Lead Structures Engineer

ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing a scalable technology platform to power critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. We apply aerospace engineering and quality standards across our products, delivering high performance, reliability, and efficiency for the most demanding operating environments. Astro Mechanica is backed by leading venture and strategic investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Giant Step Capital, United Airlines Ventures, and Voyager Ventures.

WHO WE ARE:

We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Architect primary and secondary composite and metallic structures, making key decisions on load paths, joints, materials, structural arrangement, and manufacturing approach

Define technical direction for aircraft structures and drive key architectural decisions across structural modules, aerodynamics, propulsion, systems, manufacturing, and flight test

Define and drive the structures organization’s execution plan, including headcount and capability needs, work allocation, engineering processes, and operating rhythms; communicate priorities, risks, and decisions effectively both up and down the organization

Support fabrication, assembly, ground testing, and flight test, rapidly incorporating lessons learned into improved designs

Lead technical reviews and resolve complex structural design problems, providing technical direction when requirements, analysis, manufacturing constraints, or test results conflict

Mentor engineers through technical guidance, design reviews, and day-to-day collaboration

Establish and drive engineering standards, design practices, and development processes as the organization grows

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field

10+ years designing aircraft structures, with ownership of significant flight hardware

Demonstrated experience taking structural designs from concept through release, manufacturing, and test

Demonstrated experience leading the technical development of major aircraft structures and driving design decisions across multiple engineers and disciplines

Strong understanding of metallic and composite structural design, structural load paths, manufacturing methods, and joining techniques

Expertise with Siemens NX or equivalent CAD software

Strong first-principles engineering skills, including structural sizing and hand calculations, with a working knowledge of FEA tools such as Femap/Nastran

Sound engineering judgment and the ability to make decisions with incomplete information and evolving requirements

Excellent communication skills and the ability to drive technical decisions across multiple engineering disciplines

A track record of mentoring engineers while remaining a hands-on technical contributor

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field

8+ years designing aircraft structures, with ownership of significant flight hardware

Demonstrated experience taking structural designs from concept through release, manufacturing, and test

Strong understanding of metallic and composite structural design, structural load paths, manufacturing methods, and joining techniques

Expertise with Siemens NX or equivalent CAD software

Strong first-principles engineering skills, including structural sizing and hand calculations, with a working knowledge of FEA tools such as Femap/Nastran

Sound engineering judgment and the ability to make decisions with incomplete information and evolving requirements

Excellent communication skills and the ability to drive technical decisions across multiple engineering disciplines

A track record of mentoring engineers while remaining a hands-on technical contributor

PERKS AND BENEFITS:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

401(k) program and transparent stock option plan

Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.

Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.