Senior Aircraft Systems Design Engineer III (W2 ONLY/US CITIZEN)

Varstaff is currently searching for a Senior Aircraft Systems Design Engineer III professional!

This is an immediate need. W2 ONLY. US CITIZEN.

Location: Primary team based in Centennial, Colorado
Position Type: Contract (Initial 6 months, with potential extension through project phases or FT opportunity)
Start Date: Ideal start January 5, 2026 (still determining, pending selection)
Citizenship Requirement: U.S. Persons only (no security clearance required; work involves Controlled Unclassified Information - CUI)

About the Project
Join a small, experienced team (30-35 members) refreshing and advancing the conceptual design of an aircraft – a purpose-built jet trainer derived from prior development efforts. This fast-paced effort supports preparation of a high-stakes proposal for the U.S. Navy's Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program, with submission targeted for February/March 2026 (120-day turnaround). Successful candidates will contribute to requirements review, design refinement, structural assessments, systems integration, and compelling proposal storytelling to highlight compliance with Navy requirements and transition from Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phases.
Contract award anticipated in 2027; high performers may transition to longer-term roles on the program.

Responsibilities

• Refresh and mature initial aircraft conceptual design to meet Navy UJTS requirements.
• Conduct requirements reviews and ensure design compliance with military specifications.
• Perform structural assessments, weight analysis, and systems integration.
• Contribute technical expertise to proposal development, including translating engineering concepts into clear, persuasive narrative ("telling the story").
• Collaborate with a seasoned team of engineers in a self-directed, high-impact environment.
• Participate in face-to-face meetings, orientations, and deadline-driven onsite support as needed.

• Bachelor's degree (minimum) in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Significant aerospace design experience (Level 3 engineer or equivalent scope preferred) on fixed-wing aircraft.
• Proven hands-on experience beyond desk-based analysis, including test experience (e.g., ground/flight testing, integration, or validation).
• Self-starter able to contribute immediately with minimal training or oversight.
• Flexibility to adapt commercial/civilian experience to military requirements.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.

• We are seeking experts in the following areas (multiple positions available):

• Airframe/overall aircraft design and systems engineering
• Landing gear design and integration
• Hydraulics systems
• Structural design and assessments
• Stress analysis
• Weight and balance storytelling/analysis
• Systems integration
• Propulsion systems

• Prior DoD or Navy program experience
• Proficiency in CATIA (helpful but not required; no need for "fancy" tool expertise)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for proposal development

• Mechanical engineers focused on general mechanisms
• CAD operators/drafters (e.g., pure CATIA drawing production)

• Seasoned professionals who can hit the ground running and mentor a growing team.
• Individuals comfortable in a dynamic, proposal-driven environment with tight timelines.
• No overtime available – emphasis on efficient, high-quality contribution during standard hours.

(reference req #: xx)