Job Description

: Engineer II - Design Engineer - UAV Airframe & Structures

Location: Mumbai

Experience: 6-10 years

About Us

We are developing next-generation unmanned aerial systems for defence and strategic applications. This role is central to designing and delivering the complete UAV airframe -- internal and external structures -- using aerospace-standard gated processes.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end structural design of UAV platforms, covering both external geometry (skins, aerodynamic surfaces, control surfaces) and internal layouts (spars, ribs, bulkheads, payload & battery bays, mounting trays).

Develop detailed CAD models, assemblies, and drawings for all primary and secondary structures using CATIA/3DEXPERIENCE (or equivalent).

Design composite sandwich structures (carbon fibre + honeycomb/foam cores) and metallic components, ensuring weight efficiency and manufacturability.

Define load paths and structural concepts (wing box, fuselage frames, landing gear attachments).

Integrate propulsion mounts, avionics racks, payload hardpoints, and access hatches into the structure.

Perform preliminary structural analysis (stiffness, strength, buckling) and liaise with analysis engineers for FEA validation.

Generate and maintain manufacturing drawings, BoMs, and GD&T standards.

Support tooling design and prototyping for composite layup, machining, and assembly.

Ensure all designs comply with airworthiness, safety, and defence standards.

Participate in gated reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and ensure all deliverables meet program milestones.

Work closely with aerodynamics, propulsion, and avionics teams to ensure tight integration and clash-free design.

Industry-Related Standards

Awareness of relevant aerospace standards and regulations, including:

ASTM F3322-18 - Guidelines for sUAS design and manufacture.

MIL-HDBK-17 - Guidelines for composite material properties, testing, and design.

ISO 14955 - Static and fatigue testing for composites.

ARP4761 - Safety assessment process for airborne systems.

FAA Part 107 Regulations - Commercial drone operational requirements.

Familiarity with global standards: ISO 10209, ISO 13399, ISO 14649.

Knowledge of structural analysis standards: Eurocode, ASCE/SEI 7, AISC 360.

Proficiency in Indian standards: IS 800, IS 456, IS 3370, adapted for UAV applications.

Qualifications

Bachelor's/Master's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Structures Engineering.

6-10 years of experience in airframe or UAV structures design.

Hands-on expertise in CATIA V5 / 3DEXPERIENCE (mandatory) including surface modelling

Strong knowledge of composite design and manufacturing methods (pre-preg, autoclave, infusion).

Familiarity with metallic structures (CNC machined aluminium/titanium).

Experience designing primary load-carrying structures (spars, ribs, bulkheads).

Understanding of FEA processes (ANSYS/NASTRAN/Abaqus)

Strong documentation and change management discipline in line with aerospace gated processes.

Preferred Background / Reference Companies

Ideal candidates may have experience at:

Airbus India / Airbus Defence & Space

VTOL Aviation India (Mumbai)

HAL / NAL

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)

Mahindra Aerospace

DRDO aerospace labs/programs

Tier-1 suppliers to Airbus/Boeing (e.g., Spirit Aero, GKN Aerospace, Collins Aerospace)

UAV startups or OEMs with composite-heavy designs
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From ?1,000,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person