Senior Aircraft Structural Engineer

Kea Aerospace; Otago; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Kea Aerospace is developing the Kea Atmos, a solar-powered autonomous stratospheric UAV based in Christchurch, NZ. You will own the structural analysis lifecycle from concept to testing, driving mass reduction and aeroelastic control for continuous flight.

The role requires 8+ years in aircraft structural design, deep knowledge of composites/metals, and leadership to mentor a small, multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical or related discipline.
• 8+ years' experience in aircraft structural design and analysis.
• Excellent knowledge of structural aircraft design for composites and metals.
• Strong understanding of classical design calculations and numerical methods.
• Knowledge of composite and metallic materials, tooling and fabrication.
• Proficient in CAD and structural workbenches.
• Track record delivering clean-sheet structural designs end-to-end.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Good writing and communication skills.
• Strong safety standards and deadline-driven.

Responsibilities

• Own analysis of unmanned aircraft on a platform from requirements through ground testing and flight test support.
• Push limits of structural design to minimise take-off mass and manage aeroelastic effects.
• Build a fast design and analysis toolchain linking external and in-house software and validate against flight data.
• Perform analysis using numerical methods (FEA/FEM) alongside other methods.
• Identify structural and aeroelastic parameters with flight test and ground testing teams.
• Plan and run structural ground tests with test benches and processes.
• Define and refine project and design requirements and document methodologies to aerospace standards.

Skills

Structural design

FEA/FEM

Python scripting

CAD

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace

Tools

CAD tools

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

We are developing the Kea Atmos - a solar-powered, autonomous stratospheric UAV designed to fly continuously for months at a time. Operating at around 20km altitude, it will deliver aerial intelligence for maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and more. We are a mission-driven team based in Christchurch, pushing the limits of what's possible in unmanned aerospace.

About Kea Aerospace

We are developing the Kea Atmos - a solar-powered, autonomous stratospheric UAV designed to fly continuously for months at a time. Operating at around 20km altitude, it will deliver aerial intelligence for maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and more. We are a mission-driven team based in Christchurch, pushing the limits of what's possible in unmanned aerospace.

What You’ll Do

You’ll own the analysis of our unmanned aircraft on a platform unlike anything else being built in this part of the world - from requirements and concept through to ground testing and flight test support.

• Push the limits of structural design with respect to minimising take-off mass and managing aeroelastic effects - the aspects that make continuous flight possible.

• Build a fast, iterative design and analysis toolchain by linking external and in-house software, then finetune and validate it against flight data from our prototype aircraft. This work forms part of Kea Aerospace's Digital Twin.

• Perform analysis using numerical methods (FEA/FEM) alongside hand calculation, analytical, and semi-empirical methodologies.

• Identify structural and aeroelastic parameters of prototypes in conjunction with the flight test and ground testing team.

• Plan and run structural ground tests, including the design of required test benches and processes, following structured verification and validation processes.

• Define and refine project and design requirements and specifications, and document methodologies, designs and algorithms to aerospace quality and certification standards.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical or a related engineering discipline (or equivalent experience).

• 8+ years’ experience in aircraft structural design and analysis.

• Excellent knowledge of structural aircraft design and related aeronautical design aspects of composite and metallic aerospace structures.

• Exceptional understanding of classical design calculations and numerical methods for aerospace structures.

• In-depth knowledge of composite and metallic materials, including tooling and fabrication.

• Solid expertise with CAD and related structural workbenches.

• Track record of delivering clean-sheet structural designs from concept through to analysis, testing, integration, and verification.

• Demonstrated leadership capability, with the ability to delegate, mentor, and build rapport and performance within a technical team.

• Good writing and communication skills, with the acumen to build trust across disciplines.

• High safety standards and a genuine commitment to deadlines and quality.

What Will Give You A Headstart

• Excellent knowledge of aeroelasticity and aircraft flight vibration environments.

• Experience in static and dynamic testing of aircraft structures and components.

• Proven experience with UAVs, high-altitude platforms, or other extreme lightweight or low-mass structures.

• Proficiency in scripting and programming languages such as Python for parametric design, automation, or analysis workflow development.

• Breadth across multiphysics disciplines (aerodynamics, thermal, structural dynamics) is highly valued - we’re a small team, and engineering versatility is a major advantage.

• Familiarity with New Zealand’s UAV regulatory framework, including CAR Part 101/102.

For security and safety reasons, any offer will be conditional on satisfactory background checks and the legal right to work in New Zealand.