Airframe Structures Design Engineer

Our Company

Whisper Aero is pioneering a more compelling and connected future by delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient propulsion solutions. Today's open rotor propulsion systems are challenged by safety, noise, and performance limitations at all scales. Whisper's breakthrough technologies allow aircraft to fly anywhere at any time without disturbing communities, at greater speeds, and with incredible improvements in efficiency and cost. Their innovations also enable a new generation of air moving products that can blend into the soundscapes of daily life. Whisper was founded by industry veterans, Mark Moore and Ian Villa, and continues to innovate a future that’s as considerate as it is compelling with its world-class team in Tennessee. 

About the Role

Whisper Aero is seeking an experienced Airframe Structures Design Engineer to lead aircraft structural design. This candidate will be responsible for primary and secondary structure design, initial analysis, and manufacturing method definition. They will own the mechanical design of their components and subsystems from concept through production including 3D models, 2D drawings, BOM management, tolerance stacks, material selection, and manufacturing. They will use rapid prototyping tools and testing to prove the viability of their designs. 

What You'll Do

• Design primary and secondary aircraft structures using 3D modeling tools 


• Perform analyses of your designs using hand calculations and FEA 


• Define the aircraft structural architecture 


• Create and optimize new designs for CNC machining, sheet metal, and composite fabrication 


• Coordinate the inputs and outputs of a multi-disciplinary team including flight sciences, stress, and manufacturing to develop the optimal system level solution 


• Define and support tests to verify that your design meets the requirements 


• Identify and develop new suppliers and manufacturing methods 


• Support new technology development 

Basic Qualifications

• U.S. Person status is required, as this position may access export controlled data 


• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering (or equivalent) and at least 4 years demonstrated experience in aircraft structural design 


• Comfortable working in a rapid development environment with frequent data driven design changes and high levels of ambiguity 


• Proficiency with SOLIDWORKS or similar 3D CAD software 


• Demonstrated experience drafting 2D drawings and communicating these to suppliers for quote and manufacturing 


• Familiarity with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) principles 


• Strong knowledge of aircraft structures manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, sheet metal forming, and composite fabrication 


• Expertise in various joining methods including bonding, bolting and riveting 


• Experience with initial structural sizing through hand calcs and/or FEA 


• Understanding of damage tolerant structures design best practices 


• Able to quickly interpret FEA results for stress, fatigue, and dynamics then make design improvements based on the FEA results 


• Understanding of aircraft certification requirements (Part 23, Part 25, MIL-HDBK-516) 


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 


• Effective written and oral communication skills 


• A willingness to work on tasks outside your primary job functions 

Benefits: 

• Top-tier Benefits: 100% paid Medical, dental, and vision for employees, 75% paid for dependents


• PTO & Federal Holidays: Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days


• Competitive Salary: Value-based compensation, plus enjoy Tennessee’s no-income-tax life


• End of Year Bonuses: For eligible employees


• We always have beverages and snacks available to energize you throughout the day, with paid team meals based on office demands.


• 401(k) 


• Relocation Assistance


• Professional Development Stipend

Whisper Aero is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Whisper Aero also participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.