Senior Design Engineer

About XTI Aerospace:

XTI Aerospace is a pioneering leader in xVTOL and powered-lift aircraft solutions. We’re developing the TriFan 600, which combines helicopter vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) versatility with the speed, range, and comfort of a fixed-wing aircraft—to redefine regional air travel.

Introducing the TriFan 600 – an xVTOL aircraft that takes off and lands like a helicopter and flies with the speed, range and comfort of an airplane. It’s about time.

If you’re passionate about pioneering aerospace innovation, eager to work on projects that redefine the way we move, and ready to join a company where every role is an opportunity to change the world, then welcome aboard. Explore our career opportunities and be part of a team that’s not just dreaming of the future—we live it.

Role Overview:

The Senior Structural Design Engineer is responsible for the development of airframe structures in a 3D CAD environment. They will perform trade studies, weight optimization, and develop structural joint concepts working alongside stress personnel within an IPT environment. Structural design engineers are responsible for packaging all systems into the airframe, coordinating the routing of systems (such as hydraulics, fuel, and wiring), as well as layout of all fasteners and related hardware. Sound documentation of design decisions, excellent communication skills, and coordination with suppliers is a critical part of this role.

Key Responsibilities

IPT Leadership

• Lead the IPT (Integrated Product Team) to include maturation of structures, related analysis, trade studies, and integration activities supporting the TriFan Demonstrator and type-certification program.
• Coordinate design decisions with other members of the IPT, prepare review material, and participate in design reviews and other related baseline deign milestone events.
• Responsible for the coordination and generation of all design review related materials
• Report to the Chief Engineer to ensure overall integrity of the vehicle design through release and build of the vehicle
• Responsible for coordination with other IPT disciplines including manufacturing engineers, tooling engineers, build team, and stress.
• Responsible for the baseline configuration of the vehicle structural design and related kinematics.
• Good mentoring skills (ability to motivate and train engineering disciplines in air vehicle design process)

Structural Design

• Manage structural configuration, weight optimization, and 3D system packaging.
• Responsible for signature signoff of all engineering artifacts including stress analysis
• Perform manufacturability reviews, support tooling design concepts, and coordinate supplier related activities.
• Actively manage weight and optimization of structural and kinematic concepts.
• Participate in FAA certification processes and support the generation of certification artifacts related to structural, mechanical, and kinematic design.
• Supplier Coordination
• Manage technical engagement with key suppliers to ensure design integrity, cost, and schedule compliance.
• Generate SOW’s as necessary to enable suppliers to bid and perform work activities related to the structural design IPT goals and objectives.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in structural or mechanical design or equivalent.
• Must have at least 7500 hours of NX CAD design experience (required)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• At least 5 years in a leadership role in an engineering environment.
• Expertise in lean engineering and model-based definition (MBD).
• Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace or equivalent years of experience (required)

Immediate Objectives (Next 90 Days)

• Take ownership of the vehicle product structure and BOM
• Generate the preliminary list of trade studies to be executed, and update the engineering release schedule
• Establish a cohesive and accurate Weights Database
• Summarize the status of the vehicle design and coordinate/schedule the Critical Design Review (CDR)

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Wellness Resources
• Stock Option Plan

At XTI Aerospace, we are driven by innovation and the desire to reshape the future of air mobility. If you are passionate about cutting-edge aerospace technology and eager to make an impact on projects like the TriFan 600, we invite you to join our dynamic team. We offer a competitive benefits package, a collaborative work environment, and the opportunity to be at the forefront of sustainable aviation.

XTI Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

To apply, please submit your resume outlining your qualifications and experience. We look forward to exploring how you can contribute to our journey toward a more sustainable and innovative future in aviation.

Note to Recruiters: XTI Aerospace does not accept unsolicited resumes or referrals from placement agencies, staffing vendors or other external parties seeking recruiting fees without a signed formal agreement.