Director, Structures - Design (R5047)

What you'll do

Lead the aerostructures organization for the X-BAT program, including design, analysis, integration, testing, and certification strategy

Drive development of lightweight, manufacturable, survivable aircraft structures optimized for autonomous combat aircraft operations

Partner closely with flight sciences, propulsion, avionics, manufacturing, autonomy, flight test, and supply chain teams to deliver integrated aircraft solutions

Establish engineering processes, design standards, configuration management, and structural development roadmaps across the program lifecycle

Lead structural trade studies balancing weight, performance, cost, producibility, maintainability, and mission requirements

Oversee development and validation of composite and metallic airframe structures, including primary load-bearing assemblies

Build and mentor a world-class aerostructures engineering team capable of rapid execution and technical excellence

Support transition from development programs into scalable production environments

Drive root-cause analysis and corrective action efforts for structural, manufacturing, and flight-test findings

Present technical reviews, program risks, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and external stakeholders

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 12+ years of aerospace structural engineering experience, including leadership responsibility on advanced aircraft programs
• Deep expertise in aircraft primary structures, composites, metallic design, structural analysis, and integration
• Experience leading teams through full aircraft development cycles from conceptual design through flight test and production
• Strong understanding of aircraft loads, stress analysis, fatigue, durability, and structural substantiation methodologies
• Experience collaborating across highly integrated aerospace development organizations
• Proven ability to recruit, develop, and scale high-performing engineering teams
• Experience operating in fast-paced development environments with aggressive technical schedules
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance

Preferred qualifications

• Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline
• Experience with autonomous aircraft, tactical aviation, unmanned systems, or defense aerospace platforms
• Expertise in composite airframe manufacturing and high-rate production methodologies
• Background supporting low observable, survivability, or expeditionary aircraft design considerations…