Lead Engineer I - Structures

NewSpace Research and Technologies; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,400,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Job summary

NewSpace Research and Technologies in Bengaluru, India seeks a senior structural designer for UAV airframe design. You will lead development of primary and secondary structures, perform analytical and computational analyses, and ensure performance and integrity through ASME Y14/GD&T standards.

You will create and maintain 3D models and 2D drawings in SolidWorks/Catia, drive design for manufacturability, participate in PLM processes, and mentor junior engineers within a cross-functional team.

Qualifications

• Must have strong fundamentals in structural analysis and materials.
• Experience with aerospace design practices and standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of UAV airframes including primary and secondary structures.

Skills

Strength of Materials

Aircraft Structures

Composite Materials

Vibrations & Structural Dynamics

Aeroelasticity

Rigid Body Dynamics

Conceptual UAV design

CAD tools

SolidWorks

Catia

DFM

DFA

FMEA

Quality metrics

Optimization techniques

End-to-end structural design

Structural testing

Engineering Change Management

PDM/PLM

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Aerospace/Aeronautical/Mechanical engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Catia

NASTRAN

PDM/PLM systems

Job description

• Lead the design and development of UAV airframes, including primary and secondary structural components.
• Perform structural analysis using analytical and computational methods to ensure design integrity and compliance with performance requirements.
• Create, update, and maintain 3D models and 2D drawings using CAD tools (preferably SolidWorks, Catia), ensuring adherence to ASME Y14 standards and GD&T.
• Develop and implement design processes, standards, and best practices for structural design and documentation.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, project managers, and manufacturing teams to meet airframe design objectives and resolve design challenges.
• Support Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and ensure compatibility with various manufacturing techniques—metallic, composite, sheet metal, and 3D printing.
• Contribute to Product Data Management (PDM) / Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) activities, including engineering change management and documentation.
• Prepare and review design documentation for internal and external design reviews.
• Provide in-situ design modifications during assembly and assist in converting prototype components into production-ready versions.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives, standardizing data control and exchange practices.
• Mentor junior engineers and support cross-functional integration of structural and subsystem requirements.

Must-Have Technical Skills

• Strong foundation in Strength of Materials, Aircraft Structures, Composite Materials, Vibrations & Structural Dynamics, Aeroelasticity, and Rigid Body Dynamics.
• Basic knowledge of basic aerodynamics and conceptual UAV design principles.
• Proficiency in CAD tools: SolidWorks (highly preferred), Catia.
• Familiarity with DFM, DFA, FMEA, and quality metrics in aerospace design.
• Experience in optimization techniques for multi-disciplinary systems and structural members using computational methods.
• Proven ability to work on end-to-end structural design from high-level requirements to detailed engineering deliverables.
• Exposure to structural testing and design feedback loops.
• Experience with Engineering Change Management within PDM/PLM systems.

Desirable / Added Advantages

• Exposure to JSS standards in aerospace design.
• Experience in prototyping to product transition for UAV components or assemblies.
• Familiarity with 3D printing and emerging manufacturing techniques.
• Hands-on experience with aero-modelling or hardware projects related to mechanical/aerospace systems.
• Ability to lead small design teams, review deliverables, and delegate tasks effectively.
• Experience/Exposure with CAE/FEA tools such as NASTRAN or equivalent for structural validation.

Key Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and detail-oriented.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Eagerness to implement and uphold industry-standard data control and design practices.

Bachelors or Masters in Aerospace/Aeronautical/Mechanical engineering with