Senior Structural Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Structural Design Engineer

Location: Samlesbury

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

Salary: £51,772+ Depending on experience

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job Description:

We are seeking a Senior Structural Design Engineer to join a team delivering advanced combat aircraft solutions on the F-35 programme. The role involves producing structural design definitions that meet complex multidisciplinary requirements while considering safety, manufacturability, cost, and through-life support. Working within a collaborative engineering environment, you will develop and define structural layouts, components, and equipment integration solutions using CATIA V5 in both 3D model-based and 2D drawing environments. You will contribute throughout the product lifecycle, applying best-practice design methodologies, material selection knowledge, manufacturing considerations, and compliance processes to support the development of cutting-edge aerospace technology. This position offers excellent opportunities for technical growth and career progression within a world-class aerospace programme.

Core duties:

• Produce and deliver high-quality airframe structural design data in line with project requirements, engineering standards, quality expectations, and programme schedules.
• Develop structural layouts, components, and integration solutions using CAD tools and engineering best practices.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, suppliers, and customers to support the successful development of aerospace products.
• Review and verify design outputs to ensure compliance with technical, safety, and project standards prior to formal independent checking.
• Identify technical risks and opportunities, supporting the development of effective mitigation and improvement plans.
• Investigate and resolve design queries, implementing engineering changes and modifications as required.
• Support design workload planning and resource allocation to ensure efficient project delivery.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives while supporting personal and team development within a collaborative engineering environment.

Essential Skills:

• Proven experience in an Airframe Design role or a closely related aerospace engineering discipline.
• Demonstrable experience supporting airframe design activities across one or more stages of the product lifecycle, from concept and development through to in-service support.
• Proficiency in CAD software, ideally CATIA V5, with experience using Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
• Strong understanding of engineering design principles, standards, and processes within a regulated aerospace environment.
• Awareness of product lifecycle requirements and the importance of governance, configuration control, and compliance in maintaining product integrity.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers.

The Airframe Design Team:

You will join a highly skilled and collaborative Airframe Design team working on the F-35 programme, one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft platforms. The team is responsible for developing and defining structural solutions that meet demanding performance, safety, manufacturing, and supportability requirements throughout the product lifecycle. Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you will collaborate closely with engineers across design, stress, manufacturing, systems, safety, and support functions, as well as suppliers and customers, to deliver innovative aerospace solutions. The team fosters a culture of continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and professional development, providing excellent opportunities to enhance your technical expertise while contributing to cutting-edge defence technology.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 26th June 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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