Configuration Design Engineer

ABOUT THE JOB 

We are seeking a highly motivated Configuration Design Engineer for our Air Dominance & Strike hardware engineering organization. In this role, you will be responsible for the early-stage conceptual layout, sizing, and multi-disciplinary vehicle design of next-generation Group 5 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and advanced missile platforms. Operating at the front end of our development cycle, you will bridge the gap between high-level mission requirements and physical execution, turning "clean sheet" concepts into optimized, flight-ready configurations in record time. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO 

• Lead and execute the physical layout, sizing, and configuration design of new air vehicles and missile systems from concept to preliminary design. 

• Develop parametric CAD models, complex surface models, and high-fidelity Outer Mold Line (OML) and Inner Mold Line (IML) lofts using NX pdf. 

• Conduct rapid multi-disciplinary trade studies to evaluate engine selection, propulsion path integration, planform geometry, control effector layouts, structural joints, landing gear, and weapons integration. 

• Drive spatial integration across subsystem teams, managing keep-in/keep-out zones for avionics, fuel, and payload systems. 

• Support downstream engineering analyses by providing clean surface models optimized for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Electromagnetic (RF/IR signature) evaluations. 

• Incorporate survivability principles into early-stage designs, optimizing vehicle shaping, transitions, gaps, and treatments for RF and IR signature reduction. 

• Estimate mass properties, center of gravity (CG), and stability margins. 

• Partner with Chief Engineers, systems engineers, and customers to translate operational requirements into elegant, affordable, and mission-capable design concepts. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field. 

• 5+ years of experience in conceptual or preliminary design of aircraft, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or missile systems. 

• Strong, hands-on proficiency in 3D parametric CAD modeling and advanced surfacing (Siemens NX preferred , CATIA, or Creo). 

• Demonstrated experience executing multi-disciplinary trade studies covering aerodynamics, propulsion integration, structures, and mass properties. 

• Proven ability to work in rapid development, prototyping, or "Skunk Works" style engineering environments. 

• Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional technical reviews. 

• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering. 

• Strong background in design-for-survivability, including low-observable (LO) shaping, RF/IR signature reduction, and integration of specialized treatments. 

• Experience utilizing multi-disciplinary design, analysis, and optimization (MDAO) methodologies and parametric sizing tools (e.g., MATLAB, Isight, HEEDS). 

• Experience with composite/metallic material selection, structural joints, and drafting standards including GD&T. 

• Active U.S. Secret or Top Secret Security Clearance.