{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"549ddda9dce06ef742684db2","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/549ddda9dce06ef742684db2","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/549ddda9dce06ef742684db2","title":"Airframe Structures Responsible Engineer","description":"CrosslinkedJobs/Composites/Airframe Structures Responsible EngineerFSAirframe Structures Responsible EngineerFrontera Space Austin, TXtodayverified 2 h agoOwn composite airframe design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, and qualification for a space vehicle.ApplyApplySeniority SeniorWork On-siteType Full-timeDegree BSExperience 4+ yrsIndustry AerospaceRole Product DevelopmentMaterialscarbon-fiber composites1prepreg25adhesives239thin-gauge composite skinssandwich structures3Techniquesfinite element analysis31composite failure criteria1fracture mechanics7damage tolerance analysis7structural testing12material characterization40Role detailsOverviewFrontera Space is developing a next-generation space transportation vehicle and is seeking a Responsible Engineer (RE) to own its composite airframe structural systems.The Airframe Structures RE will serve as the technical owner and primary point of accountability for the architecture, design, analysis, materials, manufacturing, testing, and qualification of the vehicle’s primary and secondary non-pressurized structures. This role will work closely with the Pressurized Structures RE and own integration of the composite airframe with the vehicle’s Thermal Protection System (TPS) and other major subsystems.This is a hands-on technical leadership position. The RE will establish the structural architecture, make fundamental materials and design decisions, build and lead the airframe structures team, and maintain end-to-end technical integrity from early development through flight.The ideal candidate combines deep experience in lightweight composite aerospace structures with a strong understanding of composite mechanics, structural stability, bonded and mechanically fastened joints, damage tolerance, fracture mechanics, manufacturing processes, and structural durability under combined mechanical and thermal environments. Experience integrating composite structures with high-temperature systems or TPS is highly desirable.This is a full-time, exempt, in-person position reporting to the Structures Division Director in the Austin, Texas area.What You’ll DoServe as the Responsible Engineer and technical authority for composite airframe structures on Frontera’s next-generation space transportation vehicle.Architect the composite airframe structural system, including skins, spars, ribs, frames, bulkheads, control surfaces, fairings, aerodynamic surfaces, joints, attachments, interfaces, and secondary structures.Own requirements, preliminary sizing, detailed design, analysis, manufacturing development, testing, qualification, and flight implementation.Establish material systems, laminate architectures, structural concepts, load paths, joints, interfaces, design allowables, factors of safety, and manufacturing approaches.Integrate the airframe with pressurized structures, propulsion, landing systems, controls, payloads, TPS, and other major vehicle subsystems.Develop lightweight structures capable of carrying aerodynamic, maneuver, inertial, landing, propulsion, acoustic, vibration, and thermal loads while accounting for manufacturing residual stresses and repeated-flight cycling.Evaluate composite failure and durability mechanisms including fiber and matrix failure, microcracking, delamination, bonded-joint failure, fastener bearing/bypass, fracture, buckling, thermal-expansion mismatch, residual stresses, fatigue, impact damage, and damage tolerance.Own structural aspects of TPS integration, including attachment architecture, load transfer, thermal expansion accommodation, local reinforcement, inspection, maintainability, and repeated-flight durability.Perform and/or direct structural analysis including composite laminate stresses and margins, global and local finite element analysis, buckling and stability, joint analysis, fracture mechanics, damage tolerance, fatigue, thermal-structural interaction, residual stresses, and nonlinear behavior.Develop material characterization and structural verification programs from coupons and elements through subcomponents, development articles, major assemblies, and full-scale vehicle structures.Define and execute static, fatigue, buckling, thermal-structural, joint, damage-tolerance, and qualification testing; correlate analytical models with test results and use test data to mature designs.Work directly with manufacturing engineers and technicians to establish robust, repeatable composite fabrication and assembly processes.Lead technical and design reviews and own technical disposition of structural nonconformances, manufacturing deviations, damage, and test anomalies.Recruit, mentor, and lead the airframe structures engineering team while establishing the analysis methods, standards, tools, and engineering practices needed to rapidly develop flight-critical structures.Drive designs toward minimum mass, structural efficiency, manufacturability, durability, rapid production, inspectability, repairability, and operational reliability.What Success Looks LikeYou become the technical owner of Frontera’s composite airframe architecture and establish a rigorous approach to developing a lightweight, highly integrated structure capable of reliably carrying demanding mechanical and thermal loads.You develop an airframe that integrates effectively with pressurized structures, TPS, and other vehicle systems while enabling efficient manufacturing, inspection, maintenance, and repeated flight.You lead the system from structural architecture and material/process development through testing, full-scale qualification, and flight-ready hardware while building and