Structural Engineer

Job Title:

Structural Engineer Job Description The Structural Engineer will lead the structural development of a cutting-edge hypersonic vehicle, guiding the full lifecycle from concept through manufacturing and flight test. In this role, you will serve as the technical authority for the structures subsystem, drive trade studies and structural layouts, and collaborate closely with a diverse team of mechanical and manufacturing engineers. You will shape structural systems engineering processes, ensure high-quality design reviews, and work directly with program leadership to deliver a successful program outcome. Responsibilities Lead the structural development of a hypersonic vehicle, including conducting trade studies, defining structural layouts, and driving key technical decisions for the structures subsystem. Serve as the final technical decision-maker for the structures subsystem, ensuring robust, safe, and efficient structural solutions. Guide and collaborate with a diverse team of mechanical and manufacturing engineers to integrate structural designs with mechanical systems and manufacturing processes. Plan and lead structural design reviews to successfully advance the program through design maturation, manufacturing, and flight test phases. Develop and lead the structural systems engineering approach, including creating and dispositioning structural requirements and managing mass properties. Guide configuration management of structural models and data, ensuring consistency, traceability, and alignment with program requirements. Review and approve structural documents, reports, and analyses, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance with standards and program objectives. Establish and maintain engineering and design best practices and standards for the structures team. Assess structural technical risks and make informed decisions on waiving or approving ground testing based on risk assessments. Work hand-in-hand with program responsible engineers and the Chief Engineer to drive the program toward successful technical and schedule outcomes. Provide regular and comprehensive communication to the program Chief Engineer on structural status, risks, and mitigation plans. Collaborate with and provide technical leadership to subcontractors involved in structural design, analysis, and manufacturing. Contribute to risk management activities, identifying structural risks and developing mitigation strategies. Support the rapid development of prototype or experimental flight vehicles, including full life-cycle involvement on at least one program. Travel as needed to support program reviews, supplier visits, testing, and other program activities. Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and consistent fulfillment of commitments in all aspects of the role. Work effectively within a small engineering team where each member often has multiple responsibilities, contributing across disciplines as needed. Work independently, taking initiative and prioritizing tasks to align with business and program goals. Adapt quickly to changing priorities and evolving program needs while maintaining high technical standards. Essential Skills Proven experience in structural engineering for aerospace applications, including metallic structures design, analysis, and manufacturing. Significant experience with the rapid development of prototype or experimental flight vehicles, with full life-cycle involvement on at least one program. Significant experience serving as a design engineering lead and/or analyst on a structures team. Knowledge of and experience with one or more of the following disciplines: mechanical design, structures, mechanical systems, structural-thermal analysis, aircraft systems, aircraft operations, or launch vehicle integration. Experience providing technical aerospace leadership, including working with subcontractors on structural design and analysis activities. Experience with risk management, including identification, assessment, and mitigation of structural and program risks. Experience working in small engineering teams where individuals manage multiple responsibilities and collaborate across disciplines. Strong mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering experience, with experience in aerospace structural and airframe design. 3D CAD experience, with proficiency in tools such as Siemens NX (preferred) and associated product data management tools such as Teamcenter. Proficiency with MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Experience using configuration management systems such as JIRA, GIT, JAMA, or similar tools. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present technical information to diverse stakeholders. Ability to acquire and maintain a security clearance, and to work with sensitive or controlled technical information as required. Ability to work independently, exercise sound engineering judgment, and prioritize tasking to fit within business and program goals. Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced development environment. Additional Skills & Qualifications Degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related engineering discipline. Experience with hypersonic and/or supersonic vehicle development. Experience with air-launched vehicle development and associated structural considerations. Experience with composite structures design, analysis, and manufacturing in addition to metallic structures. Experience with personnel management and small team leadership, including mentoring and developing other engineers. Active Secret, Top Secret (TS), and/or Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance. experience in aerospace design, including aircraft and airframe structures and aerospace structural analysis. Experience with aerospace mechanical systems and aircraft operations, supporting integrated vehicle performance and safety. Familiarity with launch vehicle integration, including structural interfaces and load paths. Demonstrated integrity, responsibility, and reliability in delivering engineering commitments and meeting program milestones. Work Environment This is a full-time, long-term role within a highly collaborative engineering organization focused on advanced flight vehicle development. The Structural Engineer reports to a Chief Engineer or Program Manager and works closely with mechanical, manufacturing, and program engineering teams. The environment emphasizes rapid development of prototype and experimental flight vehicles, with exposure to the full product lifecycle from concept through flight test. You will use modern engineering tools and technologies, including 3D CAD (such as Siemens NX), product data management systems (such as Teamcenter), configuration management platforms (such as

JIRA, GIT, JAMA

), and standard office productivity software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). The culture supports a family-like, team-oriented atmosphere with a strong focus on integrity, accountability, and collaboration. The organization offers a range of perks and benefits, including health and wellness programs and access to a gym, designed to support long-term employee engagement and well-being. Travel may be required to support program activities, supplier engagements, testing, and design reviews. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Mojave, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $180000.00 - $250000.00/yr. 9/80 schedule Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs) Paid Maternity and Parental Leave 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500 Tuition reimbursement Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Mojave,CA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.