Structures Design Engineer

Job Title

Job Description: 

We are seeking to add an Aircraft Structures Engineer to join our Product Engineering team. This is a high-impact role with significant influence on the direction of the Kodiak product line. As part of a small design team, this position plays a key role in new product development, aircraft upgrades, manufacturability improvements, and the resolution of fleet support challenges. It offers the opportunity to take concepts from initial design through analysis, certification, fabrication, and flight test, working across a broad range of structures and systems. Engineers in this position work closely with manufacturing, certification, and flight operations teams to bring ideas to life. With direct access to multiple company-owned test aircraft, the team has exceptional opportunities to prototype, evaluate, and flight test new designs in the real world.

Primary Role and Responsibilities: 

• Develop structural design solutions from concept through analysis, testing, certification, and drawing release for aircraft improvements and new product development
• Ensure designs comply with 14 CFR Part 23 and other applicable regulatory requirements
• Support aircraft production through manufacturability improvements, cost and quality optimization, and component or material obsolescence management
• Support the in-service fleet by investigating field issues, developing customer-driven improvements, and maintaining structural repair data
• Maintain configuration control and engineering documentation for design changes
• Participate in design reviews, provide technical guidance to engineering staff, and review engineering data for technical accuracy
• Conduct or support structural testing and flight test activities to validate designs and demonstrate compliance

What you need to have:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or related engineering discipline (or equivalent)
• Minimum 3 years of experience within the aerospace industry
• Demonstrated ability to perform and document structural calculations, including joints, static strength, and fatigue analysis
• Working knowledge of aircraft structures and aircraft design principles
• Familiarity with 14 CFR Part 23 and applicable certification requirements
• Strong experience with 3D CAD design software (Siemens NX preferred)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Preferred Experience

• Experience working directly with DERs and/or FAA ACOs/MIDOs
• Proficiency in traditional/classical structural analysis methods (Bruhn, Peery, NACA methods, etc.)
• Proficiency in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools and methods
• Experience supporting certification activities, including coordination with regulatory agencies, DERs, ODAs, or FAA delegates
• Hands-on experience with aircraft manufacturing processes and tooling
• Pilot’s license or operational knowledge of general aviation aircraft
• Experience with composite structures and metallic repair methods
• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., ASTM, SAE) and material specifications
• Experience planning, conducting, or supporting structural static, dynamic, and fatigue testing
• Proficiency with PLM systems (Teamcenter preferred)
  

You and your work will show up directly on the aircraft. With multiple dedicated flight test aircraft available to support development and test activities, Kodiak engineers can see their ideas progress from concept to flying in a matter of hours. At Kodiak Engineering, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of a uniquely capable high-performance aircraft.

Information related to the position: (Required for all positions)

• The compensation range is $75,000 to $100,000 base salary plus an annual target bonus.

• The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Daher considers a number of factors when determining salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, skills, and current market conditions. 

• At Daher, your total rewards package is more than just your base salary as we offer a full benefit package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Life insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays and more. 

Your next opportunity starts here — here are the next steps: 

• Review of your application 

• An initial conversation with a recruiter 

• One or more interviews depending on the position, with the relevant team members and manager(s) 

• After the interviews, constructive feedback regardless of the outcome