Float
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 a
Senior Mechanical / Structures Engineer , you will be a core contributor to the design and realization of Float’s airship platform. This is a
deeply hands-on role
focused on structural design, materials, and
manufacturability at scale , working closely with the Lead Aerospace Engineer and founding team.
You will take ownership of critical structural subsystems and be responsible for designing them not only to perform, but to be
repeatable, buildable, and scalable . You will see designs through the full lifecycle — from early analysis and trade studies to
physical prototyping, testing, and iteration .
Responsibilities
Design and develop
structural and mechanical subsystems
for a large-scale cargo airship with an emphasis on
scalable production
Create CAD and structural designs that balance
performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability
Contribute to load case development, weight optimization, and structural trade studies to support both prototype and production configurations
Drive
design-for-manufacturing (DFM)
and
design-for-assembly (DFA)
decisions with the goal of supporting
hundreds of units per year
Build and evaluate
physical prototypes and proof-of-concept scale models
Participate directly in
fabrication, assembly, and testing
of structural hardware
Assist in developing and executing
structural test plans , instrumentation, and validation procedures
Work closely with aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams to ensure designs transition cleanly from prototype to production intent
Qualifications
Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or
equivalent real-world experience
Strong background in
structural or mechanical design for complex, load-bearing systems
Proven experience taking designs from
CAD to physical hardware , including hands-on prototyping and testing
Demonstrated ability to design parts and assemblies with
manufacturing scale and repeatability
in mind
Proficiency with
CAD tools , structural analysis, and basic stress/deflection calculations
Solid understanding of
materials, GD&T, tolerances, and manufacturing processes
Comfortable working in fast-moving, early-stage environments where requirements evolve
Strong engineering judgment, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail
Nice to Have
Experience with
composites or lightweight structures
for production use
Background in aerospace, robotics, or other
hardware programs that progressed beyond one-off prototypes
Familiarity with
structural testing, instrumentation, and validation
Prior experience scaling a physical product from prototype toward production
Experience at an aerospace startup or skunkworks-style engineering 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.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
Airlines and Aviation
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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 a
Senior Mechanical / Structures Engineer , you will be a core contributor to the design and realization of Float’s airship platform. This is a
deeply hands-on role
focused on structural design, materials, and
manufacturability at scale , working closely with the Lead Aerospace Engineer and founding team.
You will take ownership of critical structural subsystems and be responsible for designing them not only to perform, but to be
repeatable, buildable, and scalable . You will see designs through the full lifecycle — from early analysis and trade studies to
physical prototyping, testing, and iteration .
Responsibilities
Design and develop
structural and mechanical subsystems
for a large-scale cargo airship with an emphasis on
scalable production
Create CAD and structural designs that balance
performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability
Contribute to load case development, weight optimization, and structural trade studies to support both prototype and production configurations
Drive
design-for-manufacturing (DFM)
and
design-for-assembly (DFA)
decisions with the goal of supporting
hundreds of units per year
Build and evaluate
physical prototypes and proof-of-concept scale models
Participate directly in
fabrication, assembly, and testing
of structural hardware
Assist in developing and executing
structural test plans , instrumentation, and validation procedures
Work closely with aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams to ensure designs transition cleanly from prototype to production intent
Qualifications
Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or
equivalent real-world experience
Strong background in
structural or mechanical design for complex, load-bearing systems
Proven experience taking designs from
CAD to physical hardware , including hands-on prototyping and testing
Demonstrated ability to design parts and assemblies with
manufacturing scale and repeatability
in mind
Proficiency with
CAD tools , structural analysis, and basic stress/deflection calculations
Solid understanding of
materials, GD&T, tolerances, and manufacturing processes
Comfortable working in fast-moving, early-stage environments where requirements evolve
Strong engineering judgment, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail
Nice to Have
Experience with
composites or lightweight structures
for production use
Background in aerospace, robotics, or other
hardware programs that progressed beyond one-off prototypes
Familiarity with
structural testing, instrumentation, and validation
Prior experience scaling a physical product from prototype toward production
Experience at an aerospace startup or skunkworks-style engineering 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.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
Airlines and Aviation
#J-18808-Ljbffr