{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"349d15e27676dcee93a1234f","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/349d15e27676dcee93a1234f","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/349d15e27676dcee93a1234f","title":"Mechanical & Structural Engineer","description":"Overview\nWardstone is looking for a Mechanical and Structural Engineer to own the mechanical architecture and structural integrity of our first missile interceptor, Hailstorm. This role includes missile interceptor sizing, outer mold line (OML) design, actuator mechanics, internal packaging, and ensuring survivability under extreme flight conditions.\n\nYou will design, analyze, prototype, test, and iterate mechanical systems and structures capable of withstanding high aerodynamic loads, intense vibration, and significant thermal stress.\n\nYou will work side-by-side with the founders, propulsion, aerodynamic, and controls engineers. You will own the on-vehicle mechanical and structural systems from conceptual design to real world demonstration.\n\nWhat You’ll Do\nInterceptor Design & Structural Analysis\n\nSize the missile interceptor for extreme flight, launch, and maneuver loads.\n\nPerform comprehensive structural and vibration analysis to ensure vehicle integrity during all dynamic phases of flight.\n\nAnalyze and mitigate dynamic loads, shock, and aeroelastic effects.\n\nMechanical Design & Packaging\n\nLead the Outer Mold Line (OML) design to meet aerodynamic, kinematic, and volumetric requirements.\n\nDesign primary and secondary structures, including critical hardpoint definition and custom bracket design.\n\nGenerate and manage complex CAD models and assemblies for the entire vehicle system.\n\nCross-Functional Integration\n\nInterface closely with aerodynamics, propulsion, and thermal engineering teams to balance structural strength with heat dissipation and drag reduction.\n\nCollaborate with electrical and propulsion teams for optimal routing, packaging, and mounting of critical subsystems.\n\nManufacturing, Materials, & Vendor Management\n\nDrive material selection for high-performance applications (e.g., advanced composites, high-strength alloys, high-temp materials).\n\nWork directly with external vendors and machine shops to procure components, ensuring quality and tolerance standards are met.\n\nUtilize hands-on machining experience (lathe, mill) for rapid in-house prototyping and test fixture creation.\n\nRequired Qualifications\n\nB.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.\n\n3+ years of industry experience.\n\nStrong demonstrated CAD proficiency with experience managing complex vehicle assemblies.\n\nDeep background in structural analysis, including FEA for static, dynamic, and vibration loads.\n\nExperience with material selection for high-stress or aerospace applications.\n\nHands-on fabrication and machining experience (manual or CNC mill and lathe).\n\nUs Citizenship Required\nNice to Haves\n\nExperience designing hardware for missiles, UAVs, rockets, or other high-speed aerospace systems.\n\nPrevious experience managing external vendors, suppliers, and manufacturing partners.\n\nFamiliarity with OML design and aerodynamic packaging constraints.\n\nExposure to MIL-STD testing (thermal, vibration, shock, environmental).\n\nExperience building and testing your own structural test rigs.\n\nAbout The Interview\n\n15–30 minute phone intro with CEO\n\n1 hour phone deep dive with CTO\n\n1 hour in person with CEO\n\n#J-18808-Ljbffr","company":"Ward Stone","rawCompany":"ward stone","city":"El Segundo","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-06-20T04:26:31.246Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2141.00","title":"Mechanical Engineers","slug":"mechanical-engineers"},{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"},{"code":"17-2199.00","title":"Engineers, All Other","slug":"engineers-all-other"}],"industries":[{"code":"336414","title":"Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing","slug":"guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing"},{"code":"541330","title":"Engineering Services","slug":"engineering-services"},{"code":"336419","title":"Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing","slug":"other-guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-parts-and-auxiliary-equipment-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Mechanical & Structural Engineer","description":"Overview\nWardstone is looking for a Mechanical and Structural Engineer to own the mechanical architecture and structural integrity of our first missile interceptor, Hailstorm. This role includes missile interceptor sizing, outer mold line (OML) design, actuator mechanics, internal packaging, and ensuring survivability under extreme flight conditions.\n\nYou will design, analyze, prototype, test, and iterate mechanical systems and structures capable of withstanding high aerodynamic loads, intense vibration, and significant thermal stress.\n\nYou will work side-by-side with the founders, propulsion, aerodynamic, and controls engineers. You will own the on-vehicle mechanical and structural systems from conceptual design to real world demonstration.\n\nWhat You’ll Do\nInterceptor Design & Structural Analysis\n\nSize the missile interceptor for extreme flight, launch, and maneuver loads.\n\nPerform comprehensive structural and vibration analysis to ensure vehicle integrity during all dynamic phases of flight.\n\nAnalyze and mitigate dynamic loads, shock, and aeroelastic effects.\n\nMechanical Design & Packaging\n\nLead the Outer Mold Line (OML) design to meet aerodynamic, kinematic, and volumetric requirements.\n\nDesign primary and secondary structures, including critical hardpoint definition and custom bracket design.\n\nGenerate and manage complex CAD models and assemblies for the entire vehicle system.\n\nCross-Functional Integration\n\nInterface closely with aerodynamics, propulsion, and thermal engineering teams to balance structural strength with heat dissipation and drag reduction.\n\nCollaborate with electrical and propulsion teams for optimal routing, packaging, and mounting of critical subsystems.\n\nManufacturing, Materials, & Vendor Management\n\nDrive material selection for high-performance applications (e.g., advanced composites, high-strength alloys, high-temp materials).\n\nWork directly with external vendors and machine shops to procure components, ensuring quality and tolerance standards are met.\n\nUtilize hands-on machining experience (lathe, mill) for rapid in-house prototyping and test fixture creation.\n\nRequired Qualifications\n\nB.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.\n\n3+ years of industry experience.\n\nStrong demonstrated CAD proficiency with experience managing complex vehicle assemblies.\n\nDeep background in structural analysis, including FEA for static, dynamic, and vibration loads.\n\nExperience with material selection for high-stress or aerospace applications.\n\nHands-on fabrication and machining experience (manual or CNC mill and lathe).\n\nUs Citizenship Required\nNice to Haves\n\nExperience designing hardware for missiles, UAVs, rockets, or other high-speed aerospace systems.\n\nPrevious experience managing external vendors, suppliers, and manufacturing partners.\n\nFamiliarity with OML design and aerodynamic packaging constraints.\n\nExposure to MIL-STD testing (thermal, vibration, shock, environmental).\n\nExperience building and testing your own structural test rigs.\n\nAbout The Interview\n\n15–30 minute phone intro with CEO\n\n1 hour phone deep dive with CTO\n\n1 hour in person with CEO\n\n#J-18808-Ljbffr","datePosted":"2026-06-20T04:26:31.246Z","dateModified":"2026-06-20T04:26:31.246Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Ward Stone","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"El Segundo","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"349d15e27676dcee93a1234f"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/349d15e27676dcee93a1234f"}}