Lead Engineer I - Structures

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of UAV airframes, including primary and secondary structural components.
• Perform structural analysis using analytical and computational methods to ensure design integrity and compliance with performance requirements.
• Create, update, and maintain 3D models and 2D drawings using CAD tools (preferably SolidWorks, Catia), ensuring adherence to ASME Y14 standards and GD&T.
• Develop and implement design processes, standards, and best practices for structural design and documentation.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, project managers, and manufacturing teams to meet airframe design objectives and resolve design challenges.
• Support Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and ensure compatibility with various manufacturing techniquesmetallic, composite, sheet metal, and 3D printing.
• Contribute to Product Data Management (PDM) / Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) activities, including engineering change management and documentation.
• Prepare and review design documentation for internal and external design reviews.
• Provide in-situ design modifications during assembly and assist in converting prototype components into production-ready versions.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives, standardizing data control and exchange practices.
• Mentor junior engineers and support cross-functional integration of structural and subsystem requirements.
  

Must-Have Technical Skills

• Strong foundation in Strength of Materials, Aircraft Structures, Composite Materials, Vibrations & Structural Dynamics, Aeroelasticity, and Rigid Body Dynamics.
• Basic knowledge of basic aerodynamics and conceptual UAV design principles.
• Proficiency in CAD tools: SolidWorks (highly preferred), Catia.
• Familiarity with DFM, DFA, FMEA, and quality metrics in aerospace design.
• Experience in optimization techniques for multi-disciplinary systems and structural members using computational methods.
• Proven ability to work on end-to-end structural design from high-level requirements to detailed engineering deliverables.
• Exposure to structural testing and design feedback loops.
• Experience with Engineering Change Management within PDM/PLM systems.
  

Desirable / Added Advantages

• Exposure to JSS standards in aerospace design.
• Experience in prototyping to product transition for UAV components or assemblies.
• Familiarity with 3D printing and emerging manufacturing techniques.
• Hands-on experience with aero-modelling or hardware projects related to mechanical/aerospace systems.
• Ability to lead small design teams, review deliverables, and delegate tasks effectively.
• Experience/Exposure with CAE/FEA tools such as NASTRAN or equivalent for structural validation.
  

Key Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and detail-oriented.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Eagerness to implement and uphold industry-standard data control and design practices.
  

Basic Requirement (education & Relevant Experience)

• Bachelors or Masters in Aerospace/Aeronautical/Mechanical engineering with