PDM

Term from Aircraft Manufacturing industry explained for recruiters

PDM (Product Data Management) is a system used in aircraft manufacturing to keep track of all information about aircraft parts, designs, and documentation. Think of it as a very sophisticated digital filing cabinet that helps everyone involved in building aircraft to access the right version of designs, track changes, and ensure all parts meet safety requirements. Some common PDM systems include Teamcenter, ENOVIA, and Windchill. These systems help prevent mistakes, maintain quality standards, and make sure everyone is working with the most up-to-date information when building or maintaining aircraft.

Examples in Resumes

Managed engineering changes using PDM system for Boeing 737 components

Implemented new PDM workflows reducing design review time by 40%

Led team transition from paper-based system to PDM / Product Data Management system

Coordinated between engineering and manufacturing teams using PDM software

Typical job title: "PDM Specialists"

Also try searching for:

PDM Administrator Configuration Manager Engineering Data Manager Product Data Specialist PDM Analyst Technical Data Manager Engineering Systems Administrator

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you manage a company-wide PDM system implementation?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating implementation plans, training strategies, data migration approaches, and how to maintain operations during transition. Should mention stakeholder management and risk mitigation.

Q: How do you ensure PDM system compliance with aviation industry standards?

Expected Answer: Should explain familiarity with aviation standards like AS9100, FAA requirements, and how PDM systems help maintain compliance through proper documentation and change control.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you handle engineering change requests in a PDM system?

Expected Answer: Should explain the process of reviewing changes, ensuring proper approvals, maintaining revision history, and communicating updates to affected departments.

Q: What's your approach to training new users on PDM systems?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating user guides, conducting training sessions, providing ongoing support, and ensuring users understand proper documentation procedures.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the purpose of version control in PDM?

Expected Answer: Should explain how version control helps track changes to documents and designs, prevents confusion about current versions, and maintains history of modifications.

Q: How do you organize documents and files in a PDM system?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic file structure, naming conventions, metadata usage, and how to properly store and retrieve documents.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic document control and filing
  • Data entry and retrieval
  • Understanding of version control
  • Basic quality control procedures

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Engineering change management
  • User training and support
  • System configuration
  • Process improvement

Senior (5+ years)

  • System implementation management
  • Integration with other business systems
  • Compliance management
  • Team leadership and strategy development

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No understanding of aviation/aerospace industry standards
  • Lack of experience with configuration management
  • Poor attention to detail in document control
  • No knowledge of change management processes
  • Unfamiliarity with quality control procedures