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Structural Payload Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 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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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.

Payloads Design Engineer

AAA United States Inc

North Charleston, SC

$95K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Description

About the Company:

We provide specialized subcontracting and technical assistance services to support clients in the transport and aerospace industries. We work closely with clients to ensure that our solutions meet their needs and exceed their expectations. Our team members are motivated individuals that do remarkable things every day!


Position Summary:

AAA United States, Inc. has partnered with a company in North Charleston, SC that is a leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. We are looking for skilled Payloads Design Engineer to assist with this client's needs. 

The Payloads Design Engineer is responsible to manage systems associated with airplane interiors including light limiting headers, closets, partitions, stow bins and wiring. The statement of work spans the product lifecycle: supporting customer configuration development, fabrication and manufacturing, validating and verifying design requirements, integrating business needs, and supporting the product through the production and certification processes.


Essential Functions:

  • 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 the management of supplier performance, test and production activities and coordinates with the supplier to optimize the design and achieve program goals.
  • Supports IRC production floor during first-of or complex builds.
  • Assists in the development of new design/analysis processes and tools to improve the effectiveness, quality and efficiency of the development effort.
  • Supports the investigation of emerging technologies to develop concepts for future product designs to meet projected requirements.
  • Develops, maintains and modifies payload system and component designs, using 3-D Computer Aided Design tools and/or other design methods.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's or Master's of Science degree from an accredited course of study in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering.
  • 2+ years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience (Bachelor's + 2 years experience, Master's + 0 years experience).
  • 2+ years of experience with 3-D modeling (Autodesk Inventor, CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, SketchUp, Pro-E, 3DX, etc.) and/or equivalent combination of additional education and relevant experience.
  • Experience working within cross-functional engineering and production team.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years of experience in aerospace engineering, design and engineering release processes.
  • Demonstrates good problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
  • Working knowledge of standard business software (MS Office Suite).
  • Ability to meet plan delivery deadlines when assigned.
  • Understanding and demonstrated experience with FAA Title 14 Part 25 and/or EASA equivalent.

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