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Structural Payload Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boeing

Senior Payload Design Engineer

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$135K - $182K/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 ...

Boeing

Senior Payload Design Engineer

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$135K - $182K/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 ...

Boeing

Senior Payload Design Engineer

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$135K - $182K/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 ...

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Structural Payload Design Engineer information

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

As of Aug 21, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a structural payload design engineer?

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 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.

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What job categories do people searching Structural Payload Design Engineer jobs look for?

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Structural Payload Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Structural Payload Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,774 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Structural & Payload Design Engineer 2

The Structures Company

North Charleston, SC • On-site

$61/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE: Structural & Payload Design Engineer 2
LOCATION: North Charleston, SC
PAY RATE: $61.00/hour

We are a national aerospace and defense staffing agency seeking highly qualified candidates for a position with a top-tier client.

Job Details:

  • Job Type: Contract (6 months with potential for extension)

  • Industry: Aerospace / Defense / Aviation

  • Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna)

  • Perks: Bonus potential + Priority access via Tier 1 supplier

  • Openings Nationwide: Thousands of opportunities across the U.S.

  • Shift: First

Qualifying Questions:

  • Are you a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined under ITAR regulations?

  • Do you meet the educational and experience requirements for this role?

  • Can you commute to the job location or relocate if necessary?

Summary: 

  • Manages systems associated with airplane interiors including light limiting headers, closets, partitions, stow bins and wiring.

  • Supports customer configuration development, fabrication, manufacturing, validating and verifying design requirements, and certification processes.

  • Assists to develop, integrate and document structural and interior payload system requirements to establish the system design.

  • Assists the performance of tests to validate and verify systems and components meet requirements and specifications.

  • Supports management of supplier performance, test and production activities and coordinates with supplier to optimize design and achieve program goals.

  • Supports IRC production floor during first-of or complex builds.

  • Assists in development of new design or analysis processes and tools to improve effectiveness, quality and efficiency.

  • Supports investigation of emerging technologies to develop concepts for future product designs.

  • Develops, maintains and modifies payload system and component designs using 3D Computer Aided Design tools or other design methods.

Requirements:

  • Must be a U.S. Person (as defined by ITAR).

  • Bachelor's or Master's of Science degree in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering from an accredited course.

  • 2+ years related work experience or equivalent combination (Bachelor's + 2 years, Master's + 0 years).

  • 2+ years of experience with 3D modeling (Autodesk Inventor, CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, SketchUp, Pro-E, 3DX, etc.).

  • Experience working within cross-functional engineering and production team.

  • Preferred: 2+ years of experience in aerospace engineering, design and engineering release processes.

  • Preferred: Understanding and demonstrated experience with FAA Title 14 Part 25 and or EASA equivalent.

  • Preferred: Working knowledge of MS Office Suite (technical software use).

  • Preferred: Ability to meet plan delivery deadlines when assigned (project technical execution).

About Us:

The Structures Company is a premier national aerospace and defense staffing agency specializing in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. We deliver expert workforce solutions across engineering, IT, production, maintenance, and support roles.

As trusted partners to leading aerospace and defense OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, we connect professionals with career opportunities to grow and excel in aviation, aerospace, and defense.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) to comply with ITAR regulations.

Keywords: aerospace, aviation, engineering, maintenance, aircraft design, defense

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