Principal Airframe Engineer - IPT Lead [AERO]
Core
Lead airframe structural design and development for a Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA) program, focusing on modularity, producibility, and design-for-mass-manufacture principles.
Role type
Principal Airframe Engineer (IPT Lead)
Builds
Modular airframe systems for distributed production
Domain
Defense / Aerospace
Required skills
Aircraft structural design, structural analysis (static strength, fatigue, damage tolerance), design-for-manufacture (DFM), design-for-assembly (DFA), composite materials, advanced joining methods, airworthiness substantiation, trade studies, risk management
Preferred skills
Modular/attritable aircraft experience, Secret/Top Secret/SCI clearance
Technologies
NASTRAN, FEMAP, FEA tools
Responsibilities
Lead structural design and architecture of modular airframe systems; Define modular design architecture for interchangeable sections; Own structural trade studies balancing performance, weight, and cost; Ensure structural design integrates with propulsion and avionics; Apply DFM/DFA principles to enable high-rate production; Partner with Manufacturing Engineering on joint designs and assembly sequences; Drive decisions to reduce part and fastener counts; Support structural analysis and test programs; Support airworthiness qualification activities; Maintain substantiation documentation; Serve as senior technical authority at design reviews; Partner with cross-functional teams; Manage structural and technical risks.
Seniority
Principal, hands-on IC with leadership responsibilities