Lead Structures Engineer
Astro Mechanica
San Francisco, CA · Posted November 7, 2026
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Where San Francisco, CA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #1Best cities for security jobs316 openings · of 20
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Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
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- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
How AI is used in this kind of work
AI use among aerospace engineers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for aerospace engineers: 8% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
About the job
ABOUT US:
Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing a scalable technology platform to power critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. We apply aerospace engineering and quality standards across our products, delivering high performance, reliability, and efficiency for the most demanding operating environments. Astro Mechanica is backed by leading venture and strategic investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Giant Step Capital, United Airlines Ventures, and Voyager Ventures.
WHO WE ARE:
We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
Architect primary and secondary composite and metallic structures, making key decisions on load paths, joints, materials, structural arrangement, and manufacturing approach
Define technical direction for aircraft structures and drive key architectural decisions across structural modules, aerodynamics, propulsion, systems, manufacturing, and flight test
Define and drive the structures organization’s execution plan, including headcount and capability needs, work allocation, engineering processes, and operating rhythms; communicate priorities, risks, and decisions effectively both up and down the organization
Support fabrication, assembly, ground testing, and flight test, rapidly incorporating lessons learned into improved designs
Lead technical reviews and resolve complex structural design problems, providing technical direction when requirements, analysis, manufacturing constraints, or test results conflict
Mentor engineers through technical guidance, design reviews, and day-to-day collaboration
Establish and drive engineering standards, design practices, and development processes as the organization grows
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
10+ years designing aircraft structures, with ownership of significant flight hardware
Demonstrated experience taking structural designs from concept through release, manufacturing, and test
Demonstrated experience leading the technical development of major aircraft structures and driving design decisions across multiple engineers and disciplines
Strong understanding of metallic and composite structural design, structural load paths, manufacturing methods, and joining techniques
Expertise with Siemens NX or equivalent CAD software
Strong first-principles engineering skills, including structural sizing and hand calculations, with a working knowledge of FEA tools such as Femap/Nastran
Sound engineering judgment and the ability to make decisions with incomplete information and evolving requirements
Excellent communication skills and the ability to drive technical decisions across multiple engineering disciplines
A track record of mentoring engineers while remaining a hands-on technical contributor
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
8+ years designing aircraft structures, with ownership of significant flight hardware
Demonstrated experience taking structural designs from concept through release, manufacturing, and test
Strong understanding of metallic and composite structural design, structural load paths, manufacturing methods, and joining techniques
Expertise with Siemens NX or equivalent CAD software
Strong first-principles engineering skills, including structural sizing and hand calculations, with a working knowledge of FEA tools such as Femap/Nastran
Sound engineering judgment and the ability to make decisions with incomplete information and evolving requirements
Excellent communication skills and the ability to drive technical decisions across multiple engineering disciplines
A track record of mentoring engineers while remaining a hands-on technical contributor
PERKS AND BENEFITS:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
401(k) program and transparent stock option plan
Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.
Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.