Configuration Design Engineer

We are seeking a highly motivated Configuration Design Engineer for our Air Dominance & Strike hardware engineering organization.

In this role, you will be responsible for the early-stage conceptual layout, sizing, and multi-disciplinary vehicle design of next-generation Group 5 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and advanced missile platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the physical layout, sizing, and configuration design of new air vehicles and missile systems from concept to preliminary design.
• Develop parametric CAD models, complex surface models, and high-fidelity Outer Mold Line (OML) and Inner Mold Line (IML) lofts using NX pdf.
• Conduct rapid multi-disciplinary trade studies to evaluate engine selection, propulsion path integration, planform geometry, control effector layouts, structural joints, landing gear, and weapons integration.
• Drive spatial integration across subsystem teams, managing keep-in/keep-out zones for avionics, fuel, and payload systems.
• Support downstream engineering analyses by providing clean surface models optimized for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Electromagnetic (RF/IR signature) evaluations.
• Incorporate survivability principles into early-stage designs, optimizing vehicle shaping, transitions, gaps, and treatments for RF and IR signature reduction.
• Estimate mass properties, center of gravity (CG), and stability margins.
• Partner with Chief Engineers, systems engineers, and customers to translate operational requirements into elegant, affordable, and mission-capable design concepts.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in conceptual or preliminary design of aircraft, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or missile systems.
• Strong, hands-on proficiency in 3D parametric CAD modeling and advanced surfacing (Siemens NX preferred, CATIA, or Creo).
• Demonstrated experience executing multi-disciplinary trade studies covering aerodynamics, propulsion integration, structures, and mass properties.
• Proven ability to work in rapid development, prototyping, or "Skunk Works" style engineering environments.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional technical reviews.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• Strong background in design-for-survivability, including low-observable (LO) shaping, RF/IR signature reduction, and integration of specialized treatments.
• Experience utilizing multi-disciplinary design, analysis, and optimization (MDAO) methodologies and parametric sizing tools (e.g., MATLAB, Isight, HEEDS).
• Experience with composite/metallic material selection, structural joints, and drafting standards including GD&T.
• Active U.S. Secret or Top Secret Security Clearance.

Benefits

• Competitive salary: $129,000-$171,000 USD per year
• Highly competitive equity grants
• Top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including health, recovery, and other support