Aircraft Structures Designer

Company: Natilus
Location: San Diego
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Natilus is building the next generation of aviation through the development of blended-wing-body aircraft, delivering a step-change in overall efficiency. Our growing family of aircraft is designed to make air travel more sustainable while fundamentally improving the economics of commercial flight and the operational effectiveness of defense logistics. By combining advanced aerodynamics with innovative design, Natilus aircraft achieve exceptional fuel efficiency, increased payload capacity, and seamless compatibility with existing airport infrastructure. With hundreds of aircraft valued in the billions of dollars already on order, we are redefining how aircraft are designed, built, and operated, representing a meaningful evolution in modern aviation Work Summary: Natilus is seeking a Structures Designer to join our team in San Diego, CA. In this role, you will be responsible for CAD-based structural design, model management, drafting standards development, and coordination with manufacturing. You will work across composite and metallic structures while contributing to CAD process optimization to support efficient, high-quality model development Main Responsibilities: Leading company CAD efforts Design and develop composite and metallic primary and secondary structures Model management Drafting standards development Coordinate with manufacturing CAD process development Communicate and collaborate closely with the engineering team and cross functional groups Requirements Minimum of 7 years of experience as a Structures designer or in a closely related role Strong foundational understanding of aircraft load paths and structural behavior Strong foundational understanding of parametric CAD model development and management Experience designing bolted and bonded joints Expert-level knowledge of composite structures, including detailed design and fabrication methods Proficiency with NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks Experience with rapid prototype aircraft structures from conceptual and preliminary design through build Hands-on experience with design-for-build manufacturing, determinate assembly, manufacturing planning, and tooling design Desired Experience : Kickoff through production program experience Rapid prototype program experience Hands-on composite build experience Core Behaviors: Build trust through ownership, transparency, and follow-through Communicates clearly, directly, and respectfully across teams Lead by example and model expected behaviors Ability to give and receive direct, constructive feedback Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with evolving priorities Travel Requirements: Occasional travel and on-site work at the local hangar may be required Benefits Health Care Plan (Medica, Dental, Vision) Retirement Plan – 401k Unlimited PTO Onsite Gym Access Natilus Inc. hires solely based on qualifications, merit and competence. Natilus Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Natilus Inc. does not hire on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. Please note: Recruiters will never ask for sensitive personal or financial information during the application phase

Keywords: Natilus, Highland , Aircraft Structures Designer, Engineering , San Diego, California