Senior Composite Structure Engineer at Pyka

Alameda, California, United States

Pyka Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Aerospace, AviationIndustries

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
  • 5+ years of experience in composite structural design and analysis—preferably in aerospace or high-performance vehicle applications
  • Proficient in composite material properties, layup design, and bonding/joining techniques
  • Strong CAD skills with experience designing complex composite assemblies (SolidWorks highly preferred)
  • Solid understanding of structural mechanics and experience with FEA tools
  • Practical experience with tolerancing, and DFMA principles
  • Hands-on experience with composite prototyping, tooling, and fabrication processes
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills
  • Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working with carbon fiber prepreg, wet layup, or resin infusion methods
  • Familiarity with out-of-autoclave composite processes
  • Knowledge of composite repair techniques and structural testing methods
  • Exposure to aerospace certification standards and structural substantiation processes
  • Experience with PLM systems and engineering change control

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop composite primary and secondary aircraft structures using appropriate materials and layup strategies
  • Perform basic structural analysis using hand calculations and FEA to validate designs
  • Apply proper tolerancing and GD&T to ensure manufacturability and proper assembly
  • Create detailed 3D CAD models and engineering drawings (SolidWorks preferred)
  • Design tooling, molds, and fixtures for composite part fabrication and bonding
  • Perform testing to validate strength, stiffness, and durability of airframe components
  • Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure proper integration of structural components

Skills

Composite Materials
Structural Engineering
CAD
Prototyping
Tooling
Manufacturing Techniques
Carbon Fiber

Pyka

Develops autonomous electric airplanes for agriculture

About Pyka

Pyka develops autonomous electric airplanes that can perform all flight operations without human intervention, including taxiing, takeoff, flight, and landing. These aircraft are particularly efficient, using less power than electric cars and featuring minimal moving parts, making them cost-effective for agricultural applications like crop spraying. Equipped with advanced sensors and software, Pyka's airplanes ensure precise flying close to the ground, reducing waste and increasing efficiency for large-scale farmers. The company's goal is to transform the agricultural aviation industry by providing safe, efficient, and affordable aerial solutions.

Alameda, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2017Year Founded
$92.7MTotal Funding
SERIES_BCompany Stage
Food & Agriculture, AerospaceIndustries
51-200Employees

Benefits

Competitive salary & equity
Medical, dental, & vision insurance
FSA with employer matching
401k
Paid holidays
Unlimited PTO
Free catered lunch & snacks

Risks

Increased competition from companies like Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems.
Regulatory challenges in defense applications may require stricter compliance.
Dependence on large clients like Heinen Brothers poses revenue risks.

Differentiation

Pyka develops fully autonomous electric aircraft for agriculture and cargo transport.
Their aircraft use less power than electric cars, enhancing cost-effectiveness.
Pyka's Pelican Spray is the largest FAA-authorized UAS for commercial crop spraying.

Upsides

Pyka secured $40M to accelerate aircraft development and commercialization.
Partnership with Sierra Nevada Corporation expands Pyka's defense market reach.
Entry into Brazil with SLC Agrícola showcases global demand for Pyka's technology.

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