mentoring a highly capable engineering team.Employment DetailsFull-time, exempt positionPrimarily in-person at Frontera Space in Austin, TexasRegular interaction with engineering, manufacturing, integration, and test teamsTravel to suppliers, manufacturing facilities, and test locations may be requiredHands-on participation in hardware development and structural testing is expectedQualifications*What We’re Looking For (Requirements)*Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical discipline.4+ years of professional experience directly developing composite aerospace airframes or primary structural systems.Demonstrated experience with composite aircraft, launch vehicle, spacecraft, control surface, aerodynamic, or comparable flight-critical structures.Strong understanding of composite mechanics, laminate theory, structural load paths, buckling and stability, bonded and mechanically fastened joints, fracture mechanics, damage tolerance, fatigue, and thermal/residual stresses.Experience performing or directing structural analysis, including global and local finite element analysis.Experience with structural development, proof, qualification, or similar testing of aerospace hardware.Hands-on experience working with composite manufacturing and flight or production hardware.Ability to independently make and defend critical technical decisions for flight-critical structures.Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts and develop other engineers.*Bonus Points (Preferred)*10+ years of experience developing composite aerospace airframes or primary structures.Prior experience as a Responsible Engineer, Principal Engineer, Lead Engineer, or equivalent technical authority for a major aircraft, launch vehicle, spacecraft, missile, or other flight structural system.Experience architecting a clean-sheet airframe from concept through qualification and flight.Deep expertise in carbon-fiber composite primary structures and large integrated composite assemblies.Experience with thin-gauge composite skins, stiffened structures, spars, ribs, frames, bulkheads, sandwich structures, or control surfaces.Experience designing and qualifying bonded primary structures.Experience with AFP/ATL, prepreg layup, resin infusion, co-cured or bonded structures, sandwich construction, or automated composite manufacturing.Experience developing test programs from material coupons through full-scale structural qualification.Experience with TPS, high-temperature structural integration, differential thermal expansion, or reusable aerospace structures.Experience with launch vehicles, spacecraft, reusable space vehicles, hypersonic vehicles, missiles, or high-performance aircraft.Experience building and leading an engineering team responsible for a major vehicle subsystem.Technical SkillsRelevant Technical Capabilities IncludeComposite laminate design and analysisPrimary airframe structural designComposite failure criteria and damage mechanicsGlobal and local finite element analysisStructural buckling and stabilityBonded and mechanically fastened joint designFracture mechanics, fatigue, and damage toleranceThermal-structural and residual stress analysisStructural load-path developmentMaterial characterization and test correlationComposite manufacturing processesStructural test planning and full-scale qualificationTPS structural integrationEngineering requirements, verification, and technical authorityWorking ConditionsThis role operates in a fast-paced aerospace development environment spanning engineering, manufacturing, integration, and testing. The successful candidate must be comfortable moving between analytical models, first-principles calculations, CAD and drawings, physical hardware, manufacturing operations, and hands-on structural testing.Travel to suppliers, manufacturing facilities, and test locations may be required.Export Control EligibilityCertain positions supported by this role may involve work subject to U.S. export-control laws and regulations. Candidates for those roles may be required to meet applicable U.S. export-control eligibility requirements.Equal Opportunity EmployerFrontera Space is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment and consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic informationConnectedAll roles at Frontera SpaceMore Product Development rolesRoles using finite element analysisComposites,Adhesives/sealants rolesRelated rolesCF R&D Technician - Second ShiftCommonwealth Fusion Systems Devens, MA LM Senior Supplier Industrialization Engineer, InteriorsLucid Motors Southfield, MI FS Pressurized Structures Responsible EngineerFrontera Space Austin, TX AC Manufacturing Engineer 3Applied Composites Los Alamitos, CA GB Product Development EngineerGreen Bay Packaging Green Bay, WI Common questionsWhere is the Airframe Structures Responsible Engineer role at Frontera Space based?This role is based in Austin, TX.What degree is required for the Airframe Structures Responsible Engineer role at Frontera Space?This role requires a BS.How many years of experience does this Airframe Structures Responsible Engineer role require?The posting calls for at least 4 years of relevant experience.What polymers or materials does this Airframe Structures Responsible Engineer role work with?carbon-fiber composites, prepreg, adhesives.What techniques or methods are required for this Airframe Structures Responsible Engineer role?finite element analysis, composite failure criteria, fracture mechanics, damage tolerance analysis.","company":"Crosslinked","rawCompany":"crosslinked","city":"Austin","state":"TX","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-09-11T09:16:00.982Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"},{"code":"17-2131.00","title":"Materials Engineers","slug":"materials-engineers"},{"code":"17-2199.00","title":"Engineers, All