Aircraft Load Engineer

PDS Defense, Inc.; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct deposit

401(k)

Short-term disability insurance

Select paid holidays

Skills training

Employee referral bonus

Affordable medical coverage plan

DailyPay

Job summary

PDS Defense, Inc. in Wichita, KS seeks an Aircraft Load Engineer to perform simulations and analyses for design loads on new and in-service aircraft.

You will develop models, build automated tools, and support missionized programs with nonlinear actuator modeling aligned to certification needs. The role requires strong programming skills (C++, Fortran, MATLAB, Python) and deep knowledge of aeroelastic phenomena, flight dynamics, and unsteady aerodynamics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace preferred).
• Experience in external loads analysis for aerospace programs.
• Strong programming skills: C++, Fortran, MATLAB, Python.
• Familiarity with aeroelastic phenomena and certification processes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct simulations to determine aircraft design loads for new programs and in-service aircraft.
• Develop and maintain both low- and high-fidelity loads models.
• Create automated frameworks/tools to enhance loads analysis efficiency.
• Build capabilities for store separation loads analysis for missionized aircraft.
• Develop nonlinear actuator modeling tools to meet certification requirements.

Skills

C++

Fortran

MATLAB

Python

Git

High-performance computing

Aerospace engineering

Numerical computing

Flight dynamics

Aeroelasticity

Nastran

Certification process

Unsteady aerodynamics

Fly-by-wire

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Nastran

Git

Job description

Engineering

Aircraft Load Engineer Wichita, KS Posted: 5/8/2026

Job Description:

• Conduct simulations and analyses to determine aircraft design loads for both new development programs and continued airworthiness of in-service aircraft
• Develop and maintain both low- and high-fidelity models to support loads analysis
• Contribute to the creation of automated frameworks and tools that enhance efficiency and accuracy in loads analysis
• Build capabilities for store separation loads analysis to support missionized aircraft programs
• Develop nonlinear actuator modeling tools to meet Transport Canada's certification requirements
• Utilize a wide range of commercial and proprietary tools, including a six-degree-of-freedom aircraft simulator

How to thrive in this role?

• You hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace specialization preferred)
• You have relevant aerospace industry experience, particularly in external loads analysis
• You have experience in nonlinear modeling and certification process
• You have strong programming skills: C++, Fortran, MATLAB, and Python
• You have knowledge in numerical and scientific computing
• You have experience with high-performance computing environments
• You have experience with software development using version control systems (e.g., Git)
• You have a solid understanding of aircraft flight dynamics, aeroelastic phenomena (flutter, LCO), and unsteady aerodynamics
• You are familiarity with finite elements analysis tools (e.g., Nastran)
• You have a solid understanding of aircraft flight dynamics, aeroelastic phenomena (flutter, LCO), and unsteady aerodynamics
• You have knowledge of time/frequency domain unsteady aerodynamics
• You have experience with fly-by-wire systems and control law integration
• You have an understanding of airworthiness regulations and certification documentation

Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.

Job Requirements

Minimum Security Clearance:

No Clearance

Military connected talent encouraged to apply.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit http://www.tadpgs.com/candidate-privacy/ or https://pdsdefense.com/candidate-privacy/

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled