Freelance Aircraft Structural Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Aerospace Structural Engineer - Aircraft Battle Damage Repair
Job No: 503794
Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)
Location: Dayton, OH
Category: Research Institute Staff
Department: Advanced Product & Sys Eng - 250615
Pay Grade: R3/R4 - Exempt
Advertised: August 12, 2026
Applications close: August 26, 2026
Position Summary:
The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) is seeking qualified applicants to apply to our Aerospace Structural Engineer - Subject Matter Expert, Aircraft Battle Damage Repair Subject Matter Expert opening!
This is a full-time position located on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The ideal candidate for this position will provide engineering expertise to guide aircraft structure related activities to the Air Force Aircraft Battle Damage Repair Engineering (ABDRE) program to improve weapon system expeditionary repair and readiness, bridging the critical gap between high-level engineering and practical, flight-line repair reality. This position will implement theories, principles, best practices, methods and techniques of aerospace engineering that are critical to USAF weapon systems meeting continued airworthiness requirements. As well as frequent travel to instruct and support ABDRE courses to USAF Company Grade Officers. This role will support the day-to-day activities of the ABDRE Chief and ABDRE Site Leads, ensuring aircraft repair design and analysis are executed correctly, efficiently, and safely. Perform research and development of novel repair methods to evaluate their operational feasibility and impact on aircraft availability.
Minimum Qualifications:
BS in Mechanical and/or Aerospace Engineering
Able to obtain a Secret Level Security Clearance
R3: 6 years documented experience with aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul with a Structural Engineering background
R3: 8-years of experience interpreting aircraft structural drawings, repair manuals, and technical orders
R4: 10 years documented experience with aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul with a Structural Engineering background
R4: 12-years of experience interpreting aircraft structural drawings, repair manuals, and technical orders
Knowledge of metallic and composite aircraft structures
Experience performing structural strength and damage tolerance assessments
Extensive familiarity with military airworthiness processes and risk-based engineering decisions
Experienced developing course curriculum or training for technical activities
Effective written communication skills
Proficiency with MS Office Suite - namely Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel
Ability to work with aircraft mechanics to address practical reality-based solutions for rapid expeditionary engineering repairs
Attention to detail
Preferred Qualifications:
While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:
MS in Aerospace and/or Mechanical Engineering
Demonstrated expertise in Aircraft Battle Damage Repair (ABDR) engineering and/or expeditionary aircraft maintenance engineering
Experience in acting as the focal point for equipment and/or training across the Air Force Fabrication Enterprise
Experience in an AF Program Office (e.g., F-16, F-35, C-130, KC-135, etc.)
Self-motivated & organized with ability to work effectively with minimal supervision
Demonstrated successful collaboration within a multi-disciplinary team
Demonstrated problem solving and time management skills
Demonstrated customer focus and record of customer satisfaction
Special Instructions to Applicants:
To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.
Closing Statement:
Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App