Structures Designer- Staff/Senior

Aurora Flight Sciences

$92K — $199K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • U.S. Person eligible to obtain a security clearance.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in aerospace or related sectors.
  • Proficient in CAD software, especially CATIA V5 or similar PDM systems.
  • Familiar with industry standards for composite component design.

Responsibilities

  • Lead technical discussions and approve design concepts.
  • Develop airframe structural configurations and detailed designs.
  • Create and maintain CAD models and detailed drawings of components.
  • Oversee project execution, ensuring alignment with budgets and timelines.
  • Work cross-functionally with stress, manufacturing, and quality teams.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing teams for prototypes and material selection.
  • Mentor junior designers, providing technical guidance and support.

Benefits

  • Health insurance options and flexible spending accounts.
  • Health savings accounts and retirement savings plans.
  • Life and disability insurance programs.
  • Paid and unpaid time off options.
  • Opportunities for competitive base pay and variable compensation.
Full Job Description
Structures Designer- Staff/Senior

Position Overview

At Aurora Flight Sciences, we design, build, and fly advanced aircraft and enabling technologies from concept to reality. We are searching for a talented and self-motivated Structures Designer- Staff/Senior to help us create the future of flight. Responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following:

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership:
-Provide the first line of technical authority within the design team, with responsibility for approving design concepts and determining technical objectives for projects.
-Lead by example, mentoring and guiding junior engineers while working independently for extended periods.

Design and Development:
-Create airframe structural configuration layouts and detailed designs, including preliminary sizing, joint layouts, and interface boundary definitions for parts and assemblies, working with both metallic and composite materials.
-Develop and maintain CAD models and drawings of installations, assemblies, and detail components, ensuring strict adherence to structural integrity, interface boundaries, weight, and cost targets.
-Conduct design reviews and validate product structures to ensure components meet functional, fit, and form requirements.

Project Execution:
-Assume ownership of project execution and integration, leading teams of engineers to deliver against program budgets and deadlines.
-Coordinate with stress, manufacturing, procurement, and quality control teams to mature designs from initial conception to full-scale production.
-Track weekly progress and maintain project documentation to ensure alignment with program milestones.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
-Collaborate effectively with manufacturing and tooling teams for prototyping, material selection, and production strategies, particularly for composite components.
-Prepare and present technical and programmatic data during Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs) and Critical Design Reviews (CDRs).

Mentorship and Training:
-Offer technical guidance and mentorship to team members, including junior designers, to achieve high-quality deliverables.

Minimum Requirements

-Must be a U.S. Person with the ability to obtain a security clearance.
-Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
-Minimum of 5 years of experience in aerospace or related fields.
-Competence with CAD software, particularly CATIA V5, SmarTeam, or similar product data management systems (e.g., Enovia LCA or PDM).
-Knowledge of industry standards relating to composite component design, manufacturing, repair, and assembly (specific to aerospace).
-Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
-Strong verbal and written communication skills with a collaborative mindset.

Preferred Requirements

-Expertise in CATIA V5 modules, including Generative Surface Design, Part Design, and Assembly (experience with Unigraphics or Siemens NX will be considered).
-Advanced knowledge of composite material structures, including design, stacking sequences, lamination theory, bonded assemblies, and post-cure machining operations.
-Familiarity with prototype and rate production, including exposure to manufacturing tooling design, planning, and hands-on fabrication.
-Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T): Knowledge of ASME Y14.5 and related tolerance analysis techniques.
-Experience with Model-Based Definition (MBD): Familiarity with ASME Y14.41 methods and CATIA V5 FTA for functional tolerancing and annotations.
-Strong foundation in manufacturing and development of aerospace structural components and assemblies.

Physical Requirements

-Ability to work on-site on a weekly basis at our Manassas, VA location.

Salary Range (Annualized USD)
  • Minimum Range: $92,000.00 to $164,000.00
  • Maximum Range: $112,000.00 to $199,000.00


Aurora Total Rewards
At Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing Company, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. Aurora Flight Sciences provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location and date of hire. Please note that the salary information shown is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Aurora Flight Sciences

  • Manufacturing Engineer I
    $55K — $117K *
    Columbus, MS 39702 (Lowndes County)
    Manufacturing & Automotive
    In-Person
  • Structures Designer- Staff/Senior
    $92K — $199K *
    Manassas, VA 20110 (Manassas City County)
    Aerospace & Defense
    In-Person
  • Structures Engineer
    $75K — $164K *
    Manassas, VA 20110 (Manassas City County)
    Aerospace & Defense
    In-Person
  • Contracts Manager
    $89K — $192K *
    Manassas, VA 20110 (Manassas City County)
    Aerospace & Defense
    In-Person

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Structures Designer- Staff/Senior jobs: