Aircraft Loads Engineer | Flight Sciences

BETA TECHNOLOGIES; South Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite healthcare in Vermont

Daily lunch provided

Flight lessons

Job summary

BETA Technologies in Vermont is seeking an Aircraft Loads Engineer to shape external loads for fixed-wing and VTOL aircraft. You will define load cases, develop FEM representations, and ensure loads align with certification.

You will work with Flight Science, Structures, and system experts to optimize next‑generation electric aircraft. Minimum qualifications include a BS in Aerospace Engineering and 3–5 years of loads experience, with proficiency in NASTRAN, MATLAB, Python, and CAD tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years of loads analysis and testing experience, incl. gusts and maneuvers.
• Experience with NASTRAN, FEMAP, and aerodynamic methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of external loads requirements and analyses (6DOF).
• Define load cases for fixed wing and VTOL to meet certification.
• Develop mass and stiffness FEM and generate external loads.
• Assist loads test development and execution at component and flight test level.
• Collaborate with Flight Science, Structures, and Certification teams.

Skills

Aircraft loads analysis

MATLAB

Python

Communication

Certification awareness

Education

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NASTRAN

FEMAP

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

At BETA Technologies, we apply our intellectual curiosity, passion for aviation, and commitment to sustainability toward a shared mission of revolutionizing electric aviation. Regardless of the position one holds, each team member brings their talent and desire to positively impact the environment and lives of others in a refreshing, vibrant, and inclusive culture.

The Aircraft Loads Engineer will be responsible for developing external aircraft loads including gusts, maneuver, and ground loads for fixed wing and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The engineer will support development of aircraft FEM and ensuing external loads for structural sizing. You will work closely with the Flight Science and Structures teams, as well as various system experts (such as Motors, Flight Controls, etc.) in ensuring that aircraft capability is accurately captured in load case definition. You will collaborate with the Certification team to ensure loads development aligns with certification requirements and drive component and aircraft‑level structural test definition. The engineer will need to understand the aircraft at an architecture level to support the effective design and optimization of next‑generation electric aircraft.

How You Will Contribute To Revolutionizing Electric Aviation

• Lead development of external loads requirements and analyses including maneuver, gust, and ground cases using six degree of freedom (6DOF) models
• Define load cases for both fixed wing and VTOL aircraft that align with certification requirements
• Develop mass and stiffness representative structural FEM and generate external loads
• Assist in loads test development and execution (at the component and flight test level)
• Use a multidisciplinary understanding of aircraft design to proactively identify areas for improvement in design and analysis

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field
• At least 3-5 years of experience in aircraft loads analysis and testing, including steady state maneuvers, abrupt maneuvers, gust response, landing loads, and miscellaneous conditions such as canopy loads, etc.
• Experience with aerodynamic analysis methods of varying fidelity (panel methods, CFD, etc.)
• Experience in the use of industry standard loads analysis software such as NASTRAN, FEMAP, etc.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, and CAD tools (CATIA, SolidWorks, etc.)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Curiosity and ability to identify and rapidly implement new requirements and analysis processes for next generation aircraft

Above And Beyond Qualifications

• Experience with load case definition and analysis in vertical flight, particularly for novel aircraft configurations with industry standard tools such as RCAS
• Demonstrable understanding of aircraft flight controls and impact of fly by wire systems on loads development
• Experience with design and analysis of loads mitigation strategies
• Experience as a FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER)

Compensation

$150,000—$180,000 USD

Build electric airplanes with us!

BETA offers a competitive Total Compensation package designed to support you now and as you grow with us. This role includes both Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units for all full‑time team members, so everyone shares in our success. You’ll have access to onsite healthcare in Vermont, comprehensive medical coverage, dental and vision, short‑and‑long‑term disability, and paid parental leave. We also take care of the everyday details with daily lunch provided, and yes—flight lessons are part of the experience, along with a range of additional perks that make work here genuinely rewarding.

The wage listed here reflects our best faith estimate for this role. We pay competitively and base compensation on a variety of factors including skills, experience, industry background, and the evolving needs of the role. We remain committed to fair and equitable pay and we're happy to discuss during the interview process.

We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. BETA complies with all applicable federal, state and local non‑discrimination laws and does not tolerate discrimination of any kind in our workplace.

Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. BETA Technologies participates in E‑Verify.