaningful products that serve real-world missions.
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Build systems that actually fly when it matters most.
At Kawak, we design and deliver aircraft-integrated systems used in live aerial firefighting operations.
These aren’t long-cycle, theoretical programs.
Our products go from concept → certification → aircraft → field operation in tight cycles, and they’re relied on in high-risk environments where performance and reliability are non-negotiable.
We’re a small, high-performing team, and we’re looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer who wants real ownership and real impact.
What You’ll Do
- Lead design of aircraft-integrated systems from concept through certification and production
- Develop real hardware: structures, tanks, hydraulics, composite components
- Work directly with production, quality, and program leadership
- Drive engineering within FAA/STC certification environments
- Support testing, validation, and real-world performance
You won’t be one layer removed from the product.
You’ll be responsible for it.
What Makes This Role Different
- Your designs go onto aircraft and into operation
- Fast iteration compared to traditional aerospace programs
- High ownership. Low bureaucracy
- Direct impact on product direction and performance
- Work tied to real-world missions, not internal programs
What We’re Looking For
- 8+ years mechanical engineering experience
- Aerospace or certification-driven environment experience preferred
- Strong CAD (SolidWorks) and design fundamentals
- Experience with structures, hydraulics, or aircraft systems
- Ability to take products from concept through production
Location
Bend, Oregon – Relocation support available for the right candidate
Interested?
If you’re looking for a role where your work moves quickly, matters in the field, and you can take true ownership of what you build, we should talk.
Apply here or reach out directly.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation based on experience ($100-120k).
- Medical and dental coverage.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off (PTO).
- A consistent weekday schedule: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- A tight-knit team working on meaningful products that serve real-world missions.
Mechanical Product Designer
Design products that go from concept to aircraft.
At Kawak, we build aircraft-integrated systems used in real aerial firefighting operations.
We’re not a slow, layered aerospace company.
We move fast, iterate quickly, and build products that operators rely on in high-consequence environments.
We’re looking for a Mechanical Product Designer to help shape the next generation of our systems.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and iterate mechanical concepts for aircraft systems
- Design real hardware: tanks, structures, hydraulics, composite components
- Explore multiple design directions to define the best solution
- Work closely with engineering to turn concepts into real products
This is not a drafting role.
This is a front-end product design role with real ownership.
What Makes This Role Different
- Your ideas turn into real products quickly
- High ownership in a small, capable team
- Direct impact on product direction
- Work tied to real-world missions, not internal programs
What We’re Looking For
- 3–8+ years mechanical design experience
- Strong SolidWorks capability
- Experience with assemblies, sheet metal, or mechanical systems
- Ability to move fast from concept to iteration
Location
Bend, Oregon – Relocation support available for the right candidate
Interested?
If you enjoy solving real-world problems, iterating quickly, and seeing your designs become mission-critical products, we should talk.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation based on experience and capability ($70-85k).
- Medical and dental coverage.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off (PTO).
- A consistent weekday schedule: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- A tight-knit team working on meaningful products that serve real-world missions.
We're always looking for new talent!
Resume Upload
Would you like to apply for a current or future position? Fill in your Name, Email, and any additional information you think would help us in selecting you, then upload a resume for our review. Good luck!