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Structural Payload Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Structural Design Engineer is responsible for the analysis, design, and evaluation of ... Areas of expertise may include primary and secondary structure design, payloads design, weights ...

The Structural Design Engineer is responsible for the analysis, design, and evaluation of ... Areas of expertise may include primary and secondary structure design, payloads design, weights ...

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Structural Payload Design Engineer information

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$23K

$102.8K

$160K

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.

More about Structural Payload Design Engineer jobs
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.

Lead Payload Design Engineer (Interiors)

Boeing

Seal Beach, CA

$165K - $224K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 613 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 543 rated manufacturers


Job description

Lead Payload Design Engineer (Interiors)

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) is seeking a Lead Payload Design Engineer (Level 5) to support our Out-of-Production (OoP) Payloads Design Engineering (DE) team based in Seal Beach, California.

The OoP Payloads DE team is responsible for Continued Operational Safety Program (COSP), Safety Related Problem (SRP); as well as support to BGS Spares, Service Engineering and Production Engineering changes for OoP aircraft.

This role is integral to our commitment to safety and compliance with FAA regulations. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of payload design principles, aircraft performance, and regulatory requirements, ensuring that our aircraft meet the highest safety standards.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Works with the OoP Chief Program Engineer (CPE) office as the Responsible Engineer on COSP/SRP projects related to Payloads for OoP aircraft

  • Organizes design reviews with SMEs, formulates path forward with findings and prepares technical presentations for executive review boards of potential safety items

  • Reviews Engineering documents for past design

  • Creates design solutions for SRPs, interfaces with suppliers for development, test and production activities

  • Supports BGS Spares and Service Engineering

  • Develops, maintains and modifies 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

  • Works under minimal direction.

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.

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options (Seal Beach, CA).

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering (with a focus on Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace Aeronautical or Material Sciences).

  • 14+ years' experience in related engineering roles (Payload design within the aerospace industry, specifically in commercial airplane programs).

  • 5+ years' experience using CATIA V5, ENOVIA, and/or DELMIA.

  • 5+ years' experience with commercial aircraft program.

  • Experience working with commercial payloads systems and/or interiors (Cabin, Cockpit and Cargo).

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • 20+ years' experience in payload design or related engineering roles within the aerospace industry, specifically in commercial airplane programs with credentials to recognize candidate as a SME and industry expert.

  • Current Organization Designation Authorization Engineering Unit Member (ODA E-UM), Boeing Designated Expert (BDE), or designation by the FAA as a Designated Engineering Representative (DER).

  • Experience leading a team of engineers with responsibility for the cost, schedule, and technical quality of their output.

  • Experience developing and mentoring other engineers and teams.

  • Experience reviewing/approving Service Bulletins.

  • Experience creating standardized documentation and processes.

Conflict of Interest:

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

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is 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.

Union:

This is not a union-represented position.

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: $165,750 - $224,250

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

Safety Sensitive:

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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About Boeing

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At Boeing, we are all innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore and inspire. From the sea bed to outer space, you'll learn and grow, contributing to work that shapes the world. Find your future with us.

Industry

Aviation and aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US