Lead Structures Engineer – Special Programs

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Lead Structures Engineer – Special Programs based in United States.

This role offers the opportunity to lead advanced aerospace structural engineering efforts within a fast-moving special programs environment. You will provide deep expertise in airframe structures, loads analysis, and structural substantiation for prototype vehicles and emerging aerospace systems. The position combines hands-on engineering ownership with strategic technical leadership across early-stage concepts and rapid development programs. You will influence design approaches, evaluate technical feasibility, and help transform innovative ideas into flight-ready solutions. Working alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams, you will contribute to projects where speed, creativity, and technical excellence are essential. This is an opportunity for an experienced engineer to shape next-generation aviation technologies while operating with significant autonomy and impact.

Accountabilities:: The Lead Structures Engineer – Special Programs will own the structural engineering discipline within advanced aerospace initiatives, driving technical decisions from concept development through prototype execution. This role requires a balance of deep structural expertise, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to operate independently in a high-growth engineering environment.

Lead structural design, analysis, and substantiation activities for prototype aerospace vehicles and systems, including airframe structures, load paths, and structural validation.

Develop and evaluate structural approaches for rapid prototyping efforts, from early concepts and sketches through detailed design and testing support.

Establish technical standards, analysis methodologies, and engineering practices for structural work across special programs.

Perform technical feasibility assessments for new concepts, mission requirements, and early-stage opportunities, identifying risks and engineering solutions.

Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to align structural designs with program requirements, timelines, and technical constraints.

Prepare engineering documentation, trade studies, analysis reports, and technical packages supporting design reviews and program decisions.

Represent structural engineering efforts in internal technical reviews and discussions with external stakeholders when required.

Contribute beyond core structural responsibilities when needed to support broader program objectives and emerging technical challenges.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate brings extensive aerospace structures experience, strong analytical capabilities, and the ability to take ownership of complex engineering challenges in an innovative and resource-conscious environment.

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related technical field; advanced degree preferred.

8–12 years of relevant engineering experience, particularly in aerospace structures, advanced programs, or rapid-prototyping environments.

Demonstrated experience with airframe structural design, loads analysis, and structural substantiation.

Strong knowledge of structural analysis techniques, including finite element analysis, hand calculations, and industry-standard engineering methods.

Experience supporting the full product development lifecycle, from early concepts through prototype testing and validation.

Ability to assess technical feasibility, define engineering approaches, and make sound decisions with limited direction.

Comfortable working as a technical generalist and contributing across multiple engineering disciplines when program needs require it.

Ability to operate independently with significant technical ownership and accountability.

Strong communication, documentation, and collaboration skills across engineering and program teams.

Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR/EAR regulations (U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee).

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Benefits:

Competitive base salary range of approximately $138,200–$190,100, depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Opportunity to work on advanced aerospace programs shaping the future of sustainable aviation and mobility.

High-impact role with significant technical ownership and autonomy within a specialized engineering team.

Collaborative environment focused on innovation, engineering excellence, and multidisciplinary problem-solving.

Opportunity to contribute to prototype development and next-generation aerospace technologies.

Supportive workplace culture focused on inclusion, professional growth, and employee success.

Reasonable accommodations available throughout the hiring process for qualified candidates.

How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!  Why Apply Through Jobgether?    Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.     #LI-CL1