Mechanical Design Authority Engineer – Airframe Structures

As the Mechanical Design Authority Engineer – Airframe Structures, you will be the technical guardian of our UAV airframe designs. You will set the strategic design direction, ensure structural integrity, and lead the engineering decision- decision making process from concept through certification. Your expertise will directly influence the performance, safety, and reliability of our platforms—impacting missions that matter on a global scale. • Serve as the design authority for all airframe structural components, ensuring compliance with airworthiness regulations (e.g., EASA, MIL-STD, or equivalent). • Lead the structural design, analysis, and validation of UAV airframes, from conceptual layouts to detailed engineering drawings. • Oversee material selection (composites, alloys, advanced lightweight materials) to optimize performance, weight, and durability. • Approve and sign off on engineering change requests and design documentation. • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—avionics, propulsion, systems engineering—to ensure seamless integration of structural designs. • Guide finite element analysis (FEA) and structural simulations to validate load cases, fatigue life, and crashworthiness. • Support manufacturing engineering in translating designs into production-ready solutions, including tooling and assembly processes. • Lead design reviews and act as the primary technical interface with certification authorities and customers. • Drive continuous improvement initiatives in design methodology, CAD standards, and engineering best practices. Skills required: • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline (Master’s degree preferred). • Minimum 8+ years in aerospace structural design, with at least 3 years in a design authority or lead engineering role • Proficiency in CATIA V5/V6 or equivalent CAD tools. • Strong background in FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus). • Deep understanding of composite and metallic structures in aerospace applications. • Knowledge of airworthiness standards (EASA CS-23/25, MIL-STD, or equivalent). • Ability to make high-impact design decisions balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability. • Strong leadership in cross-functional environments. • Excellent communication skills for technical and executive-level discussions. Preferred Certifications • Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Professional Engineer (PE) status. • Certification in Aircraft Structural Design or Airworthiness Engineering. • Project Management Professional (PMP) is a plus