Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Structures & Systems

Embark on a journey with QDSS at the forefront of technological innovation as we seek talented Engineers to shape the future of cutting-edge projects and contribute to a culture of excellence and creativity.  What we do matters.

The company Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the integration of aircraft structures and systems across the product lifecycle. This position will serve as a technical focal point for design architecture, interfaces, manufacturing integration, certification, and engineering change management.

• Location: Remote; Eastern or Central time zone preferred

• Preferred Proximity: Cincinnati, Ohio, or Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

• Travel: Less than 25%

• Citizenship Requirement: Must qualify as a U.S. Person

• Security Clearance: Not required at the time of hire; ability to obtain a clearance in the future is preferred

What You Will Do

• Lead conceptual layouts and integration solutions for aircraft structures and systems.

• Design primary and secondary structures, systems installations, and antenna installations for advanced connectivity systems.

• Define system architecture, interfaces, installation requirements, and Interface Control Drawings.

• Prepare structural and systems layouts, installation drawings, and detailed engineering drawings.

• Perform trade studies to optimize weight, cost, performance, and manufacturability.

• Develop and process Program Change Requests and manage modifications through configuration control.

• Evaluate the technical, cost, schedule, risk, and profitability impacts of proposed changes.

• Coordinate technical integration across Stress, Systems, Interiors, Aerodynamics, Mass Properties, Manufacturing, Quality, and Certification.

• Lead technical meetings with customers and suppliers and ensure the delivery of quality engineering documentation.

• Chair or support design reviews, risk assessments, and program milestone gates.

• Support manufacturing, production, and shop-floor issue resolution.

• Apply Design for Manufacturing and Design for Assembly principles.

• Support verification, validation, testing, qualification, and certification activities.

• Maintain accurate product lifecycle management and configuration data.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to other engineers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.

• At least 5 years of aerospace engineering experience involving aircraft structures or systems integration.

• Experience designing primary and secondary airframe structures and systems installations.

• Proficiency with CATIA V5 or Siemens NX.

• Experience developing layouts, installation drawings, interface drawings, and detailed designs.

• Knowledge of materials and processes, GD&T, aerospace design standards, and preliminary sizing.

• Understanding of aircraft systems, structural interfaces, manufacturing processes, and industrialization.

• Knowledge of CAR, FAR, or CS certification requirements and compliance processes.

• Experience with configuration management and PLM systems such as ENOVIA or Teamcenter.

• Strong technical leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Must qualify as a U.S. Person under applicable export-control regulations.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.

• At least 15 years of relevant aerospace engineering experience.

• Experience with antenna or aircraft connectivity-system installations.

• Knowledge of aircraft interiors integration and in-service maintenance constraints.

• French-language proficiency.

• Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance in the future.

• Experience in the adoption and/or integration of emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.

The QDSS Advantage

At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You’ll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future.

What You’ll Find Here

• Work That Matters – Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.

• Growth That’s Supported – Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.

• A Culture That Works – A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.

Benefits Include

• Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.

Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications

Pay Ranges

$130,000 — $145,000 USD

At the company Defense Systems and Solutions , we don’t just build technology — we engineer the future. From next-generation aerospace solutions to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the boundaries of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and visionary thinkers come together to shape the future. With over 25 years of aerospace and defense engineering expertise, our commitment to delivering high-quality, transformative solutions sets us apart — not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we’re not just leading the industry — we’re revolutionizing it.

The company Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.