Senior Structural Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Salary:

About the Role

MBDA is seeking a highly skilled Senior Structural Engineer to join our dynamic engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for the design and analysis of composite and metallic structures, including bonded and bolted assemblies under both static and dynamic loading conditions. You will perform advanced modeling, structural analysis, and safety margin assessments to ensure design integrity and performance in mission-critical missile system applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct structural design and analysis of missile system airframes and assemblies.
• Develop relationally linked models, perform load and stress analyses, and determine safety margins.
• Establish datum schemes and perform tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Execute trade studies and contribute to overall missile configuration based on system requirements.
• Generate and interpret detailed engineering drawings, BOMs, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Apply classical aerospace sizing methods (Bruhn, Niu, Roark) and design-to-cost principles.
• Utilize FEM/FEA tools such as Siemens Simcenter Structures, FEMAP, or equivalent for modeling and analysis.
• Analyze bonded and bolted joints, perform hand calculations, and develop free-body diagrams for load derivation.
• Support design, fabrication, testing, and structural integrity verification throughout the product lifecycle.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering (Masters preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in structural design and analysis (8+ with Masters).
• Proven background in missile, projectile, or flight vehicle structural design.
• Strong understanding of metallic and composite materials and manufacturing methods.
• Minimum 5 years of FEM modeling experience using industry-standard tools.
• Excellent technical writing, documentation, and presentation skills.
• U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.
  

Preferred Experience

• Design experience for high-G environments (e.g., cannon-launched or projectile-based systems).
• Familiarity with CAD automation, scripting, and structural modeling.
• Aerospace or defense manufacturing experience.

Additional Information

• Full-time position; overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.
• Occasional travel to contractor or customer facilities and military test ranges.
• Must be able and willing to travel as needed.

Why Join MBDA?

As a Program Manager, youll play a critical role in shaping the future of our companys growth. Youll collaborate with top leaders in the defense industry, work on challenging and impactful projects, and represent a company committed to innovation, integrity, and excellence in defense solutions. If you are a driven professional with a passion for defense and business growth, wed love to hear from you.

About MBDA

MBDA Group is a world-leading missile systems company offering a comprehensive product range incorporating todays most advanced technology. With an industrial and technological base spanning the UK, France, Italy, Germany and the United States, MBDA is at the forefront of global defense innovation.

MBDA Incorporated, founded in 1986, is the U.S. arm of MBDA Group. Headquartered in Arlington, VA, with engineering and manufacturing operations in Huntsville, AL, MBDA Inc. delivers cutting-edge missile systems solutions to support the U.S. military.

At MBDA, people are our greatest asset. We uphold the values of Innovation, Commitment, Integrity, Passion, and Team Spirit to foster a positive work environment for our employees and the customers we serve.

We also offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits including comprehensive health insurance, 401(K) savings plan with up to a 6% match and profit-sharing contribution, life Insurance, tuition and professional development assistance and a 4-day workweek (9 hours Monday through Thursday and 4 hours on Friday).

Equal Opportunity Statement

MBDA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other protected class.