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Senior Airframe Architect

Greensboro, NC

What is JetZero? 

Today’s aircraft contribute around 4% of global CO2 emissions, equivalent to the emissions of 200 million cars. This is only going to increase: Air travel is forecasted to double by 2050, while meaningful efficiency gains using current airplanes have hit a wall. 

JetZero is developing a blended-wing body (BWB) aircraft. It uses up to 50% less fuel and will be built to accommodate zero-emission hydrogen propulsion. JetZero is the inevitable solution to sustainable air travel. 

The JetZero team 

We are experienced aerospace professionals and engineers, excited about the future. That future will only be possible if we share our vision and what it means to people’s lives: carbon-free flight that' is better for both passengers and airlines around the world. 

As a Senior Airframe Architect, you will be responsible for design, review, and approval of aircraft primary and secondary structures.  

We are seeking a visionary Senior Airframe Architect to lead the structural architecture for our next-generation Blended Wing Body (BWB) aircraft program. This role is central to shaping the future of large-scale BWB platforms and will carry dual responsibility:

  1. Defining the overall BWB airframe structural architecture and integration approach.
  2. Refining and continuing to develop the company’s composites Materials & Processes (M&P) capability, including specifications, test methods, and certification strategy.

The successful candidate will be both a technical authority and organizational builder, driving innovation in airframe design while laying the foundation for long-term structural technology leadership.

What You'll Do:

  • Airframe Architecture & Configuration
    • Mature the structural layout of the BWB, balancing novel load paths, aeroelastic stability, and system integration.
    • Lead multidisciplinary trade studies (aero, propulsion integration, fuel volume, payload, structural efficiency).
    • Ensure manufacturability, maintainability, safety, and compliance are embedded from the outset.
    • Oversee structural integration of major subsystems: landing gear, propulsion, cabin/cargo, systems, and EWIS.
  • Composites M&P Leadership
    • Refine the composites technology base for the program, including materials selection, structural concepts, and process capability.
    • Build upon internal M&P specifications for prepreg, out-of-autoclave, AFP, stitched composites, and hybrid material systems.
    • Oversee and execute coupon, element, subcomponent, and full-scale structural test programs, ensuring certification-ready data sets.
    • Manage material allowables databases and certification methodology in alignment with regulatory authorities (FAA/EASA).
  • Certification & Compliance
    • Refine the structural certification strategy for a novel BWB platform under Part 25 transport regulations.
    • Engage with regulators to establish compliance approaches for unconventional configurations and manufacturing processes.
    • Guide the team through structural substantiation, safety analysis, and durability & damage tolerance requirements.
  • Cross-Functional Integration
    • Work closely with aerodynamics, stability & control, propulsion integration, and loads & dynamics teams to ensure coherent design.
    • Drive interface management across disciplines and major structural assemblies.
    • Act as the technical bridge between conceptual design, detailed engineering, and manufacturing development.
  • Leadership & Mentorship
    • Serve as the technical authority for airframe and composites architecture within the program.
    • Build and mentor a high-performing airframe and M&P team, growing in-house capability from the ground up.
    • Represent the airframe function to executives, partners, and external stakeholders.

What You Bring:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering (PhD preferred).
  • 20+ years in aircraft structural design, configuration architecture, and/or materials engineering.
  • Proven track record in large composite airframe development, ideally including certification under Part 25.
  • Experience developing M&P specifications, test programs, and structural allowables.
  • Strong familiarity with advanced composites manufacturing methods: AFP, resin infusion, stitching, OOA, hybrid metallic-composite concepts.
  • Knowledge of multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) and structural sizing methods.
  • Experience interfacing with FAA/EASA certification authorities for composite structures.
  • Demonstrated leadership in building technical teams and organizational capability.

Preferred Skills & Experience

  • Direct experience with novel configurations (BWB, truss-braced wing, high aspect ratio concepts).
  • Hands-on background in full-scale test planning and execution.
  • Familiarity with digital thread approaches (CAD/FEA/PLM) for composites.
  • Strong ability to manage technology maturation roadmaps (TRL advancement).

Compensation: 

Our compensation package is a blend of base salary and equity options for eligible employees. The range for this role is $170,000-215,000. We consider a number of factors when presenting a final offer, including geography, internal equity and years of experience and expertise.  

Benefits 

  • Unlimited PTO 
  • 10 paid holidays 
  • 401(k) 
  • Medical, Dental, Life health insurance 
  • Disability Insurance 
  • Life Insurance 
  • Equity tax advisory services 
  • Supportive work culture 

 

The Interview Process  

We want our interview process to be a true reflection of our culture: transparent and collaborative. Throughout the interview process, your recruiter will guide you through the next steps and ensure you feel prepared every step of the way.  

  • Our First Chat: During this first conversation, you’ll meet with a recruiter or hiring team member to chat through your background, what you could bring to our team, what you are looking for in your next role, and who we are.  
  • The Hiring Manager Interview: You will meet with your potential future boss to really dive into the role, the team, expectations, and what success means at JetZero. This is your chance to really nerd out with someone in your field.  
  • The Panel: Learn more about the team, responsibilities, and workflows. You should be prepared to speak about past projects, how you collaborate and communicate with others, and how you live our values. Depending on the team and role you are interviewing for, you may meet with several teammates as well as cross-functional partners.  
  • The Executive Review: A chance to meet an executive and view JetZero from a different lens. Be prepared to ask well-thought-out questions about the company, culture, and more. 

Depeneding on the position you are interviewing for, there may also be a Take Home Exercise as part of the interview proccess. Our assessments seek to test the hard skills required to do the job. Your recruiter will inform you of which assessment you will be assigned and ensure you are fully prepared for your big day.  

JetZero does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. 

At JetZero, we value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment & do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws, ordinance, or regulation.

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