Other","slug":"engineers-all-other"}],"industries":[{"code":"336413","title":"Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing","slug":"other-aircraft-parts-and-auxiliary-equipment-manufacturing"},{"code":"336411","title":"Aircraft Manufacturing","slug":"aircraft-manufacturing"},{"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":"Airframe Structures Responsible Engineer","description":"CrosslinkedJobs/Composites/Airframe Structures Responsible EngineerFSAirframe Structures Responsible EngineerFrontera Space Austin, TXtodayverified 2 h agoOwn composite airframe design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, and qualification for a space vehicle.ApplyApplySeniority SeniorWork On-siteType Full-timeDegree BSExperience 4+ yrsIndustry AerospaceRole Product DevelopmentMaterialscarbon-fiber composites1prepreg25adhesives239thin-gauge composite skinssandwich structures3Techniquesfinite element analysis31composite failure criteria1fracture mechanics7damage tolerance analysis7structural testing12material characterization40Role detailsOverviewFrontera Space is developing a next-generation space transportation vehicle and is seeking a Responsible Engineer (RE) to own its composite airframe structural systems.The Airframe Structures RE will serve as the technical owner and primary point of accountability for the architecture, design, analysis, materials, manufacturing, testing, and qualification of the vehicle’s primary and secondary non-pressurized structures. This role will work closely with the Pressurized Structures RE and own integration of the composite airframe with the vehicle’s Thermal Protection System (TPS) and other major subsystems.This is a hands-on technical leadership position. The RE will establish the structural architecture, make fundamental materials and design decisions, build and lead the airframe structures team, and maintain end-to-end technical integrity from early development through flight.The ideal candidate combines deep experience in lightweight composite aerospace structures with a strong understanding of composite mechanics, structural stability, bonded and mechanically fastened joints, damage tolerance, fracture mechanics, manufacturing processes, and structural durability under combined mechanical and thermal environments. Experience integrating composite structures with high-temperature systems or TPS is highly desirable.This is a full-time, exempt, in-person position reporting to the Structures Division Director in the Austin, Texas area.What You’ll DoServe as the Responsible Engineer and technical authority for composite airframe structures on Frontera’s next-generation space transportation vehicle.Architect the composite airframe structural system, including skins, spars, ribs, frames, bulkheads, control surfaces, fairings, aerodynamic surfaces, joints, attachments, interfaces, and secondary structures.Own requirements, preliminary sizing, detailed design, analysis, manufacturing development, testing, qualification, and flight implementation.Establish material systems, laminate architectures, structural concepts, load paths, joints, interfaces, design allowables, factors of safety, and manufacturing approaches.Integrate the airframe with pressurized structures, propulsion, landing systems, controls, payloads, TPS, and other major vehicle subsystems.Develop lightweight structures capable of carrying aerodynamic, maneuver, inertial, landing, propulsion, acoustic, vibration, and thermal loads while accounting for manufacturing residual stresses and repeated-flight cycling.Evaluate composite failure and durability mechanisms including fiber and matrix failure, microcracking, delamination, bonded-joint failure, fastener bearing/bypass, fracture, buckling, thermal-expansion mismatch, residual stresses, fatigue, impact damage, and damage tolerance.Own structural aspects of TPS integration, including attachment architecture, load transfer, thermal expansion accommodation, local reinforcement, inspection, maintainability, and repeated-flight durability.Perform and/or direct structural analysis including composite laminate stresses and margins, global and local finite element analysis, buckling and stability, joint analysis, fracture mechanics, damage tolerance, fatigue, thermal-structural interaction, residual stresses, and nonlinear behavior.Develop material characterization and structural verification programs from coupons and elements through subcomponents, development articles, major assemblies, and full-scale vehicle structures.Define and execute static, fatigue, buckling, thermal-structural, joint, damage-tolerance, and qualification testing; correlate analytical models with test results and use test data to mature designs.Work directly with manufacturing engineers and technicians to establish robust, repeatable composite fabrication and assembly processes.Lead technical and design reviews and own technical disposition of structural nonconformances, manufacturing deviations, damage, and test anomalies.Recruit, mentor, and lead the airframe structures engineering team while establishing the analysis methods, standards, tools, and engineering practices needed to rapidly develop flight-critical structures.Drive designs toward minimum mass, structural efficiency, manufacturability, durability, rapid production, inspectability, repairability, and operational reliability.What Success Looks LikeYou become the technical owner of Frontera’s composite airframe architecture and establish a rigorous approach to developing a lightweight, highly integrated structure capable of reliably carrying demanding mechanical and thermal loads.You develop an airframe that integrates effectively with pressurized structures, TPS, and other vehicle systems while enabling efficient manufacturing, inspection, maintenance, and repeated flight.You lead the system from structural architecture and material/process development through testing, full-scale qualification, and flight-ready hardware