Senior Airframe and Structures Engineer

Senior Airframe & Structures Engineer

DZYNE Technologies is leading the future of autonomous defense. Based in Irvine, California, we develop and manufacture advanced airborne and ground-based defense solutions deployed in over 50 countries. Backed by U.S. Government Programs of Record, our technologies are field-proven, scalable, and production-ready. We're growing fast and looking for innovators ready to make an impact. At DZYNE, you'll join a culture built on collaboration, integrity, and purpose. We celebrate wins, value diverse perspectives, and support every team member's success. Ready to do work that matters? Join us.

Position: Senior Airframe & Structures Engineer

Location: Irvine, CA

Position Description: We are seeking a Senior Airframe & Structures Engineer to design, modify, and integrate aircraft structures for unmanned aerial systems. This role focuses on detailed airframe and structural design, subsystem packaging, and hands-on support of build and test activities, working under the technical direction of Technical Lead. The ideal candidate is comfortable owning significant portions of an airframe or subsystem, collaborating closely with Aerodynamics, Electrical, Manufacturing, and Test teams, and executing designs within an established architectural framework.

Responsibilities:

• Design and modify airframe and structural components, including brackets, mounts, panels, and load-bearing assemblies.
• Package electrical, avionics, propulsion, and mechanical subsystems into assigned airframe volumes.
• Generate detailed CAD models, engineering drawings, and release packages in accordance with configuration processes.
• Perform first-principles sizing, basic structural analysis, and trade studies for assigned components or subsystems.
• Support fabrication, assembly, ground testing, and flight testing with hands-on troubleshooting.
• Incorporate feedback from testing, manufacturing, and integration into design updates.
• Collaborate cross-functionally while escalating architectural or platform-level decisions to Technical Lead.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 7+ years of professional experience in aerospace, UAVs, or complex electromechanical systems.
• Strong experience with mechanical design using 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Working knowledge of aircraft structures and lightweight design principles.
• Experience packaging mechanical and electrical components into constrained structures.
• Working knowledge of GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Ability to clearly document designs, analyses, and engineering changes.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

• Experience with composite or lightweight metallic aircraft structures.
• Familiarity with basic aircraft aerodynamics and structural load paths.
• Experience supporting hardware through build and test cycles.
• Exposure to structural analysis tools or FEA (not required to be an expert).
• UAV or military aircraft experience.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) from an accredited university.
• At least 7 years engineering experience in aerospace or related technology field with at least 3 years' experience in a rapid development environment.

Clearance Level Required: No

Travel: 10%

Working Conditions: The diversity of work conditions may range from an environment where there is little or no physical discomfort, such as a general office environment or warehouse. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Must have the ability to stand, climb, occasionally lift a minimum of 25 lbs.
• Regularly required to crouch and reach to install/move equipment by bending forward at the waist or by bending legs and spine
• Involves movement between departments, floors, and worksites to facilitate work.
• May be performing physical activities including, but not limited to, heavy lifting and moving of items, climbing in and out of equipment, crawling, and working outdoors

Salary: $120,000– $180,000 annually

Salary depends on relevant work experience, education, training, essential skills, and/or other factors such as specialized or high-demand professions. In addition to the annual salary, the position will be eligible for an annual bonus. The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of salary or annual bonus.

Benefits: Our benefits are DZYNE'ed for your overall health and financial wellness. DZYNE provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, employee life and accidental death, and disability. DZYNE provides paid time off and paid holidays. Additionally, DZYNE offers a 401K plan with an employer match.

DZYNE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, DZYNE Technologies complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which our company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.