Senior UAV Structural Engineer — High-Altitude Aircraft

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

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.