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Structural Payload Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AAA USA Inc

Structural Design Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

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 ...

AAA USA, Inc.

Structural Design Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

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 ...

Lancesoft

Structural Design Engineer (EE3000)

Wichita, KS · On-site

$90 - $92/hr

Structural Design Engineer Job Duration: 09 Months Contract Est. Pay Range: $75.00 - $90.00/hr. On ... Areas of expertise may include primary and secondary structure design, payloads design, weights ...

AAA USA Inc

Payloads Design Engineer

North Charleston, SC · On-site

$95K - $130K/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

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$23K

$102.8K

$160K

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

As of Jul 11, 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 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.

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, 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.
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What job categories do people searching Structural Payload Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Structural Payload Design Engineer jobs are:
Structural Payload Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Structural Payload Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,774 per year, or $49.4 per hour.
Struct & Payload Design Engr

Struct & Payload Design Engr

Judge Group, Inc.

Tukwila, WA • On-site

$50 - $100/hr

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Location: Tukwila, WA Salary: $50.00 USD Hourly - $100.00 USD Hourly Description: Our client is currently seeking a Struct & Payload Design Engr
Job Description:
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.
  • Performs and integrates analytical and test results to validate and verify systems and components meet requirements and specifications.
  • Manages supplier development, test, and production activities and coordinates with the supplier to optimize the design and achieve program goals.
  • 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.

Day-to-Day:
  • Working under technical lead/front line managers' guidance.
  • Team meeting in the morning, will receive work package in the morning with their duties.
  • Stay on target with quality and deadlines on the team.
  • Will have guidance from lead, checks and balances on the team to ensure the quality is sufficient.

Education/Experience:
  • Education/experience typically acquired through advanced technical education from an accredited course of study in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, or chemistry (e.g., Bachelor) and typically 9 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience (e.g., PhD+4 years' related work experience, Master+7 years' related work experience).
  • In the USA, ABET accreditation is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard.

Required Skills:
  1. Catia experience required.
  2. Bachelor's degree in ENG/STEM.

Preferred Skills:
  1. Aerospace experience a plus.
  2. Airframe and wiring/electrical install experience a plus.

By providing your phone number, you consent to: (1) receive automated text messages and calls from the Judge Group, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively "Judge") to such phone number regarding job opportunities, your job application, and for other related purposes. Message & data rates apply and message frequency may vary. Consistent with Judge's Privacy Policy, information obtained from your consent will not be shared with third parties for marketing/promotional purposes. Reply STOP to opt out of receiving telephone calls and text messages from Judge and HELP for help.
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This job and many more are available through The Judge Group. Please apply with us today!

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