Senior Airframe Design Engineer

Swarm Aero is redefining air power, building the largest swarming UAV and most versatile swarming aircraft network in the world. The company is moving quickly to launch the first aircraft designed specifically for swarming as well as the Command & Control software to mobilize swarms of thousands of heterogenous autonomous assets and empower human operators to achieve superhuman results.  

The team has created and exited multiple startups, negotiated defense deals worth billions of dollars and designed and built 30+ novel aircraft, with aerospace experience from Scaled Composites, Airbus, Archer Aviation, Blue Origin, and Boom Supersonic.  

Our company is looking for a highly motivated and experienced structures designer to join our team. As a Airframe Design Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and testing flight vehicles. 

What you’ll do:
• Lead the end-to-end design and development of conceptual and preliminary composite structure including interface and system integration.
• Conduct advanced feasibility studies to ensure aircraft designs meet performance, weight, and cost targets.
• Generate CAD models, including structural layout and detailed model-based part definitions, adhering to internal design standards and GD&T.
• Perform initial structure and joints sizing calculation.
• Own the design process from start to release, including conducting design reviews, structural analysis, DFM, and liaising with manufacturing and suppliers.
• Establish and maintain best practices and design standards, streamlining the design process through master files, critical interface models, etc.
• Support fast-paced prototype and production aircraft design with a focus on manufacturability.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure design feasibility, manufacturability, and compliance with certification requirements.
Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in composite structure design for aircraft, spacecraft, or similar vehicles.
• Deep understanding of composite and metal material properties, composite laminate design, composite structure analysis, bonding and joining techniques.
• Strong expertise in CAD software, particularly Siemens NX and Fibersim, or equivalent software.
• Led the design and analysis of composite structures throughout the product lifecycle, from conceptualization to production.
• Hands-on experience with composite part fabrication and bonding.
• Familiarity with aviation industry standards and DoD certification requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Extensive experience in new product development, especially within small, agile teams.
• Experience in composite aircraft manufacturing techniques, including bonded structures.
• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills. Strong design skills using Siemens NX-Fibersim and experience with PLM systems like Teamcenter.
• Comprehensive knowledge of aviation industry practices and DoD certification standards.
• Outstanding communication, time management, collaboration, and leadership abilities, with a proven track record of successfully working in cross-functional teams.

Salary Range: $145,000 - $200,000 + Equity

What we Offer: 

• Meaningful equity stake in a high-growth defense technology company
• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401k
• PTO and Paid Sick Time
• Monthly Wellness Stipend
• Daily catered lunch to office
• Paid Parental leave
• Flexible work arrangement - remote/hybrid with regular collaboration in Oxnard
• Direct impact opportunity - be a key leader in building a critical technology for national security
• World-class team - work alongside exceptional engineers and operators solving hard problems

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy work environment, Swarm Aero conducts a thorough screening of prospective employees. Candidates will be subject to a comprehensive background verification process as a prerequisite for employment.