Engineering Leader: Rapid Prototyping

JOB TITLE: Engineering Leader: Rapid Prototyping
LOCATION:Mattaponi, VA
PAY RATE: $120K – 200K/year

We are a national aerospace and defense staffing agency seeking highly qualified candidates for a position with a top-tier client.

Job Details:

• Job Type: Contract (Full Time)

• Industry: Aerospace / Defense / Aviation

• Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna)

• Perks: Bonus potential + Priority access via Tier 1 supplier

• Openings Nationwide: Thousands of opportunities across the U.S.

Qualifying Questions:

• Are you a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined under ITAR regulations?

• Do you meet the educational and experience requirements for this role?

• Can you commute to the job location or relocate if necessary?

Summary: 

• Leads engineering teams through concept development, prototype design, and early-stage product maturation.

• Drives rapid design-build-test cycles to validate performance, functionality, and manufacturability.

• Establishes technical approaches and architectures for new products and technologies.

• Evaluates technical risks and develops mitigation strategies during prototype development.

• Develops and manages prototype development schedules, milestones, and deliverables.

• Prioritizes engineering resources to support multiple concurrent prototype programs.

• Oversees prototype fabrication, testing, troubleshooting, and iterative redesign activities.

• Manages trade studies to balance cost, schedule, performance, and technical feasibility.

• Translates customer needs into actionable engineering requirements.

• Supports business development efforts by evaluating new opportunities and providing technical input to proposals.

Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. Person (as defined by ITAR).

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or related field) from an accredited institution.

• Proven experience leading rapid prototyping or new product development efforts.

• Experience with design-build-test cycles for proof-of-concept and prototype development.

• Knowledge of CAD software and engineering analysis tools for product design.

• Experience overseeing prototype fabrication, assembly, and testing activities.

• Expertise in evaluating technical risks and developing mitigation strategies.

• Experience managing trade studies to balance cost, schedule, performance, and feasibility.

• Familiarity with additive manufacturing, machining, and fabrication methods for prototyping.

• Experience mentoring engineering teams and fostering innovation culture.

About Us:

The Structures Company is a premier national aerospace and defense staffing agency specializing in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. We deliver expert workforce solutions across engineering, IT, production, maintenance, and support roles.

As trusted partners to leading aerospace and defense OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, we connect professionals with career opportunities to grow and excel in aviation, aerospace, and defense.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) to comply with ITAR regulations.

Keywords: aerospace, aviation, engineering, maintenance, aircraft design, defense

Take your career to new heights—apply today!