Lead the Structural Innovation Behind Special Missions AircraftNow Hiring: Lead Structures Design Engineer Wichita, KS $110K–$130K (Direct Hire) annuallyPDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leader in the aerospace industry to hire an experienced Lead Structures Design Engineer for a direct placement opportunity in Wichita, KS. If you bring deep aerospace expertise, Special Missions or Afterspanet modification experience, and a passion for leading engineering teams, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on advanced aircraft programs.
Your ImpactAs a Lead Structures Design Engineer, you will serve as both a technical authority and team mentor, guiding a group of 5–6 designers while driving structural solutions for complex aircraft modifications and Special Missions programs. Your leadership and technical decisions will directly influence aircraft performance, safety, compliance, and delivery timelines.
This is a high-visibility, high-impact role within a full onsite engineering environment.
Position Details
Location: Wichita, KS (Full Onsite)
Job Type: Direct Placement
Travel: Approximately once per quarter
What You’ll DoLead and coach a team of 5–6 structural designers
Investigate design-build issues and develop structural engineering and instrumentation installation solutions
Author temporary engineering solutions to resolve build issues efficiently
Disposition aircraft non-conformances (MRB), including detailed rework instructions
Conduct aircraft and engineering drawing investigations
Coordinate with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Manufacturing Operations
Design Flight Test engineering change requests and coordinate with work package owners
Author structural special instructions or restrictions as required
Design and release structural and systems installations for Special Missions Engineering programs
Serve as a design authority approving engineering solutions
Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university
Minimum of 10 years of aerospace industry experience
Experience in Special Missions or Afterspanet aircraft modifications
Experience supporting manufacturing and aircraft modification programs
Experience serving as a design authority for engineering approvals
Strong problem-solving, technical documentation, and cross-functional coordination skills
This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.
Preferred QualificationsPrior experience leading or mentoring engineering teams
Experience working closely with MRB processes and non-conformance resolution
Strong understanding of structural installations and systems integration
Why Join Us?At PDS Tech Commercial, you’ll have the opportunity to step into a leadership role supporting cutting-edge aerospace programs in Wichita — a historic hub of aviation innovation.
We believe in empowering engineering leaders who:
Drive technical excellence
Mentor and elevate their teams
Solve complex structural challenges
Deliver safe, compliant, and high-performing aircraft solutions
This role offers:
Competitive salary range of $110K–$130K annually
Direct placement with long-term career stability
Leadership opportunity with measurable impact
Exposure to advanced Special Missions programs
A collaborative, high-performance engineering culture
You’ll be part of an organization committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity employment, where your expertise and leadership truly matter.
Ready to Lead the Future of Aircraft Structures?If you have the experience, leadership ability, and passion to drive structural innovation in Special Missions aerospace programs, we want to hear from you.
Apply today and take the next step in your aerospace leadership career.
Pay Details: $110,000.00 to $130,000.00 per year
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
- The California Fair Chance Act
- Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
- Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
- San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
