Senior/Principal Mechanical Engineer, Aircraft Structures
Ampaire
Other Engineering
Long Beach, CA, USA
Posted on Feb 4, 2026
Ampaire Inc. Senior/Principal Mechanical Engineer, Aircraft Structures Long Beach, CA · Full time
Ampaire is seeking a Senior/Principal Mechanical Engineer, Aircraft Structures. This role will lead the development of prototype and certification conforming mechanical hardware and structural safety analyses. Key qualifications include leadership experience with mechanical/structural engineering on aircraft certification projects. The role is based at our Long Beach Airport headquarters. Principal Engineer level for candidates that meet more of the optional qualifications.
About Ampaire Inc.
Ampaire, Inc. is developing high performance, zero emission aircraft to transform the landscape of aviation. With key innovations in energy storage, propulsion, and aircraft architecture, our team is maximizing the potential of the aircraft industry.
Description
Role and Responsibilities:
- Lead the design of primary and secondary aircraft structures including engine mount frames, cowls, fairings, and aeroshells
- Lead and oversee structural analysis using hand calculations and FEA
- Create and defend reports on aircraft structures compliant with FAA regulations
- Oversee the creation of and release of engineering drawings
- Specify the materials, processes, and quality requirements for structural parts
- Develop manufacturing plans, assist with development of prototype and production parts
- Develop and oversee structural qualification tests.
- Provide production and field support including MRB disposition for structural parts.
- Mentor associate mechanical engineers
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
- 5+ years of increasing responsibilities in structural design, fabrication, and validation
- Proficient in aircraft structural design and analysis methods using CAD, hand calcs, and FEA
- Proficient with aircraft structural materials including metallics and composites.
- Familiar with MMPDS
- Expert In drafting standards and ANSI Y14.5
- Familiar with FAA regulations for aircraft structures
- Experience with structural manufacturing methods and processes
- Experience with MRB dispositions
- Proficient with Solidworks, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Interest and ability to contribute to evolving work process development
Desired Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
- 10+ years of increasing responsibilities including oversight of designers, analysts and drafters
- FAA structural DER
- Successful FAA Certification of aircraft structures compliant with Part 23
- Hands on composite fabrication experience
- Structural qualification test experience
- Proficient with NX CAD, Altair and Nastran FEA, requirements management tools and project management applications
- Familiarity with thermal design considerations of engine nacelles
Salary
$160,000 - $260,000 per year
