Aircraft Structures Engineering Lead

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 Engineering Lead to join our team in San Diego, CA. In this role, you will be responsible for the overall structural design strategy, trade studies, and execution. You will lead a team of engineers and take technical ownership of the overall airframe approach and schedule, from part design through to first flight. You will be the primary point of contact when interfacing with suppliers and manufacturing and help lead structural analysis and modeling efforts.  

Main Responsibilities:

• Apply technical knowledge to the aircraft structural design from concept through first flight
• Provide technical leadership and oversight for the Kona airframe design team
• Assign work, set priorities, and mentor engineers to ensure timely, high-quality execution
• Communicate and collaborate closely with the executive team including CEO and Head of Engineering
• Manage engineering deliverables, identify issues, and drive corrective actions as needed
• Lead and contribute to aircraft structural design

Requirements

• Minimum of 10  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