Head of Structures

Head of Structures About the Company Building an orbital-class launch vehicle designed for reuse IndustryDefense & Space TypePrivately Held, VC-backed About the Role The Company is seeking a Head of Structures to take on a pivotal role in the development of an orbital-class launch vehicle. The successful candidate will be responsible for defining and executing the structural engineering strategy, leading the team that designs and delivers the major load- and pressure-bearing systems. This includes the structural backbone of the vehicle, such as propellant tanks, thrust structures, interstages, and fairings. The role demands a hands-on approach, with a focus on driving structural design across various load environments and ensuring that the structural solutions integrate seamlessly at the vehicle level. The Head of Structures will also be instrumental in establishing and maintaining design and analysis standards, as well as leading the material and process selection with a clear focus on performance, manufacturability, and cost. Applicants for the Head of Structures position at the company should have a proven track record in structural design, analysis, and development for high-performance aerospace or similarly demanding hardware. Deep experience in primary structures for weight-critical systems and a strong grounding in structural mechanics are essential. The ideal candidate will have a startup fluency, with a history of leading structural development from concept to validation, and a genuine cross-functional range that encompasses design, analysis, manufacturing, test, and systems engineering. While not mandatory, preferred experience includes direct involvement with aerospace structural systems and familiarity with qualification and acceptance strategies. The role requires a results-driven individual who can build and lead a team, mentor engineers, and make critical decisions that impact the success of the vehicle's mission. Functions Engineering