Structures Design Engineer

Executive Recruiting Group; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Executive Recruiting Group in San Francisco seeks a Structures Design Engineer to contribute to design, analysis, and testing of aerospace structures. Apply mechanical and aerospace principles to real aircraft hardware and grow with mentors across disciplines.

The role covers CAD modeling, hand calcs, and FEA, collaborating with aero, propulsion, manufacturing, and test teams to balance performance and manufacturability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 3–10 years of structural design and analysis experience.
• Familiar with composite and metallic materials and manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on CAD experience (NX or SolidWorks or equivalent).
• Experience with hand calculations and FEA tools (Nastran, Abaqus, Ansys).
• Strong problem-solving skills and collaborative, proactive mindset.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze composite and metallic structures for high-performance aircraft.
• Support structural layout and configuration development with guidance from senior engineers.
• Perform CAD modeling, drawings, and basic structural analysis.
• Assist with trade studies balancing performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (aero, propulsion, manufacturing, test) to define and support structural requirements.
• Participate in design reviews, manufacturing support, and testing activities.
• Document work clearly and maintain configuration control of designs and models; learn from senior engineers.

Skills

CAD proficiency

FEA tools

Composite design

Metallic structures

NX/SolidWorks

Hand calcs

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

Nastran

Abaqus

Ansys

Job description

We are seeking a Structures Design Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in structural design principles and a passion for solving challenging aerospace problems. You’re eager to apply your engineering education and early career experience to real aircraft hardware, while learning from experienced engineers across disciplines. You’ll play a key role in helping to design, analyze, and test advanced aerospace structures that directly contribute to the performance and safety of our vehicles.

Duties:

• Contribute to the design and analysis of composite and metallic structures for high-performance aircraft
• Support structural layout and configuration development with guidance from senior engineers
• Perform CAD modeling, drawings, and basic structural analysis (hand calcs and FEA)
• Assist with trade studies balancing performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (aero, propulsion, manufacturing, test) to define and support structural requirements
• Participate in design reviews, manufacturing support, and testing activities
• Document work clearly and maintain configuration control of designs and modelsLearn from senior engineers and steadily grow technical depth and autonomy

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field
• 3-10 years of experience in structural design and analysis
• Familiarity with composite and metallic materials, structural design principles, and manufacturing processes
• Hands-on proficiency in CAD (e.g. NX, SolidWorks, or similar)
• Exposure to structural analysis methods (hand calculations, FEA tools such as Nastran, Abaqus, or Ansys)
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to take initiative
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment
• Enthusiasm for learning, building, and contributing to innovative aerospace vehicles