Senior Structural Engineer Jobs in Santa Maria, CA

WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $189,000.00 to 226,000.00 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment. 

SUMMARY

Redwire Defense Tech is seeking a Senior Staff Aero-Mechanical Engineer to provide advanced technical leadership across multiple programs, setting direction for complex mechanical and structural system design within our UAS portfolio. This role defines architecture-level projects, ensures alignment between product performance and manufacturing scalability, and leads senior-level reviews across teams.

Operating as a subject-matter expert, this engineer mentors other Staff and Senior Engineers, defines and enforces engineering standards, and advises leadership on long-term capability investments. They anticipate technical risks, resolve cross-system challenges, and ensure solutions are technically robust, certifiable, and repeatable across platform families.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.

• Lead system-level mechanical architecture and integration across multiple vehicle programs.
• Define and validate complex structures using simulation, testing, and analytical methods.
• Drive major design reviews (CoDR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and ensure closure of high-impact actions.
• Establish and maintain company-wide mechanical design standards, documentation templates, and best practices.
• Guide failure investigations and implement systemic corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Partner with manufacturing, supply chain, and quality to ensure scalability and repeatability of designs.
• Evaluate and approve materials, processes, and vendors for flight hardware production.
• Support IRAD and R&D efforts to mature future platforms, tools, and technologies.
• Mentor engineering staff across disciplines, fostering technical growth and leadership readiness.
• Represent mechanical engineering in cross-site, cross-program alignment discussions with executives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The following are a non-exhaustive list of qualifications for the position:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field required.
• 10–15 years of aerospace mechanical design and integration experience, preferably in UAS or defense.
• Demonstrated ownership of system-level architectures or platform-scale integration efforts.
• Proven success leading technical teams through design, verification, and production readiness.
• Expert in CAD design (SolidWorks preferred) with demonstrated experience in large assemblies and configuration control.
• Advanced knowledge of FEA, thermal and vibration analysis, and composite design optimization.
• Proficiency in defining and reviewing engineering standards, process flows, and PDM/PLM governance.
• Ability to translate system requirements into design architecture and subsystem allocations.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing methods, tooling, and supply chain integration.
• Exceptional technical judgment and decision-making skills.
• Strategic thinker who can align engineering outputs with organizational objectives.
• Highly collaborative, able to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical and executive audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to mentorship and cross-functional team growth.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering preferred.
• 15+ years of engineering experience with flight vehicle development leadership or chief engineer exposure.
• Experience in establishing cross-program engineering standards and defining platform architecture frameworks.
• Experience with multi-physics simulation environments and optimization techniques for weight reduction and efficiency.
• Understanding of system safety, airworthiness, and design assurance standards (DO-160, MIL-STD).
• Proficiency in technical risk management and DFMEA methodologies.
• Ability to influence technology roadmaps and drive long-term innovation investment.
• Strong organizational leadership skills with an emphasis on collaboration and transparency.
• Adept at balancing vision with practical execution in fast-moving development environments.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan
• Employee Stock Purchasing Program (ESPP)

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.