Structures Design Engineer

Job Title

Who are we?

As an aircraft manufacturer, industrialist, industrial service provider and logistician, Daher currently has approximately 14,500 employees and achieved a revenue of 1.9 billion euros in 2025. With its family ownership, Daher has been focused on innovation since its creation in 1863. With locations in 15 countries across Europe, North America and Asia, Daher designs and develops value-added solutions for its aeronautical and industrial customers and partners

Daher's Idaho site, located in Sandpoint Idaho, a small outdoor community located between Lake Pend Oreille and Schweitzer Mountain, is home to Kodiak, a rugged mission ready 10-seat short takeoff and landing turboprop. The facility supports design, manufacturing, development, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities for the Kodiak 100 and Kodiak 900, serving customers worldwide. The team of approximately 300 employees builds airplanes starting largely from raw materials, all the way through painting, to final assembly, defining built by hand in Sandpoint Idaho. Beyond final assembly is comprehensive customer service, aircraft maintenance, technical support, and quality oversight, while continuing to engineer the next generation of Kodiak capability.

Job Description: 

We are seeking to add an Aircraft Structures Engineer to join our Product Engineering team. This is a high-impact role with significant influence on the direction of the Kodiak product line. As part of a small design team, this position plays a key role in new product development, aircraft upgrades, manufacturability improvements, and the resolution of fleet support challenges. It offers the opportunity to take concepts from initial design through analysis, certification, fabrication, and flight test, working across a broad range of structures and systems. Engineers in this position work closely with manufacturing, certification, and flight operations teams to bring ideas to life. With direct access to multiple company-owned test aircraft, the team has exceptional opportunities to prototype, evaluate, and flight test new designs in the real world.

Primary Role and Responsibilities: 

• Develop structural design solutions from concept through analysis, testing, certification, and drawing release for aircraft improvements and new product development
• Ensure designs comply with 14 CFR Part 23 and other applicable regulatory requirements
• Support aircraft production through manufacturability improvements, cost and quality optimization, and component or material obsolescence management
• Support the in-service fleet by investigating field issues, developing customer-driven improvements, and maintaining structural repair data
• Maintain configuration control and engineering documentation for design changes
• Participate in design reviews, provide technical guidance to engineering staff, and review engineering data for technical accuracy
• Conduct or support structural testing and flight test activities to validate designs and demonstrate compliance

What you need to have:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or related engineering discipline (or equivalent)
• Minimum 3 years of experience within the aerospace industry
• Demonstrated ability to perform and document structural calculations, including joints, static strength, and fatigue analysis
• Working knowledge of aircraft structures and aircraft design principles
• Familiarity with 14 CFR Part 23 and applicable certification requirements
• Strong experience with 3D CAD design software (Siemens NX preferred)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Preferred Experience

• Experience working directly with DERs and/or FAA ACOs/MIDOs
• Proficiency in traditional/classical structural analysis methods (Bruhn, Peery, NACA methods, etc.)
• Proficiency in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools and methods
• Experience supporting certification activities, including coordination with regulatory agencies, DERs, ODAs, or FAA delegates
• Hands-on experience with aircraft manufacturing processes and tooling
• Pilot’s license or operational knowledge of general aviation aircraft
• Experience with composite structures and metallic repair methods
• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., ASTM, SAE) and material specifications
• Experience planning, conducting, or supporting structural static, dynamic, and fatigue testing
• Proficiency with PLM systems (Teamcenter preferred)
  

Why Join Kodiak Aircraft

You and your work will show up directly on the aircraft. With multiple dedicated flight test aircraft available to support development and test activities, Kodiak engineers can see their ideas progress from concept to flying in a matter of hours. At Kodiak Engineering, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of a uniquely capable high-performance aircraft.

Information related to the position: (Required for all positions) 

• The compensation range is $75,000 to $100,000 base salary plus an annual target bonus.

• The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Daher considers a number of factors when determining salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, skills, and current market conditions. 

• At Daher, your total rewards package is more than just your base salary as we offer a full benefit package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Life insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays and more. 

Your next opportunity starts here — here are the next steps: 

• Review of your application 

• An initial conversation with a recruiter 

• One or more interviews depending on the position, with the relevant team members and manager(s) 

• After the interviews, constructive feedback regardless of the outcome 

All applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, ancestry, physical/mental disability, medical condition, military/veteran status, genetic information, marital status, ethnicity, alienage, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. By completing an application with Daher, you are seeking to join a team of hardworking professionals dedicated to consistently delivering outstanding service to our customers and contributing to the financial success of the organization, its clients, and its employees. Equal access to programs, services, and employment is available to all qualified persons. Those applicants requiring accommodation to complete the application and/or interview process should contact an HR representative.

Daher complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act, and all applicable state or local law.