Structural Design Engineer

Structural Design Engineer

Join a dynamic team of mechanical and manufacturing engineers to lead the structural development of a hypersonic vehicle. This role requires a forward-thinking engineer who is responsible for making final technical decisions for the structures subsystem and ensuring the successful execution of structural design reviews. You will play a pivotal role in advancing the program through manufacturing and into flight test, while working closely with program responsible engineers and the Chief Engineer to achieve a successful outcome.

Responsibilities:

• Lead structural development of the hypersonic vehicle, including trade studies and structural layout.
• Make final technical decisions for the structures subsystem.
• Execute structural design reviews to advance the program through manufacturing and into flight test.
• Lead structural systems engineering approach, including creating and dispositioning structural requirements, mass properties management, and guiding configuration management of models.
• Review and approve documents, reports, and analyses, and set engineering and design best practices and standards for the structures team.
• Waive or approve ground testing based on structural technical risk assessments.
• Manage a small team of direct reports, including conducting one-on-ones and reviews.
• Communicate regularly and comprehensively with the program Chief Engineer.
• Travel as needed to support the program.
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments.

Essential Skills:

• Mechanical engineering, aircraft, aerospace structural, aircraft mechanical, structural design, mechanical, aerospace engineering, aerospace aircraft knowledge.
• Significant experience with the rapid development of prototype or experimental flight vehicles, including full life-cycle involvement on at least one program.
• Experience as a design engineering lead and/or analyst on a structures team.
• Experience with metallic structures design, analysis, and manufacturing.
• Technical aerospace leadership experience, including working with sub-contractors.
• Risk management experience.
• Experience working in small engineering teams with multiple responsibilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a security clearance.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks to align with business goals.
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience with hypersonic and/or supersonic vehicle development.
• Experience with air-launched vehicle development.
• Experience with composite structures design, analysis, and manufacturing.
• Experience with personnel management and small team leadership.
• Active Secret, TS, and/or SCI security clearance.
• 3D CAD experience (Siemens NX and Teamcenter preferred).
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook).
• Familiarity with configuration management systems such as JIRA, GIT, JAMA, etc.
• Experience with FEMAP, Nastran.

Work Environment:

This is a full-time role in a supportive environment that offers a wide range of perks, including a gym, health and wellness benefits, and a family-oriented atmosphere. The position reports to either the Chief Engineer or Program Manager, depending on the organizational structure. The ideal candidate should be prepared for a collaborative and innovative work environment where they can thrive long-term.

Job Type & Location:

This is a Permanent position based out of Mojave, CA.

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $152000.00 - $200000.00/yr. Health, dental, 401K, will receive all Stratolaunch benefits.

Workplace Type:

This is a fully onsite position in Mojave, CA.

Application Deadline:

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 21, 2025.

About Actalent:

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.