Aircraft Structures Engineer

Job Description

Natilus is building the next generation of aviation through the development of blended-wing-body aircraft, delivering a step-change in overall efficiency. Our growing family of aircraft is designed to make air travel more sustainable while fundamentally improving the economics of commercial flight and the operational effectiveness of defense logistics.

By combining advanced aerodynamics with innovative design, Natilus aircraft achieve exceptional fuel efficiency, increased payload capacity, and seamless compatibility with existing airport infrastructure. With hundreds of aircraft valued in the billions of dollars already on order, we are redefining how aircraft are designed, built, and operated, representing a meaningful evolution in modern aviation

Work Summary:

Natilus is seeking a Aircraft Structures Engineer to join our team in San Diego, CA. In this role, you will be focused on the detailed design, analysis, and structural optimization of composite and metallic airframe components. You will take ownership of a variety of parts from initial design through to first flight, working closely with the manufacturing and analysis teams.

Main Responsibilities:

Apply technical knowledge to the aircraft structural design from concept through first flight

Create and maintain CAD models and drawings of advanced aircraft components and assemblies

Produce airframe structural layouts and configurations including joint layouts, preliminary structure sizing, interface controls, and assembly definitions

Develop detailed designs of composite parts for manufacturing

Coordinate and collaborate with members of the manufacturing and analysis teams

Manage tolerance stackups

Meet engineering deliverables, identify issues, and operate corrective actions as needed

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of experience as an airframe design engineer or in a closely related role

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience

Strong foundational understanding of aircraft load paths and structural behavior

Experience designing bolted and bonded joints

Expert-level knowledge of composite structures, including detailed design and fabrication methods

Proficiency with NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks

Experience with rapid prototype aircraft structures from conceptual and preliminary design through build

Experience with design-for-build manufacturing, determinate assembly, manufacturing planning, and tooling design

Experience performing initial part and joint sizing using hand calculations or FEA

Familiarity with FAA Part 23 and 25 requirements

Desired Experience:

Kickoff through production program experience

Rapid prototype program experience

Hands-on build experience

Structural testing experience

Core Behaviors:

Build trust through ownership, transparency, and follow-through

Communicates clearly, directly, and respectfully across teams

Lead by example and model expected behaviors

Ability to give and receive direct, constructive feedback

Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with evolving priorities

Travel Requirements:

Occasional travel and on-site work at the local hangar may be required

Benefits

Health Care Plan (Medica, Dental, Vision)

Retirement Plan – 401k

Unlimited PTO

Onsite Gym Access

Natilus Inc. hires solely based on qualifications, merit and competence. Natilus Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Natilus Inc. does not hire on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Please note: Recruiters will never ask for sensitive personal or financial information during the application phase

Full-time