Lead UAV Airframe Engineer: Architecture & Flight Design

Redwire; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 226,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matching 401(k)

Paid PTO

Paid holidays

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disabili​

HSA and FSA Options

Critical Care Plan

Accident Care Plan

Job summary

Redwire Defense Tech in San Luis Obispo, CA, seeks an Airframe Lead to own airframe architecture, structural design, and mechanical integration from concept through production transition. You will be the technical authority for airframe decisions and collaborate with systems, propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams.

The role requires 8–12+ years in airframe design, strong CAD/PLM skills, and a systems-thinking mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 8–12+ years of progressive airframe or mechanical design experience.
• Experience leading airframe design efforts on complex aerospace systems.
• Experience working in IPT or program-based engineering environments.
• Strong expertise in airframe structures, load paths, and mechanical integration.
• Proficiency with CAD and PLM tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX).
• Familiarity with structural analysis methods and interpretation of results.
• Experience with composites, bonding, and aerospace fasteners.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the mechanical engineering lead for the Air Vehicle IPT.
• Define and maintain airframe system architecture and mechanical integration strategy.
• Own airframe requirements flowdown, trade studies, and design margins.
• Act as the technical authority for airframe-related design reviews and changes.
• Lead structural and mechanical design including primary/secondary structures and interfaces.
• Ensure integration of propulsion, avionics, payloads, landing gear, and subsystems.
• Oversee composite and metallic structures, materials, and manufacturing methods.
• Guide structural analysis activities and design-for-manufacturing improvements.
• Support production readiness and transition to sustained production.

Skills

Airframe design

Structural analysis

Mechanical integration

IPT / program-based engineering

CAD/PLM tools

Systems thinking

Communication

Leadership without authority

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

NX

PLM tools

Job description

Redwire Defense Tech in San Luis Obispo, CA, seeks an Airframe Lead to own airframe architecture, structural design, and mechanical integration from concept through production transition. You will be the technical authority for airframe decisions and collaborate with systems, propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams.

The role requires 8–12+ years in airframe design, strong CAD/PLM skills, and a systems-thinking mindset.