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Structural Payload Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Payloads Design Engineer

North Charleston, SC · On-site

$95.40K - $130.70K/yr

We are looking for skilled Payloads Design Engineer to assist with this client's needs. The ... Assists to develop, integrate and document structural and interior payload system requirements to ...

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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.
Structures & Payloads Design Engineer

Structures & Payloads Design Engineer

Boeing

Tukwila, WA

$11.14K - $150.65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 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

Structures & Payloads Design Engineer

Company:

The Boeing Company

The Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) organization is seeking a Structures & Payloads Design Engineer (Associate, Experienced, and Expert) to join the Interiors and Payloads Design Engineering team located in Tukwila, Washington. This position reports to the Interiors and Payloads Design Engineering Manager. This position will be 100% onsite in Tukwila, WA.

The Structures & Payloads Design Engineer will develop, integrate, and document structural and interior payload system requirements to establish system design. You will develop, maintain, and modify structural and interior payload system and component designs using 3-D Computer Aided Design tools and other design methods to provide product definition to engineering groups, production operations, suppliers, and external customers throughout the product lifecycle.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Develop, integrate, and document structural and interior payload system requirements to establish system design.
  • Create, maintain, and modify structural and interior payload system and component designs using 3-D CAD tools and other design methods.
  • Perform and integrate analytical and test results to validate and verify systems and components meet requirements and specifications.
  • Manage supplier development, test, and production activities; coordinate with suppliers to optimize design and achieve program goals.
  • Develop new design and analysis processes and tools to improve effectiveness, quality, and efficiency of development efforts.
  • Coordinate with other engineering groups to establish the product's environment and ensure integration.
  • Support FAA certification processes, including Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) development and approval.
  • Apply knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards to ensure compliance.
  • Utilize Model Based Engineering principles and project management tools and methodologies.

This position will be 100% onsite in Tukwila, WA.

This position requires the ability to obtain a US Security Clearance for which the US Government requires US Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus on Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace Aeronautical or Material Sciences)
  • 2+ years of related work experience.
  • Experience in structural design process from conceptual layout phase through build to package release.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • 5+ years of experience for level 3.
  • 9+ years of experience for level 4.
  • Experience with FAA certification processes, including Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) development and approval.
  • Experience working across multi-disciplinary teams with internal and external resources and customers.
  • Experience with implementation and maintenance of systems engineering tools, schedules, and metrics (e.g., Earned Value Management, DOORs, CAMEO).
  • Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards.
  • Experience with Model Based Engineering.
  • Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies.

Relocation:
This position does not offer relocation.

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.

Shift:
This position is for 1st shift. Occasional alternative shifts as needed.

Pay & Benefits:
At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage, and retain 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:

Level 2:$90,950 - $123,050

Level 3: $111,35-$150,650

Level 4: $135,150 -$182,850

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

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 requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

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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