ABOUT US:
Astro Mechanica is reinventing supersonic aircraft by innovating on engine, airframe, and systems that industry hasn’t in over 50 years. Our electric combined cycle engine, Duality, is the world’s first jet engine that's engineered for efficiency from takeoff to Mach 3+. This new propulsion technology enables the delivery of people and payloads anywhere on Earth in just hours, laying the foundation for a new operational paradigm: an affordable point-to-point global travel network that will make on-demand, high-speed air transport the new standard of travel.
WHO WE ARE:
We're a team of hardcore engineers who live and breathe aerospace. We’re generalists who each have subject matter expertise and operate in a flat organizational structure. We move fast and build world-changing technology in a pragmatic and competent workplace culture.
WHO YOU ARE:
Astro Mechanica is seeking a
Principal Structures Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of structural design principles and excels in leading the structural development starting from the conceptual design phase. Your expertise will directly influence the performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability of our advanced aircraft.
In this role, you will spearhead the structural design process from initial concept through fabrication and assembly, ensuring that every design meets rigorous performance and quality standards. You will be responsible for structural layout with consideration for load path optimization, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve structural challenges in real-time. Your leadership will be pivotal in mentoring a highly skilled team of structural engineers and driving innovation in manufacturing and vehicle performance.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
- Lead the structural architecture for next-generation aircraft, owning conceptual and preliminary structural configuration
- Drive the development of advanced composite structures, optimizing for performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability
- Influence the program approach to materials allowables, joint designs, and manufacturing techniques
- Perform integrated workflows early in the design cycle, incorporating critical loads and FEA for load path optimization
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define interface requirements and resolve structural challenges in real-time
- Mentor and guide structural engineers, fostering technical excellence and ensuring consistent design practices across teams
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
- 10+ years of experience in aircraft structural design, with demonstrated expertise in composite materials and structures
- Proven track record of leading clean-sheet aircraft configuration and structural layout development
- In-depth understanding of composite materials, including design principles, manufacturing processes, and analysis techniques
- Strong proficiency in CAD and FEA tools
- Previous success in technical leadership roles, mentoring teams and driving innovation
- Familiarity with digital engineering practices and model-based design workflows
- Track record of developing novel structural solutions for challenging aerospace or automotive applications
PERKS AND BENEFITS:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- 401(k) program and transparent stock option plan
- Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time
- Flexible work environment
- Company-funded perks, including weekly team lunches and Astro Mechanica swag
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.
Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.