Aircraft Structural Design Engineer

Until 9/19/2026 First posted July 21, 2026 Last posted July 21, 2026
Job description
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems. 

We have an exciting career opportunity for a highly motivated, experienced Aircraft Structures Design Engineer within our AeroStructures Design Team located in Poway, CA. This position will develop high performance component and assembly designs for new and/or modifications to existing air vehicles, payload integrations, and advanced technology concepts. The position focuses on designing, validating, and documenting aircraft primary and secondary structural designs using both composite and metallic materials.  Design by analysis methods, which include the use of CAD and integrated finite element tools to develop high performance structures.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Self-starter and detail oriented. 
  • Create, review, and maintain design packages. 
  • Document designs and interface studies using appropriate information sourced from various inputs.
  • Perform airframe structural layouts, sizing, and detail analyses to validate structural load paths and strength margins in a rapid paced environment. 
  • Deliver high quality, error-free designs using concise documentation; ensuring compliance with engineering principles, military, and company standards. 
  • Assignments will include conceptual assembly / part design, detail assembly / part design, primary structural layout, trade study analysis, as well as weight and cost sensitivity efforts. 
  • General oversight and/or hands-on involvement during the manufacture of prototype hardware at product manufacturing and integration sites.
  • Maintain and improve company standards and design guides after completion of each assignment.
  • Position requires proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance and drawing standards, including Model Based Definition; e.g., ASME Y14.1, ASME Y14.2, ASME Y14.5, ASME Y14.37, and ASME Y14.41.
  • Position requires working knowledge of classical and numerical (Finite Element) stress analysis methods. 
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) required. 
  • Fundamental knowledge of composite and metallic materials and structural joints. 
  • Passion for mentoring less experienced engineers and working with other designers to effectively execute designs.
  • Capable of working within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment, interfacing with IPT leadership, suppliers, and other technical disciplines to independently prepare/status and/or lead the preparation of engineering design solutions to challenging problems through the development of Product Definition Packages. 
  • Can accept broad objectives with reasonable deadlines, but establishes and communicates the tasks required and how they should be completed. 
  • Must demonstrate the ability to document and present information in a concise manner appropriate for leadership review. 
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.



 
About this role

Summary

Design, analyze, and document aircraft structures using CAD and finite element tools.

Job title

Aircraft Structural Design Engineer

Experience level

experienced

Industry

aerospace

Location requirements

Poway, CA, no remote work allowed

Salary

Not specified

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

CADfinite element analysisgeometric dimensioning and tolerancingASME standardsMicrosoft Office

Preferred skills

None specified

Specializations

structural designfinite element analysiscomposite materialsmetallic materials
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Poway, CA, USA

On-site City