Staff Aerostructures Design Engineer
Design and release structural components for next-generation autonomous aircraft. Requires 8+ years of aircraft structural design experience and proficiency in CAD and aerospace standards.
Staff Engineer, Structural Designer (R4937)
Design and develop complex structural and mechanical systems for autonomous UAV launch and recovery vehicles, owning the full design process from concept through production. Requires 7+ years of mechanism design experience, strong NX CAD and FEA skills, and a BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
130k – 200kDallas, TXHardware EngineeringOnsite7+ YOE
About the role
What you'll do
- Design complex structures for the autonomous aircraft launch and recovery system
- Own the full design process: concept, CAD, tolerance analysis, material selection, and drawing release
- Perform structural and kinematic calculations and preliminary FEA
- Prototype, test, and iterate mechanism designs for functionality and reliability
- Collaborate with electrical, avionics, flight controls, manufacturing, and test teams
- Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing on the pathway to production and field deployment
- Participate in design reviews, architecture discussions, and technical decision-making forums related to structural systems
- Identify opportunities to improve design processes, configuration management, and team workflows for increased engineering velocity and design quality
Required Qualifications
- B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
- 7+ years in mechanical or mechanism design for ground vehicles
- Strong CAD skills (NX preferred)
- Kinematic analysis and optimization
- Structural analysis utilizing hand calculations and finite element methods
- FEA analysis: Modal, non-linear and linear, buckling, fatigue
- GD&T and tolerance stack-ups for mechanical systems
- Materials selection inclusive of alloys, heat treatments, allowables, and finishes
- Ability to work independently in fast-paced, cross-functional teams
- A demonstrated record of working hard, being trustworthy, holding yourself to high standards, and being kind to others
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with UAVs, aircraft, or robotic systems
- Familiarity with electro-mechanical actuators
- Proficiency in FMEA, DOE, and root cause analysis
- Hands-on machine shop or mechanic experience (professional or hobby)
- MIL-STD-810, structural, or actuated mechanism testing experience
- Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments
Skills
CADNxKinematic AnalysisFea (Finite Element Analysis)Modal AnalysisNon-Linear AnalysisBuckling AnalysisFatigue AnalysisGD&TTolerance Stack-UpsMaterials Selection
Similar roles
Hardware Engineering jobsStaff Engineer, Structural Design (R4955)
Design and develop structural components for next-generation autonomous UAVs from concept through production, working cross-functionally with aerodynamics, propulsion, and manufacturing teams. Requires 7+ years aircraft structural design experience and proficiency in CAD and aerospace structures.
Staff Engineer, Mechanical Test (R4888)
Leads mechanical testing for aircraft hardware, designing test fixtures with hydraulics and sensors, automating analysis with Python, and performing FEA on metallic/composite materials. Requires 7+ years experience, Mechanical Engineering degree, and NX proficiency.
Staff Engineer, Mechanical (R4887)
Designs, analyzes, and integrates mechanical systems for V-BAT aircraft and ground support equipment across full product lifecycle. Requires bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, 5-6 years aerospace hardware experience, and proficiency in 3D CAD tools.
Staff Engineer, Composite Manufacturing
Leads design, optimization, and scale-up of composite manufacturing processes for jet production lines, including equipment deployment and vendor integration. Requires 7+ years in manufacturing engineering, CAD proficiency, and composites expertise in fast-paced environments.