Mechanical Design Engineer, Structures & Airframe

At Heart Aerospace, we’re shaping the future of sustainable aviation with the ES-30 — a regional hybrid-electric airplane built to carry 30 passengers with a 200 km all-electric, zero-emission range and an extended 400 km hybrid range . Heart is targeting type certification of the ES-30 by the end of the decade.

Your Mission

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, Structures & Airframe, you’ll own the hardware product lifecycle from concept to production  — driving the design, analysis, manufacturing support, and validation of our primary structural components while focusing on designing the fuselage, wings, and empennage in-house, blending advanced composite materials with aluminum substructures for strength and efficiency. This role is ideal for a self-driven, adaptable engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and loves turning bold ideas into certified reality. We are targeting 2 hired for the role.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the design of aircraft structures (fuselage, wings, empennage) from concept to production
• Develop innovative solutions optimizing weight, cost, and performance
• Create & release NX/Team center designs, drawings, and documentation
• Define structural requirements, specs, and test plans (DVP&R) with minimal guidance
• Analyze load cases, materials, and test data to ensure reliability
• Resolve complex structural issues with robust, production-ready designs
• Perform FEA and hand calculations for static, dynamic, and fatigue analyses
• Lead and interpret structural testing with clear data reporting
• Support manufacturing process development and collaborate with shop floor teams
• Contribute to best practices for structural design and analysis

 You'll Bring These Qualifications For Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, Structures & Airframe:

• Sr/Staff Level - 5-8 years professional experience in the design of primary structure for vehicles
• Managing projects with a high-level over-view and attention to design mechanical processes(implementing documentation, critical thinking, project leadership etc.)
• Expertise in Siemens NX or equivalent CAD tools (CATIA, Creo, SolidWorks)
• Strong knowledge of engineering fundamentals, structural mechanics, and first principles
• Deep understanding of composites (CFRP, fiberglass) and metallic materials
• Proficiency in GD&T, manufacturing fundamentals, and DFMEA
• Excellent communication skills (English, written & verbal)
• Proven ability to lead technical efforts and collaborate cross-functionally
• Passion for aircraft design and commitment to Heart’s sustainability mission
• Strong understanding of mechanical manufacturing fundamentals,
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Passion for aircraft and Heart’s mission.

 You'll Bring These Qualifications For Mechanical Design Engineer, Structures & Airframe:

• Jr - Mid Level - 2-5 years professional experience in design of primary structure for vehicles.
• Expertise in Siemens NX or equivalent CAD tools (CATIA, Creo, SolidWorks)
• Strong knowledge of engineering fundamentals, structural mechanics, and first principles
• Deep understanding of composites (CFRP, fiberglass) and metallic materials
• Proficiency in GD&T, manufacturing fundamentals, and DFMEA
• Excellent communication skills (English, written & verbal)
• Proven ability to lead technical efforts and collaborate cross-functionally
• Passion for aircraft design and commitment to Heart’s sustainability mission

These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have:

• Familiarity with FAA/EASA certification processes
• Experience with structural testing, instrumentation, and data analysis
• Proficiency with FEA tools and manual verification methods
• Hands-on experience with composite and aluminum part production
• Knowledge of NDT techniques and mechanical characterization
• Experience with NX and CATIA or other advanced CAD platforms

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Advanced degree preferred

Base Pay Range:

$116,000 – $216,000 USD