Structural Design Engineer

Job Title: Structural Design Engineer

Job Description

Join a diverse team of mechanical and manufacturing engineers as a Structural Design Engineer. Lead the structural development of hypersonic vehicles, making crucial technical decisions for the structures subsystem. Drive the program forward through successful design reviews, structural systems engineering, and collaboration with program engineers to achieve successful outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the structural development of hypersonic vehicles, including trade studies and structural layout.
• Make final technical decisions for the structures subsystem.
• Execute successful structural design reviews to advance the program through manufacturing and into flight tests.
• Guide the structural systems engineering approach, including creating and managing structural requirements, mass properties, and configuration management of models.
• Review and approve documents, reports, and analyses, and set engineering and design best practices.
• Waive or approve ground testing based on structural technical risk assessments.
• Work closely with program responsible engineers and the Chief Engineer to ensure program success.
• Manage a small team of direct reports, conducting regular one-on-ones and reviews.
• Communicate regularly and comprehensively with the program Chief Engineer.
• Travel as necessary to support the program.
• Demonstrate integrity, responsibility, and commitment fulfillment.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in mechanical engineering, aircraft, aerospace structural, and mechanical systems.
• Experience with structural design and aerospace engineering.
• Expertise in mechanical design, structures, mechanical systems, structural-thermal analysis, aircraft systems, and launch vehicle integration.
• Significant experience with the rapid development of prototype or experimental flight vehicles.
• Experience as a design engineering lead and/or analyst on a structures team.
• Proficiency in metallic structures design, analysis, and manufacturing.
• Technical aerospace leadership experience, including subcontractor management.
• Risk management proficiency.
• Experience working in small engineering teams with multiple responsibilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a security clearance.
• Capability to work independently and prioritize tasks to align with business goals.
• Adaptability to changing priorities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with hypersonic and/or supersonic vehicle development.
• Experience with air-launched vehicle development.
• Experience with composite structures design, analysis, and manufacturing.
• Experience with personnel management and small team leadership.
• Active Secret, TS, and/or SCI security clearance.
• 3D CAD experience (Siemens NX and Teamcenter preferred).
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook).
• Experience with configuration management systems such as JIRA, GIT, JAMA.
• Experience with FEMAP, Nastran preferred.

Work Environment

The role reports to the Chief Engineer or Program Manager, depending on the program structure. This is a full-time position in a supportive, family-like environment offering numerous perks, including gym access, health and wellness benefits. The work environment is dynamic, requiring adaptability to changing priorities and the ability to work collaboratively within small engineering teams.

This is a Permanent position based out of Mojave, CA.

The pay range for this position is $152000.00 - $200000.00/yr.

health dental vision 401K bonus

This is a fully onsite position in Mojave,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.