Senior Airframe Design Engineer

About Sarla Aviation: 

Sarla Aviation is not just an aerospace startup; we are pioneers in the sky, dedicated to revolutionizing urban air mobility with our innovative Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (EVTOL) aircraft. Join us in our quest to transform the future of flight, driven by a relentless passion for sustainable transportation solutions. As part of our team, you will not just take on challenges; you will push the boundaries of engineering, technology, and customer experience, working towards something that has never been. 

About the role:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Airframe Design Engineer to join our Airframe team. You will play a critical role in the structural design of primary and secondary airframe structures across the full product lifecycle, from conceptual design and preliminary sizing through detailed design, prototype builds, testing, certification, and production ramp-up. This role offers the unique opportunity to work on a clean-sheet eVTOL program, contributing directly to shaping the aircraft’s design, performance, and manufacturability.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop conceptual and detailed 3D models, layouts, and assemblies and contribute to the airframe architecture.
• Apply DFM, DFA, and DFC principles, focusing on composite & Metallic fabrication.
• Support prototype and production drawings, bills of materials, and design release processes.
• Collaborate with internal and external system owners to negotiate critical interfaces.
• Guide certification activities, advising on compliance strategies.
• Support structural trade studies, optimization efforts, and design reviews with cross-functional teams.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelors/Masters in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience with aircraft structures.
• Proven experience in structural design of aircraft primary/secondary structures, ideally within eVTOL, UAV, or advanced aircraft programs.
• Deep understanding of Load paths, Joint design (including Adhesive/Fastener selection), and laminate design fundamentals.
• Robust knowledge of materials, selection principles, and corrosion protection.
• Strong understanding of the manufacturing of composite/metallic structures.
• Proficient in 3D CAD tools, preferably Siemens NX or equivalent.
• Familiarity with PLM System, ideally Teamcenter or equivalent.
• Proficiency in GD&T and the ability to perform robust tolerance stack up calculations to validate design functionality.
• Ability to work independently or with minimum supervision.

Sarla Aviation is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workspace, championing equality and empowering every individual. We believe that our strength lies in our differences, not just our similarities. Therefore, we warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age. Join us at Sarla Aviation, where your unique background and perspective are not just welcomed- they are celebrated.