Lead Aerospace Engineer

Location: Full-time On-Site (CA)

Type: Full-Time | Founding Team Opportunity

Float is an early-stage aerospace company developing advanced airship systems for large-scale cargo applications. We are focused on solving hard aerospace problems and translating ambitious concepts into real, tested hardware. Our team is small, execution-driven, and building a new airship platform from first principles.

The Role

As Lead Aerospace Engineer, you will play a central role in translating early airship concepts into integrated, flight-capable systems. This is a deeply hands-on, high-ownership role where you will lead design, fabrication, and testing of early prototypes while working closely with the CTO and founding team.

This role is for a builder who wants to see designs progress from analysis and CAD to real hardware in the shop and in test.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop components and systems for a large-scale cargo airship, including structures, propulsion, and control systems
• Create and own mechanical and structural system architectures
• Drive integration across aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and avionics to ensure cohesive system performance
• Lead the design, fabrication, and testing of early prototypes and scale models
• Participate directly in fabrication, prototyping, assembly, and testing of flight hardware
• Develop and execute mechanical and structural test plans and validation procedures
• Collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners and fabricators to mature designs from concept to hardware

Qualifications

• Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent real-world experience
• Strong background in aerospace, robotics, or advanced mechanical systems
• Proven experience designing and building complex physical systems (e.g., UAVs, experimental aircraft, rockets, Formula SAE, CubeSats, or similar)
• Proficiency with CAD, structural analysis, and rapid prototyping techniques
• Solid understanding of materials, mechanical system design, GD&T, and manufacturing methods
• Demonstrated ability to lead and execute complex engineering projects from concept to working hardware
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and making sound engineering trade-offs
• Self-starter who thrives in fast-paced, early-stage environments

Nice to Have

• Experience with experimental or unconventional aerospace platforms, including airships
• Background in composites or large lightweight structures
• Familiarity with certification-aware design environments
• Prior experience at an aerospace startup or skunkworks-style team

Why Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to shape the core engineering DNA of a company redefining how cargo moves across the planet. You’ll take on meaningful responsibility early, build groundbreaking vehicles, and grow alongside a world-class team pioneering the future of sustainable air mobility.