What are the responsibilities and job description for the Aircraft Mechanisms Engineer position at Natilus?
Natilus is building the next generation of aviation through the development of blended-wing-body aircraft, delivering a step-change in overall efficiency. Our growing family of aircraft is designed to make air travel more sustainable while fundamentally improving the economics of commercial flight and the operational effectiveness of defense logistics.
By combining advanced aerodynamics with innovative design, Natilus aircraft achieve exceptional fuel efficiency, increased payload capacity, and seamless compatibility with existing airport infrastructure. With hundreds of aircraft valued in the billions of dollars already on order, we are redefining how aircraft are designed, built, and operated, representing a meaningful evolution in modern aviation
Work Summary:
Natilus is seeking a Mechanisms Engineer to join our team in San Diego, CA. In this role you will design and integrate aircraft mechanisms and actuation systems, supporting kinematic analysis, structural interfaces, and system integration across the aircraft
Main Responsibilities:
- Participate in entire hardware lifecycle for a variety of mechanical assemblies and structures
- Lead the analysis, design, and integration of flight control systems
- Support configuration development and trade studies
- Own the conceptual design and analysis through to first flight of various hardware components
- Perform first-order strength and sizing calculations
- Generate CAD, manufacturing drawings, specifications, and other documentation
- Hardware development and qualification test definition
- Minimum of 7 years of experience as design engineer or in a closely related role
- Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
- Strong foundational understanding of aircraft load paths and systems behavior
- Experience designing bolted and bonded joints
- Expert-level knowledge of flight control systems and kinematic analysis
- Proficiency with NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks
- Experience with rapid prototype aircraft programs from conceptual and preliminary design through build
- Experience performing initial part and joint sizing using hand calculations
Desired Experience:
- Kickoff through production program experience
- Rapid prototype program experience
- Hands-on build experience
Core Behaviors:
- Build trust through ownership, transparency, and follow-through
- Communicates clearly, directly, and respectfully across teams
- Lead by example and model expected behaviors
- Ability to give and receive direct, constructive feedback
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with evolving priorities
Travel Requirements:
Occasional travel and on-site work at the local hangar may be required
Health Care Plan (Medica, Dental, Vision)
Retirement Plan – 401k
Unlimited PTO
Onsite Gym Access
Natilus Inc. hires solely based on qualifications, merit and competence. Natilus Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Natilus Inc. does not hire on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Please note: Recruiters will never ask for sensitive personal or financial information during the application phase