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Principal Structures Design Engineer - Aerospace

  2026-05-04     Hatched Recruitment Group     Long Beach,CA  
Description:

Own the structural design of a first-of-its-kind aircraft and play a defining role in bringing hybrid-electric aviation to market. This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior, high-impact position where your work directly contributes to one of the most important transitions in modern aerospace — reducing emissions without compromising performance.

You'll operate at the forefront of innovation, with real ownership, visible impact, and a clear path to technical leadership as the company scales.

The Opportunity

An emerging aerospace company is developing hybrid-electric propulsion systems designed to transform existing aircraft into significantly more fuel-efficient platforms — offering a practical, near-term path to sustainable aviation.

With proven flight hours, strong market demand, and fresh funding secured, the business is now entering a critical phase: certification and scale-up. They are seeking a Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer to take ownership of structural engineering across a flagship aircraft program.

This is not a narrow, siloed role. You'll be the go-to expert for structures — working across design, analysis, testing, and certification — with direct exposure to executive leadership and the opportunity to build and lead a team over time.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Own structural design and analysis for aircraft modifications, from concept through certification
  • Lead stress analysis (hand calculations and FEA) and produce substantiation reports for regulatory approval
  • Design and release components including engine mounts, landing gear structures, battery enclosures, and airframe modifications
  • Work hands-on with prototypes, supporting build, integration, and flight test activities
  • Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams across propulsion, systems, and manufacturing
  • Engage directly with suppliers on component development, procurement, and validation
  • Mentor junior engineers and help shape the future structures team

What They're Looking For

  • 5–10+ years of experience in mechanical or structural engineering within aerospace
  • Full lifecycle experience: design (CAD), analysis, and real-world implementation
  • Strong background in fixed-wing aircraft structures (e.g., mounts, cowls, landing gear, airframe components)
  • Experience with FEA and hand calculations for metallic structures
  • Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks or similar) and engineering drawing standards
  • Exposure to certification processes (FAA Part 23 or similar) is highly advantageous
  • Comfortable operating in a hands-on, fast-paced environment with high ownership

Why This Role Stands Out

  • Own a critical technical domain at a pivotal moment — not just contribute, but lead
  • Work on a real, certifiable product already proven in flight, not a concept or long-term bet
  • Operate across the full engineering lifecycle, from early design through to flight testing and certification
  • Join a small, high-calibre team where your work is visible and directly shapes outcomes
  • Clear pathway to leadership, with scope to build and scale a team under you
  • Be part of a mission with real-world impact, accelerating the transition to sustainable aviation


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