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Lead Airframe Structures Engineer

San Diego, CA, US • Posted 2 days ago • Updated 11 hours ago

Full Time

On-site

USD $150,000.00 - 190,000.00 per year

Fitment

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Job Details

Skills

Aerodynamics
Design Analysis
Aviation
Concept Development
IT Management
Mentorship
Structural Analysis
Systems Engineering
Supply Chain Management
Manufacturing
Management
Analytical Skill
FEA
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Hardware
Structural Engineering
Structural Mechanics
3D CAD
Unigraphics NX
CATIA
SolidWorks
Finite Element Analysis
Design For Manufacturability
Production Planning
Leadership
Communication
Collaboration
Product Development
Assembly
Testing
Aerospace
Insurance

Aerodynamics
Design Analysis
Aviation
Concept Development
IT Management
Mentorship
Structural Analysis
Systems Engineering
Supply Chain Management
Manufacturing
Management
Analytical Skill
FEA
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Hardware
Structural Engineering
Structural Mechanics
3D CAD
Unigraphics NX
CATIA
SolidWorks
Finite Element Analysis
Design For Manufacturability
Production Planning
Leadership
Communication
Collaboration
Product Development
Assembly
Testing
Aerospace
Insurance

Summary

Lead Airframe Structures Engineer - Lead the Structural Design of a Next-Generation Aircraft Platform

San Diego, California | On-site

Opportunity Summary

Join a fast-growing aerospace company developing a new generation of highly efficient aircraft designed to improve commercial and defense aviation. The team is advancing an innovative aircraft platform that combines advanced aerodynamics, lightweight structures, and modern manufacturing techniques to deliver significant improvements in efficiency, payload capability, and operational performance. As the Lead Airframe Structures Engineer, you will own the structural development strategy for the aircraft while leading a team responsible for airframe design from early concept through first flight. This role combines hands-on engineering with technical leadership, requiring close collaboration across design, analysis, manufacturing, suppliers, and executive leadership to ensure successful execution of critical development milestones.

About Us

We are an engineering-driven aerospace company developing advanced aircraft platforms that challenge traditional aircraft design. Backed by strong commercial momentum and an experienced leadership team, we are building an integrated engineering organization focused on bringing innovative aviation technologies from concept into production through rapid development, rigorous testing, and scalable manufacturing.

Job Duties

Lead the overall structural design strategy for the aircraft from concept development through flight testing
Provide technical leadership for the structures engineering team while mentoring and developing engineers
Own structural architecture, design decisions, technical execution, and project schedules
Direct airframe trade studies to optimize weight, manufacturability, performance, and cost
Design primary and secondary aircraft structures using composite and metallic materials
Coordinate closely with manufacturing, structural analysis, systems engineering, and supply chain teams
Serve as the primary engineering interface for structural suppliers and manufacturing partners
Review engineering deliverables and ensure design quality, technical accuracy, and schedule execution
Perform or oversee structural sizing, joint design, and preliminary stress assessments using analytical methods and FEA
Identify technical risks, develop mitigation plans, and drive engineering issues to resolution
Partner with executive leadership to align technical priorities with overall program objectives
Support aircraft integration, ground testing, and first-flight readiness activities

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
10+ years of experience designing aircraft structures or closely related aerospace hardware
Experience leading structural engineering efforts on complex aerospace development programs
Strong understanding of aircraft load paths, structural mechanics, and airframe architecture
Expertise designing composite aircraft structures and structural assemblies
Experience designing bonded and mechanically fastened joints
Proficiency with modern 3D CAD software such as NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks
Experience performing structural sizing using hand calculations and finite element analysis
Familiarity with design for manufacturing, tooling development, and production planning
Working knowledge of FAA Part 23 or Part 25 certification requirements
Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
Comfortable working in a fast-paced product development environment with evolving priorities

Preferred Experience

Experience leading aircraft development from program kickoff through production
Background supporting rapid aircraft development or prototype flight programs
Hands-on experience with composite fabrication and assembly
Structural ground testing or certification testing experience
Previous experience supporting first-flight or flight test campaigns

Why Join Us

Opportunity to help define the structural architecture of a next-generation aircraft platform
Significant technical ownership and influence over major engineering decisions
Work alongside experienced aerospace engineers in a highly collaborative environment
Equity ownership and career growth within a rapidly expanding engineering organization
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement plan
Unlimited paid time off
On-site fitness facility

Compensation Details

$150,000 - $190,000

Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.

Dice Id: 80183540
Position Id: cb10bc9867a2f527347a893b5af3685d
Posted 2 days ago

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