while building and mentoring a highly capable engineering team.Employment DetailsFull-time, exempt positionPrimarily in-person at Frontera Space in Austin, TexasRegular interaction with engineering, manufacturing, integration, and test teamsTravel to suppliers, manufacturing facilities, and test locations may be requiredHands-on participation in hardware development and structural testing is expectedQualifications*What We’re Looking For (Requirements)*Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical discipline.4+ years of professional experience directly developing composite aerospace airframes or primary structural systems.Demonstrated experience with composite aircraft, launch vehicle, spacecraft, control surface, aerodynamic, or comparable flight-critical structures.Strong understanding of composite mechanics, laminate theory, structural load paths, buckling and stability, bonded and mechanically fastened joints, fracture mechanics, damage tolerance, fatigue, and thermal/residual stresses.Experience performing or directing structural analysis, including global and local finite element analysis.Experience with structural development, proof, qualification, or similar testing of aerospace hardware.Hands-on experience working with composite manufacturing and flight or production hardware.Ability to independently make and defend critical technical decisions for flight-critical structures.Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts and develop other engineers.*Bonus Points (Preferred)*10+ years of experience developing composite aerospace airframes or primary structures.Prior experience as a Responsible Engineer, Principal Engineer, Lead Engineer, or equivalent technical authority for a major aircraft, launch vehicle, spacecraft, missile, or other flight structural system.Experience architecting a clean-sheet airframe from concept through qualification and flight.Deep expertise in carbon-fiber composite primary structures and large integrated composite assemblies.Experience with thin-gauge composite skins, stiffened structures, spars, ribs, frames, bulkheads, sandwich structures, or control surfaces.Experience designing and qualifying bonded primary structures.Experience with AFP/ATL, prepreg layup, resin infusion, co-cured or bonded structures, sandwich construction, or automated composite manufacturing.Experience developing test programs from material coupons through full-scale structural qualification.Experience with TPS, high-temperature structural integration, differential thermal expansion, or reusable aerospace structures.Experience with launch vehicles, spacecraft, reusable space vehicles, hypersonic vehicles, missiles, or high-performance aircraft.Experience building and leading an engineering team responsible for a major vehicle subsystem.Technical SkillsRelevant Technical Capabilities IncludeComposite laminate design and analysisPrimary airframe structural designComposite failure criteria and damage mechanicsGlobal and local finite element analysisStructural buckling and stabilityBonded and mechanically fastened joint designFracture mechanics, fatigue, and damage toleranceThermal-structural and residual stress analysisStructural load-path developmentMaterial characterization and test correlationComposite manufacturing processesStructural test planning and full-scale qualificationTPS structural integrationEngineering requirements, verification, and technical authorityWorking ConditionsThis role operates in a fast-paced aerospace development environment spanning engineering, manufacturing, integration, and testing. The successful candidate must be comfortable moving between analytical models, first-principles calculations, CAD and drawings, physical hardware, manufacturing operations, and hands-on structural testing.Travel to suppliers, manufacturing facilities, and test locations may be required.Export Control EligibilityCertain positions supported by this role may involve work subject to U.S. export-control laws and regulations. Candidates for those roles may be required to meet applicable U.S. export-control eligibility requirements.Equal Opportunity EmployerFrontera Space is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment and consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic informationConnectedAll roles at Frontera SpaceMore Product Development rolesRoles using finite element analysisComposites,Adhesives/sealants rolesRelated rolesCF R&D Technician - Second ShiftCommonwealth Fusion Systems Devens, MA LM Senior Supplier Industrialization Engineer, InteriorsLucid Motors Southfield, MI FS Pressurized Structures Responsible EngineerFrontera Space Austin, TX AC Manufacturing Engineer 3Applied Composites Los Alamitos, CA GB Product Development EngineerGreen Bay Packaging Green Bay, WI Common questionsWhere is the Airframe Structures Responsible Engineer role at Frontera Space based?This role is based in Austin, TX.What degree is required for the Airframe Structures Responsible Engineer role at Frontera Space?This role requires a BS.How many years of experience does this Airframe Structures Responsible Engineer role require?The posting calls for at least 4 years of relevant experience.What polymers or materials does this Airframe Structures Responsible Engineer role work with?carbon-fiber composites, prepreg, adhesives.What techniques or methods are required for this Airframe Structures Responsible Engineer role?finite element analysis, composite failure criteria, fracture mechanics, damage tolerance analysis.","datePosted":"2026-09-11T09:16:00.982Z","dateModified":"2026-09-11T09:16:00.982Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Crosslinked","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Austin","addressRegion":"TX","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"549ddda9dce06ef742684db2"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/549ddda9dce06ef742684db2"}}