Airframe Structural Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aircraft Structures Design Engineer Location: Poway, CA Job Summary We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Aircraft Structures Design Engineer to join our AeroStructures Design team. In this role, you will develop high-performance component and assembly designs for new aircraft platforms, modifications to existing air vehicles, payload integrations, and advanced technology concepts. The ideal candidate will focus on the design, validation, and documentation of primary and secondary aircraft structures using both composite and metallic materials. This position leverages design-by-analysis methodologies, including CAD and integrated finite element tools, to develop innovative and high-performance aerospace structures. Key Responsibilities
Demonstrate a self-starting mindset and strong attention to detail.
Create, review, and maintain engineering design packages.
Document designs and interface studies using information from multiple technical sources.
Perform airframe structural layouts, sizing, and detailed analyses to validate load paths and structural margins.
Deliver high-quality, error-free designs while ensuring compliance with engineering principles, military requirements, and company standards.
Develop conceptual and detailed component and assembly designs.
Conduct trade studies and support weight and cost optimization efforts.
Provide engineering support during prototype manufacturing, assembly, and integration activities.
Maintain and improve engineering standards and design guides.
Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles and drawing standards, including Model-Based Definition (MBD).
Utilize classical and numerical structural analysis methods, including finite element analysis (FEA).
Collaborate within Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) and work effectively with suppliers, leadership, manufacturing, and other engineering disciplines.
Prepare and present engineering solutions, analyses, and recommendations to technical and leadership audiences.
Mentor and support the development of less experienced engineers.
Independently organize, plan, and execute engineering tasks while meeting program schedules and objectives.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in Engineering or a related technical field from an accredited institution.
Typically requires:
9+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree
7+ years of relevant experience with a Master's degree
4+ years of relevant experience with a PhD
Equivalent engineering experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
Strong understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and structural design theory.
Experience performing:
Classical hand calculations and first-order structural sizing
Free-body analyses
Finite element analysis (FEA)
Engineering calculations using Mathcad, MATLAB, or Excel
Ability to quickly learn and apply new technical concepts in a dynamic environment.
Strong organizational, planning, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to evaluate and communicate design trade-offs related to performance, manufacturability, and cost.
Willingness to work extended hours when required.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Security Clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
Hands-on experience in aerospace, aircraft, automotive, or manufacturing environments.
Experience with metallic and composite part design, fabrication, and repair.
Proficiency with GD&T and Model-Based Definition standards including:
ASME Y14.1
ASME Y14.2
ASME Y14.5
ASME Y14.37
ASME Y14.41
Experience with one or more CAD platforms:
Siemens NX
PTC Creo
CATIA
SolidWorks
Experience with composite design tools such as Fibersim or CATIA Composites Workbench.
Experience with finite element and simulation tools including:
NX Simcenter
Creo Simulate
Nastran
Abaqus
Desired Skills
Aircraft structural design and analysis
Composite and metallic structures
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
CAD modeling and product definition
GD&T and Model-Based Definition (MBD)
Structural sizing and load path development
Engineering documentation
Cross-functional collaboration
Technical leadership and mentoring
Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
Design for Cost (DFC)
Equal Opportunity Statement We value diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and encourage all qualified candidates to apply.