Structural Design Engineer

PDS Tech, Inc.; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 162,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-term disability

401K plan

Paid leave

Holiday pay

Job summary

PDS Tech Commercial in Savannah, GA seeks a Senior Airframe Structural Design Engineer to lead the development, design, and sustainment of airframe structures for large cabin aircraft.

You will drive technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with manufacturing, program teams, suppliers, and customers to deliver safe, high-performance aircraft.

This contractor role offers a competitive hourly rate of 87.40 with first shift hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field; equivalent experience.
• 10+ years in a technical discipline or 15+ years across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Expertise in airframe structural design, loads, fatigue, and corrosion.
• Understanding of design and manufacturing processes including DFMA.
• Proficiency in 3D MBD and GD&T; CATIA V5 experience.
• Ability to manage complex engineering projects through design, certification and release.

Responsibilities

• Lead the structural design and definition of airframe components and assemblies.
• Solve complex engineering challenges using advanced methods and criteria.
• Balance technical performance, cost and schedule in design decisions.
• Develop standards and best practices across engineering activities.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, programs, suppliers and customers.
• Create and review 3D CAD models, 2D drawings and documentation.
• Participate in design reviews, build support and certification processes.
• Manage projects including planning, tracking and stakeholder communication.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers.
• Stay current on industry developments to drive innovations.

Skills

Airframe structural design

DFMA principles

3D Model-Based Definition (MBD)

GD&T

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's or PhD (preferred)

Tools

CATIA V5

SmarTeam PLM

Job description

Lead the Future of Flight as an Airframe Structural Design Engineer

Location: Savannah, GA

Schedule: $87.40/hour | 1st shift 7am to 5pm

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leading force in the aerospace industry to find a visionary Senior Airframe Structural Design Engineer ready to shape the next generation of aircraft. If you’re driven by complex engineering challenges and want your work to directly impact the safety, performance, and innovation of large cabin aircraft, this is your opportunity.

Role Overview: Make an Impact That Takes Flight

In this high-impact role, you will guide major engineering programs and drive the development, design, and sustainment of advanced airframe structures. Acting as a recognized authority in your field, you will influence product quality, innovation, and efficiency—helping deliver aircraft that meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and manufacturability.

You may contribute to either:

• Core Engineering Team – supporting sustaining engineering activities for existing aircraft

• Special Missions Team – modifying aircraft for specialized and mission-critical applications

What You’ll Do: Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Lead the structural design and definition of airframe components and assemblies

• Solve complex engineering challenges using advanced methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria

• Balance technical performance, cost, and schedule in all design decisions

• Develop standards and best practices across diverse engineering activities

• Collaborate with manufacturing, program teams, suppliers, and customers to complete designs

• Create and review 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and engineering documentation

• Participate in design reviews, aircraft build support, and certification processes

• Manage projects of significant scope, including planning, tracking, and stakeholder communication

• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers

• Stay current on industry developments to recommend innovations and improve product quality

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience

• 10+ years in a specific technical discipline or 15+ years across multiple engineering disciplines

• Strong expertise in airframe structural design, including loads, fatigue, and corrosion

• Solid understanding of design and manufacturing processes, including DFMA principles

• Proficiency in 3D Model-Based Definition (MBD) and application of GD&T

• Extensive experience with CATIA V5 or equivalent CAD system

• Proven ability to manage complex engineering projects through design, certification, and release

• Ability to work with minimal direction and make authoritative technical decisions

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Engineering or related field (Master’s or PhD)

• Experience with aircraft structural modifications and blueprint interpretation

• Proficiency in CATIA V5 workbenches (Part Design, Sheet Metal, Composite Part Design, FT&A, KBE tools)

• Experience with SmarTeam PLM database

• Prior experience in aircraft design and certification

What Sets You Apart

• Passion for advancing safe and efficient aircraft through structural design

• Strong interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration skills

• Ability to clearly communicate technical findings and recommendations

• Driven, humble, and team-oriented mindset

Pay Details: $87.40 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.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

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.