Structures Engineer, Hypersonic Air Vehicles

About the role

Collaboration across aerostructures, systems integration, and manufacturing enables resilient and scalable mechanical systems in complex, contested environments.

Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.

Key facts

What you'll do

First principles and analysis tools drive the development of new aircraft products for air vehicles and missiles.

Work coordination across mechanical systems, systems integration, aerodynamics, manufacturing, and project engineering teams occurs across the development lifecycle.

Onsite engineering support is provided at manufacturing and integration sites to ensure alignment and execution.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience is required.

At least 5 years of experience in aerospace structures design, analysis, or related roles is required.

Proficiency in CAD software and experience with engineering data analysis is required.

Expertise in structural modeling and simulation tools such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, or equivalent is required.

A strong understanding of material properties, stress analysis, fatigue assessment, load paths, design practices, and hand calculations is required.

Core engineering principles and fundamental mechanics of composite materials, including design, analysis, testing, and fabrication, are required.

Excellent problem-solving and communication skills are required.

Self-driven operation with autonomy and adaptability in a dynamic environment is required.

Eligibility to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance is required.

Nice to have

Experience with clean sheet aircraft configuration is preferred.

Siemens NX proficiency is preferred.

Experience with fast paced prototype design and manufacture of uncrewed aircraft is preferred.

Experience with high temperature materials selection is preferred.

Prior experience working in high speed programs is preferred.

Hands-on experience with manufacturing is preferred.

Practical aircraft knowledge, such as a pilot license or A&P, is preferred.

Experience with thermal gradient structural analysis is preferred.

Skills & tools

General knowledge of structural analysis methods and simulation tools supports this role.

Familiarity with defense technology development in high speed air vehicles is common in this field.

Understanding of design for manufacturing and composite materials is relevant to the work.

Experience in multidisciplinary team environments is typical for complex aerospace programs.

Practical notes

Work is conducted in the United States and may require onsite presence at manufacturing and integration sites.

Secret security clearance.

Typical interview steps

Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.

Good to know

Common tools include CAD software and structural simulation packages such as ANSYS or NASTRAN.

The work supports defense technology efforts in a fast paced, mission focused environment.

Team collaboration spans aerostructures, systems integration, and manufacturing functions.

The position may involve occasional travel to manufacturing and integration sites.