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Structural Payload Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Payload Design Engineer

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$135.15K - $182.85K/yr

... structural or interior payload systems Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience): * 10+ years' experience in payload design or related engineering roles within the aerospace industry ...

Senior Payload Design Engineer

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$135.15K - $182.85K/yr

... structural or interior payload systems Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience): * 10+ years' experience in payload design or related engineering roles within the aerospace industry ...

Structures & Payloads Design Engineer

Tukwila, WA · On-site

$11.14K - $150.65K/yr

You will develop, maintain, and modify structural and interior payload system and component designs ... design methods to provide product definition to engineering groups, production operations ...

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Structural Payload Design Engineer information

See salary details

$23K

$102.8K

$160K

How much do structural payload design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural payload design engineer in the United States is $102,774.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $132,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Structural Payload Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Structural Payload Design Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, proficiency in structural analysis, and experience with CAD modeling, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools such as CATIA, NX, finite element analysis (FEA) software, and knowledge of industry standards like ASME or Airbus/Boeing requirements is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set top performers apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring payload structures are safe, efficient, and compliant with regulatory and project demands.

How does a Structural Payload Design Engineer typically collaborate with other engineering teams during an aircraft development project?

Structural Payload Design Engineers work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including systems, aerodynamics, and manufacturing engineers, to ensure payload components are structurally sound and meet all design requirements. Collaboration often involves participating in design reviews, integrating feedback from stress analysis, and coordinating with manufacturing to address producibility concerns. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as changes in payload structure can impact other subsystems and vice versa. This collaborative environment helps ensure the final aircraft design is safe, efficient, and meets customer specifications.

What does a Structural Payload Design Engineer do?

A Structural Payload Design Engineer is responsible for designing and analyzing the structures that support payloads—such as cargo, equipment, or passengers—within vehicles like aircraft, spacecraft, or ships. They ensure that these structures are safe, lightweight, and efficient, meeting both engineering standards and regulatory requirements. Their work involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software, performing stress analysis, selecting appropriate materials, and collaborating with other engineering teams throughout the product development process.

What is the difference between Structural Payload Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectStructural Payload Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Structural, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering; often requires certification in structural analysisBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; may also require certification in CAD or design software
Work EnvironmentDesigning payload structures for aerospace, defense, or space industriesDesigning mechanical components and systems across various industries
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, space exploration, defense, and related sectorsManufacturing, automotive, consumer products, and industrial equipment

The Structural Payload Design Engineer focuses on designing and analyzing payload structures for aerospace and defense applications, ensuring they meet safety and performance standards. In contrast, the Mechanical Design Engineer works on a broader range of mechanical components across multiple industries. While both roles require engineering fundamentals, their specific focus areas and industry applications differ significantly.

More about Structural Payload Design Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Structural Payload Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,774 per year, or $49.4 per hour.
Associate Structural & Payload Design Engineer

Associate Structural & Payload Design Engineer

Boeing

Long Beach, CA • Hybrid

$123.05K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 584 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 512 rated manufacturers


Job description

Associate Structural & Payload Design Engineer

Company:

The Boeing Company

We are Boeing Global Services (BGS) Engineering team creating and implementing innovative technologies that make the impossible possible and enabling the future of aerospace. We provide engineering design and support, including aftermarket modifications, and are innovating to make product and services safety even stronger. Join us and put your passion, determination, and skill to work building the future! #TheFutureIsBuiltHere #ChangeTheWorld

BGS is looking for Associate Structural Design Engineers to become part of the Structures Organizations in Long Beach, CA.

At the Southern California Design Center in Long Beach, we keep the world connected. We make the world a smaller place by bringing families, friends and loved ones together. Whether that is helping people fly with our work on Boeing's incredible fleet of aircrafts or keeping them connected virtually with our work on satellites. Our team gives the opportunity to experience many facets of the Boeing Company in one place.
Our Structures organization supporting Boeing Global Services (BGS) is seeking Structural Design Engineers with knowledge of design theory, engineering principles, and coordination skills.

This role may require some travel to support our customers and provide learning experiences to enhance your career.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Develops, integrates and documents structural and interior payload system requirements to establish the system design
  • Develops, maintains and modifies structural and interior payload system and component designs, using 3-D Computer Aided Design tools and/or other design methods, to provide product definition to other engineering groups, production operations, suppliers and external customers throughout the product lifecycle
  • Develops new design/analysis processes and tools to improve the effectiveness, quality and efficiency of the development effort
  • Investigates emerging technologies to develop concepts for future product designs to meet projected requirements
  • Works under general direction

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Civil Engineering
  • 3+ years' experience in aircraft structure, materials and properties, design criteria and release processes
  • 3+ years' experience with aircraft primary structures such as design, strength, fatigue

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Experience with engineering tools such as CATIA, ENOVIA, and PDM
  • Experience with structural design principles for aircraft primary structures (e.g., fatigue, damage tolerance, corrosion, stress analysis, statics, materials strength, material characteristics, and repair techniques)
  • Experience in Airplane Design, Stress Analysis, Liaison Engineering, and Manufacturing Engineering strongly preferred
  • Experience with Boeing 7-Series Aircraft Primary Structures
  • Strong written, verbal communications and presentation skills

Conflict of Interest:
Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeingis a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range: $90,950 - $123,050

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position does not require a Security Clearance.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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