Senior Mechanical / Structures Engineer

Senior Mechanical / Structures EngineerLocation: Full-time On-Site (CA)Type: Full-Time | Founding Team OpportunityFloat is an early-stage aerospace company developing advanced airship systems for large-scale cargo applications. We are focused on solving hard aerospace problems and translating ambitious concepts into real, tested hardware. Our team is small, execution-driven, and building a new airship platform from first principles.The RoleAs a Senior Mechanical / Structures Engineer, you will be a core contributor to the design and realization of Float’s airship platform. This is a deeply hands-on role focused on structural design, materials, and manufacturability at scale, working closely with the Lead Aerospace Engineer and founding team.You will take ownership of critical structural subsystems and be responsible for designing them not only to perform, but to be repeatable, buildable, and scalable. You will see designs through the full lifecycle — from early analysis and trade studies to physical prototyping, testing, and iteration.ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop structural and mechanical subsystems for a large-scale cargo airship with an emphasis on scalable productionCreate CAD and structural designs that balance performance, weight, cost, and manufacturabilityContribute to load case development, weight optimization, and structural trade studies to support both prototype and production configurationsDrive design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-assembly (DFA) decisions with the goal of supporting hundreds of units per yearBuild and evaluate physical prototypes and proof-of-concept scale modelsParticipate directly in fabrication, assembly, and testing of structural hardwareAssist in developing and executing structural test plans, instrumentation, and validation proceduresWork closely with aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams to ensure designs transition cleanly from prototype to production intentQualificationsDegree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent real-world experienceStrong background in structural or mechanical design for complex, load-bearing systemsProven experience taking designs from CAD to physical hardware, including hands-on prototyping and testingDemonstrated ability to design parts and assemblies with manufacturing scale and repeatability in mindProficiency with CAD tools, structural analysis, and basic stress/deflection calculationsSolid understanding of materials, GD&T, tolerances, and manufacturing processesComfortable working in fast-moving, early-stage environments where requirements evolveStrong engineering judgment, problem-solving ability, and attention to detailNice to HaveExperience with composites or lightweight structures for production useBackground in aerospace, robotics, or other hardware programs that progressed beyond one-off prototypesFamiliarity with structural testing, instrumentation, and validationPrior experience scaling a physical product from prototype toward productionExperience at an aerospace startup or skunkworks-style engineering teamWhy Join UsThis is a rare opportunity to shape the core engineering DNA of a company redefining how cargo moves across the planet. You’ll take on meaningful responsibility early, build groundbreaking vehicles, and grow alongside a world-class team pioneering the future of sustainable air mobility.