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Structural Payload Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$135.15K - $182.85K/yr

Design Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) seeks a Design ... Develop, integrate, and document structural and interior payload system requirements to establish ...

New

Design Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$135.15K - $182.85K/yr

Design Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) seeks a Design ... Develop, integrate, and document structural and interior payload system requirements to establish ...

New

The candidate will support acquisition activities and provide space vehicle and payload design ... Engineering with 14 years or more experience; Masters and 12 years or more experience; PhD and 9 ...

The candidate will support acquisition activities and provide space vehicle and payload design ... Engineering with 14 years or more experience; Masters and 12 years or more experience; PhD and 9 ...

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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 & Payload Design Engineer (Payload Systems Design) - Consultant

Structures & Payload Design Engineer (Payload Systems Design) - Consultant

Boeing

North Charleston, SC

$95.40K - $130.70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 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 & Payload Design Engineer (Payload Systems Design) - Consultant

Company:

The Boeing Company

The Payloads organization within Boeing Commercial Aircraft 787 Program is seeking experienced Design Engineers for a number of different positions in North Charleston, South Carolina. The Payloads organization is responsible for everything you see when you fly; and a lot that you don't: The Interior of the airplane, along with the Cargo compartments, exterior markings, associated systems, and cabin safety all make up Payloads. We are how our airline customers fulfill their mission and represent their brand. Our organization is a fast paced, dynamic environment, which pulls from many engineering backgrounds. The selected candidate will have a statement of work that spans the product lifecycle: supporting customer configuration development, supplier engagement, validating and verifying design requirements, integrating business needs, and supporting the product through the production and certification processes. Your work will include the need to interface with other members of project engineering, production engineering, program/product teams, management, and technical staff to define and implement engineering solutions. You will be able to combine the expertise and resources of the interiors organization to certify and deliver the best interiors products within the industry.

Be part of the team that connects rigorous technical design to the future of air travel.

The Payloads organization within Boeing Commercial Aircraft 787 Program is seeking experienced Engineers for several different positions, including:

  • BFE Monuments

  • Lighting

  • Monuments - Lavatories & Galleys

  • Certification

  • Configuration

  • Production Integration - Process/Tools

  • Livery

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Lead development of engineering solutions for the Payloads Engineering function in support of current and future commercial airplane products.

  • Manage development, test, and production activities and direct activities to optimize integration and achieve program goals.

  • Lead development of engineering solutions for airline customer in-service reliability and/or safety issues.

  • Train, coach, and mentor Payloads and Structures engineers.

  • Validating/demonstrating compliance to regulatory requirements

  • Working with regulators

  • Design for manufacturing

  • Assignment of final responsibility could be in any one of the following Interiors organizations listed above. Final determination will be based on best fit and alignment of experience.

Work Authorization Statement:

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at the North Charleston, SC location.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/ Experience):

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus on Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace Aeronautical or Material Sciences)

  • 14+ years of experience in engineering, including design, integration, and/or certification or equivalent combination of additional education and relevant experience.

  • 1+ year of experience in aerospace interiors, materials and properties, design criteria and release processes.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Strong understanding and demonstrated experience with FAA Title 14 Part 25 and/or EASA equivalent.

  • 9+ years of experience in program or project management, leading project and/or program proposals of varying complexity (including: development and execution of schedule milestones, financial assessments, resource assessments, risk and/or issues management, etc.)

  • Demonstrates good problem-solving skills and critical thinking

  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment

  • Adaptable in a dynamic work environment

  • Experience leading a cross-functional team.

  • Excellent communication skill, both written and oral. Ability to use a variety of media to clearly convey information and ideas to a variety of audiences

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.

Pay Range Summary:

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.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range: $154,700 - $209,300

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

This is not an Export Control position.

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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