Lead UAV Airframe Engineer

2w2 weeks ago

Edge Autonomy

San Luis Obispo, US · Full-time · $155,000 – $195,000

About this role

The Airframe Lead serves as the mechanical engineering lead for the Air Vehicle Integrated Product Team (IPT). This role holds end-to-end technical responsibility for airframe architecture, structural design, and mechanical integration of the aircraft. It owns the airframe technical baseline from concept through flight test and production.

The Airframe Lead acts as the primary technical authority for airframe-related decisions. Interfaces closely with systems, propulsion, avionics, manufacturing, and test disciplines. Translates program requirements into a cohesive, certifiable, and producible airframe solution.

Leads structural and mechanical design efforts for primary and secondary structures, joints, load paths, and interfaces. Oversees composite and metallic designs, material selection, and manufacturing methods. Ensures integration of propulsion, avionics, payloads, landing gear, and subsystems.

Guides structural analysis for loads, stress, vibration, and fatigue. Defines test strategies from component to full-scale and supports ground and flight tests. Partners with manufacturing for tooling, DFM, DFA, and production readiness.

Serves as primary interface to systems engineering, program management, and leadership. Mentors airframe engineers while communicating technical risks and recommendations to stakeholders. Drives closure of discrepancies and nonconformances.

Requirements

Expertise in airframe system architecture and structural design philosophy for UAVs
Proficiency in requirements flowdown, trade studies, and design margins for airframes
Experience leading structural and mechanical design of primary and secondary structures
Knowledge of composite and metallic material selection and manufacturing methods
Familiarity with structural analysis including loads, stress, vibration, and fatigue
Ability to define and execute component, subscale, and full-scale structural testing
Understanding of propulsion, avionics, and payload integration into airframes
Skills in design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-assembly (DFA) for aerospace

Responsibilities

Serve as the mechanical engineering lead for the Air Vehicle IPT, owning airframe technical direction and decision-making
Define and maintain the airframe system architecture, structural design philosophy, and mechanical integration strategy
Own airframe requirements flowdown, trade studies, and design margins
Lead structural and mechanical design efforts including primary and secondary structures, joints, load paths, and interfaces
Ensure proper integration of propulsion, avionics, payloads, landing gear, and other subsystems into the airframe
Oversee composite and metallic structural designs, including material selection and manufacturing methods
Guide structural analysis activities (loads, stress, vibration, fatigue) and define structural test strategies
Partner with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure producible designs and support production transition