Structures Engineer, Air Vehicles (Fastwater Staffing)

Costa Mesa, CA Until 8/23/2026 5+ years exp First posted April 16, 2026 Last posted April 16, 2026
Job description

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

  • Utilize first principle methods and design tools to develop new aircraft products
  • Own development of primary and secondary aircraft structural parts and assemblies (metallic and composite) from preliminary design through prototype manufacturing
  • Perform complex modeling and finite element analysis at the detailed component level, major assembly level, and aircraft level (analysis simulations to include strength, buckling, damage tolerance, and delamination)
  • Apply design for manufacturing concepts to create solutions that are cost effective and easy to manufacture at rate
  • Conduct trade studies and perform design and analysis research of complex engineering concepts to determine an optimal solution for weight, performance, manufacturability, cost, and/or schedule
  • Collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment to solve complex, open-ended problems with an emphasis on schedule and cost objectives
  • Coordinate work with mechanical systems, systems integration, aerodynamics, manufacturing, project engineering, and other team members
  • Onsite engineering support at manufacturing and integration sites

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • B.S. in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of experience in aerospace or related industry
  • Strong technical knowledge in core engineering principles, fundamental mechanics of composite materials, design, analysis, testing, and fabrication
  • Deep understanding of load paths, design practices, and hand calculations to design robust structurally efficient assemblies
  • Proven ability to design high performance structures and execute their fabrication
  • Self-directed, results oriented, and capable of working in a dynamic environment
  • Excellent time management, organizational, and communication skills
  • Ability to obtain and maintain US DoD Secret Clearance or higher

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with clean sheet aircraft configuration
  • Siemens NX proficiency
  • Experience with fast paced prototype design and manufacture of uncrewed aircraft
  • Experience with high temperature materials selection
  • Broad experience across a range of aircraft programs
  • Hands-on experience with manufacturing
  • Practical aircraft knowledge (pilots license, A&P, etc.)
About this role

Summary

Develop aircraft structural parts, perform analysis, collaborate across disciplines, and support manufacturing.

Job title

Structures Engineer, Air Vehicles

Experience level

5+ years

Minimum experience

5+ years exp

Industry

aerospace

Location requirements

Costa Mesa, CA; on-site work only

Salary

Not specified

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

aerospace engineeringfinite element analysiscomposite materialsdesign for manufacturingload paths

Preferred skills

Siemens NXuncrewed aircrafthigh temperature materialsmanufacturing experienceaircraft knowledge

Specializations

aerospacestructural analysiscomposite materialsfinite element analysisdesign for manufacturing
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Costa Mesa, CA, USA

On-site City