Lead Engineer I - Structures

• Lead the design and development of UAV airframes, including primary and secondary structural components.
• Perform structural analysis using analytical and computational methods to ensure design integrity and compliance with performance requirements.
• Create, update, and maintain 3D models and 2D drawings using CAD tools (preferably SolidWorks, Catia), ensuring adherence to ASME Y14 standards and GD&T.
• Develop and implement design processes, standards, and best practices for structural design and documentation.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, project managers, and manufacturing teams to meet airframe design objectives and resolve design challenges.
• Support Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and ensure compatibility with various manufacturing techniques—metallic, composite, sheet metal, and 3D printing.
• Contribute to Product Data Management (PDM) / Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) activities, including engineering change management and documentation.
• Prepare and review design documentation for internal and external design reviews.
• Provide in-situ design modifications during assembly and assist in converting prototype components into production-ready versions.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives, standardizing data control and exchange practices.
• Mentor junior engineers and support cross-functional integration of structural and subsystem requirements.

• Strong foundation in Strength of Materials, Aircraft Structures, Composite Materials, Vibrations & Structural Dynamics, Aeroelasticity, and Rigid Body Dynamics.
• Basic knowledge of basic aerodynamics and conceptual UAV design principles.
• Proficiency in CAD tools: SolidWorks (highly preferred), Catia.
• Familiarity with DFM, DFA, FMEA, and quality metrics in aerospace design.
• Experience in optimization techniques for multi-disciplinary systems and structural members using computational methods.
• Proven ability to work on end-to-end structural design from high-level requirements to detailed engineering deliverables.
• Exposure to structural testing and design feedback loops.
• Experience with Engineering Change Management within PDM/PLM systems.

• Exposure to JSS standards in aerospace design.
• Experience in prototyping to product transition for UAV components or assemblies.
• Familiarity with 3D printing and emerging manufacturing techniques.
• Hands-on experience with aero-modelling or hardware projects related to mechanical/aerospace systems.
• Ability to lead small design teams, review deliverables, and delegate tasks effectively.
• Experience/Exposure with CAE/FEA tools such as NASTRAN or equivalent for structural validation.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and detail-oriented.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Eagerness to implement and uphold industry-standard data control and design practices.

This Lead Engineer I role focuses on designing and validating structural components for UAV airframes, from early requirements through detailed engineering and production support. It combines structural analysis and CAD documentation with manufacturing collaboration, engineering change processes, and mentoring junior engineers.

Role at a glance

Skills mentioned

What you will likely work on

• Develop primary and secondary structural components for UAV airframes.
• Analyze structural performance using analytical and computational approaches.
• Maintain 3D models and 2D drawings, applying applicable ASME Y14 and GD&T practices.
• Establish structural design and documentation processes, standards, and best practices.
• Coordinate with systems, project, and manufacturing teams to resolve design issues and meet airframe objectives.
• Apply DFM and DFA considerations across metallic, composite, sheet-metal, and additive manufacturing methods.
• Support PDM/PLM records, engineering changes, design reviews, and controlled data exchange.
• Make design updates during assembly, support prototype-to-production changes, and mentor junior engineers.

Good fit signals

• Has 5–8 years of relevant experience and a degree in aerospace, aeronautical, or mechanical engineering.
• Can take structural design from high-level requirements through detailed engineering deliverables.
• Brings a strong grounding in aircraft structures, materials, dynamics, and structural analysis.
• Can work across engineering and manufacturing disciplines and communicate design decisions clearly.
• Experience with UAV prototyping, JSS standards, CAE/FEA, or small-team coordination would be advantageous.