Airframe Design Engineer

Swarm Aero is redefining air power, building the largest swarming UAV and the most versatile swarming aircraft network in the world. The company is moving quickly to launch the first aircraft designed specifically for swarming, as well as the Command & Control software to mobilize swarms of thousands of heterogeneous autonomous assets and empower human operators to achieve superhuman results.

The team has created and exited multiple startups, negotiated defense deals worth billions of dollars, and designed and built 30+ novel aircraft, with aerospace experience from Scaled Composites, Airbus, Archer Aviation, Blue Origin, and Boom Supersonic.

The Role

You'll own composite airframe design from concept to flight. This isn't just another design role—you're architecting the structural foundation of aircraft purpose-built for autonomous swarms, balancing cutting-edge performance requirements with aggressive development timelines.

What You'll Own

Design Leadership

• Drive conceptual and preliminary composite structure design, including all critical interfaces and system integration
• Develop CAD models and model-based definitions in Siemens NX/Fibersim with rigorous GD&T
• Execute feasibility studies that balance performance, weight, and cost targets

Technical Ownership

• Own the complete design lifecycle: initial sizing, design reviews, structural analysis, DFM coordination, supplier engagement, and release
• Perform structural and joint sizing calculations that form the backbone of airframe design
• Shape design standards and establish best practices that scale across the team

Team Impact

• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership across the structures organization
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, certifiable, and production-ready

What You Bring

Required

• 7+ years of experience designing composite structures for aircraft, spacecraft, or high-performance vehicles
• Expert-level proficiency in Siemens NX and Fibersim (or equivalent composite design tools)
• Deep knowledge of composite materials, laminate design, structural analysis, and bonding/joining techniques
• Proven track record leading composite designs from concept through production
• Hands-on fabrication and bonding experience—you understand how parts are actually built
• Working knowledge of aviation standards and DoD certification requirements
• BS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (MS preferred)

Preferred

• Built aircraft in small, fast-moving teams where you wore multiple hats
• Experience with bonded composite structures and advanced manufacturing techniques
• Strong PLM systems experience (Teamcenter or similar)
• Track record of solving complex structural problems with creative, practical solutions
• Natural leadership ability—people come to you for technical guidance

Why This Role Matters

Senior engineers join Swarm because they're tired of slow-moving programs and want to build something that matters. You'll work alongside some of the best aerospace talent in the industry, move fast, and see your designs fly. This is hands-on technical leadership with real impact on national security.

Salary Range: $175,000 - $220,000 + Equity

What we Offer:

• Meaningful equity stake in a high-growth defense technology company
• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience  
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401k
• PTO and Paid Sick Time
• Monthly Wellness Stipend
• Daily catered lunch to office
• Paid parental leave
• Direct impact opportunity - be a key leader in building a critical technology for national security
• World-class team - work alongside exceptional engineers and operators solving hard problems 

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy work environment, Swarm Aero conducts a thorough screening of prospective employees. Candidates will be subject to a comprehensive background verification process as a prerequisite for employment.