About this opportunity
Swarm Aero Inc. lists this Lead Structures Design Engineer opportunity in oxnard, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
About this role
We are looking for a lead engineer to own the largest structures on the aircraft. This is the person responsible for major airframe sections: wing, fuselage, and empennage. You will set the design approach for large composite primary structure, make the calls on architecture and joints, and lead other structures engineers to first flight.
This is a hands‑on technical leadership role. You will spend most of your time designing and reviewing structure, not managing. You will also be the senior voice in trades between weight, cost, schedule, and producibility on parts that are measured in meters, not inches.
What you will do
Own the design of major airframe structure: wing box, fuselage sections, empennage, and large bonded assemblies
Define the structural architecture for large composite parts, including laminate strategy, core usage, joint philosophy, and load paths
Lead and mentor a team of structures design engineers, setting standards for models, drawings, and design reviews
Drive trades on part count, tooling approach, and assembly sequence with manufacturing and program leadership
Solve the problems unique to big parts: dimensional control over large spans, thermal growth in cure, handling and fixturing, and transport constraints
Work daily with stress, M&P, and composites manufacturing to close margins and keep the build moving
Own design maturity through PDR, CDR, first article, structural test, and first flight
What we look for
BS or MS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a related engineering field
8+ years designing aircraft structure, with direct ownership of large composite primary structure such as wings, wing boxes, fuselage barrels or panels, or empennage
Deep knowledge of composite design and manufacturing at scale: laminate design, large tool design implications, cure behavior, bonded and bolted joints
Experience leading engineers through a full development cycle, from concept through structural test or flight Nice to have
Experience on a clean-sheet aircraft development program
Familiarity with prepreg, infusion, or out‑of‑autoclave processes for large parts
Experience with FEA tools (Nastran, Abaqus, HyperMesh) or close partnership with stress teams
Experience taking large structure through static and fatigue test
Startup or small‑team experience where you owned major program scope
ITAR requirement
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Swarm Aero is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse backgrounds and experiences and make employment decisions without regard to race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or disability.
What We Offer
Meaningful equity in a high-growth defense technology company
Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
Medical, dental, vision, and 401k
PTO and paid sick leave
Monthly wellness stipend
Daily catered lunch (office)
Paid parental leave
Direct impact on a critical national security mission
A world-class team of engineers and operators solving genuinely hard problems
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Worksite address
oxnard, CA, 93033, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.