Structural Design Manager (K Level)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Structural Design Manager (K Level)

Company: The Boeing Company

Location: Huntington Beach, CA, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering Management / Structural Design

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Managerial)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a team of engineers focused on advanced structural concepts and technology development for a diverse range of aerospace vehicles.

• Drive the execution and growth of contracted and internally funded research and development (CRAD & Global Technology) projects, overseeing schedule, budget, and deliverables.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, government organizations, industry partners, and academic institutions.

• Develop, motivate, and manage direct reports, fostering a culture of continuous process improvement and setting ambitious operational goals.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including Business Development, Contracts, Finance, and Supplier Management to ensure project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is for a K-Level Manager, indicating a senior individual contributor or first-line manager with significant technical depth and leadership responsibilities in structural design within the aerospace sector. The focus on "Advanced Structural Concepts" suggests a forward-looking role involving cutting-edge R&D and technology transition.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage a design team responsible for the development, integration, and transition of advanced structural concepts and technology across commercial aircraft, military aircraft, rotorcraft, space vehicles, UAVs, and advanced vehicle prototypes.

• Oversee the planning, execution, and financial management of contracted and internally funded research and development (CRAD & Global Technology) projects, ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables.

• Develop, maintain, and nurture professional relationships with peers, direct reports, key stakeholders, government agencies, industry partners, and universities to foster collaboration and identify new opportunities.

• Lead, develop, and motivate engineering team members, driving performance, setting clear operational goals, and championing process improvements within the structural design discipline.

• Facilitate seamless collaboration with other critical organizations such as Business Development, Contracts, Finance, Supplier Management, and Human Resources to align on project objectives and ensure comprehensive support.

• Provide design oversight for specialized structures, including those designed for high temperatures, cryogenic conditions, steep thermal gradients, and large thermal transients involving dissimilar materials with varying coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs).

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a leadership role that balances technical oversight of complex structural design challenges with team management, project execution, and strategic stakeholder engagement. The emphasis on specialized structures points to a need for deep technical expertise beyond general structural engineering.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of one year of experience in a formal leadership role, such as Team Leader, Temporary Manager, Large-Scale Cross-Functional Project/Program Management, or formal Managerial experience.

• Alternatively, completion of Boeing's internal "Exploring Leadership" course can satisfy the leadership experience requirement.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to manage and lead engineering teams in the development of advanced structural concepts.

• In-depth knowledge of composite material design and production processes.

• Expertise in structural arrangement and optimization techniques.

• Familiarity with design requirements and objectives across the full product life cycle.

• Experience managing CRAD (Contracted Research and Development) and Global Technology opportunities, including proposal development and project execution.

• Demonstrated ability to foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government organizations and industry partners.

• Strong understanding of team building, employee development, and motivation strategies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in designing for performance, cost, and producibility.

• Proven track record in shaping, proposing, and capturing CRAD and Global Technology opportunities.

• Successful experience in developing and managing internal research projects.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and execution skills.

• Experience with team building, developing, and motivating teammates.

• Familiarity with designing for high-temperature, cryogenic, and steep thermal gradient structures.

• Understanding of thermal analysis and the behavior of dissimilar materials with varying CTEs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for at least one year of leadership experience, or completion of a specific internal leadership course, is a key differentiator. The preferred skills highlight specialized areas within structural engineering, such as advanced materials, thermal management, and R&D capture, which are critical for a role focused on "Advanced Structural Concepts."

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successful team leadership in complex engineering projects, showcasing effective delegation, performance management, and team motivation.

• Case studies detailing the management of research and development projects, including examples of schedule adherence, budget control, and successful deliverable completion.

• Evidence of strategic relationship building with stakeholders, government entities, industry partners, and academic institutions, highlighting collaborative outcomes.

• Examples of process improvement initiatives led or championed, with measurable impacts on efficiency, cost, or quality within engineering workflows.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies illustrating the management of design for performance, cost, and producibility, with clear metrics on achieved improvements.

• Examples of shaping, proposing, and capturing CRAD and Global Technology opportunities, including the methodology used for proposal development and project initiation.

• Documentation of experience in developing and managing internal research projects, showcasing strategic alignment and R&D investment justification.

• Evidence of managing specialized structural designs, such as those involving high temperatures, cryogenic conditions, or significant thermal gradients, detailing the analytical approach and design considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" might not be explicitly requested in the traditional sense, candidates are expected to present evidence of their leadership and technical capabilities through project examples and case studies during the interview process. The focus will be on demonstrating management acumen, R&D project execution, stakeholder engagement, and specialized technical expertise in structural design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $147,050 - $198,950 Annually (This range is provided based on the explicit statement in the job description and reflects typical compensation for a K-Level Manager in a specialized engineering field within a major aerospace company in a high cost-of-living area like Southern California.)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance plans.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.

• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for eligible medical expenses.

• Robust Retirement Savings Plans, likely including a 401(k) with company match.

• Life Insurance coverage.

• Disability Insurance (short-term and long-term).

• Paid Time Off (PTO), encompassing vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime depending on project demands. Shift 1 (Day Shift) is standard.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is explicit in the job description. The benefits listed are standard for large corporations like Boeing and are typical for senior engineering roles. Relocation assistance is a significant perk for candidates considering a move to Huntington Beach.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Commercial Aviation, Space Exploration, and Security.

Company Size: Boeing is a global industry leader, employing over 142,000 people worldwide (as of recent reports), placing it in the largest category of companies by employee count. This size implies a structured environment with established processes, extensive resources, and diverse career paths.

Founded: 1916. With over a century of history, Boeing has a deeply ingrained culture of innovation, engineering excellence, and a strong commitment to product quality and safety.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Advanced Structural Concepts" team, suggesting a specialized group focused on R&D and future technology.

• As a K-Level Manager, the position likely involves leading a team of engineers (potentially 5-15 individuals) with varying levels of experience, reporting to a higher-level director or vice president within the engineering organization.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on data-driven decision-making for structural design optimization, performance analysis, and R&D project justification.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Implementing and refining engineering processes for concept development, design, analysis, and integration to enhance efficiency and quality.

• Automation & Efficiency: Leveraging technology and best practices to automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and improve the overall productivity of the structural design team.

Company Website: https://www.boeing.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Boeing's long history and global presence suggest a culture that values rigorous engineering, safety, innovation, and long-term career development. The "Advanced Structural Concepts" team likely operates at the forefront of aerospace technology, requiring a blend of deep technical expertise and collaborative leadership.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: K-Level Manager. This signifies a senior technical contributor or a first-line management role, responsible for both technical direction and people management within a specialized engineering domain. It implies a significant level of autonomy and accountability for team performance and project outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a higher-level engineering leader (e.g., Director of Advanced Structures, VP of Engineering) and manages a team of structural design engineers. This structure allows for strategic direction from senior leadership while enabling focused execution at the team level.

Operations Impact: The Structural Design Manager directly influences the performance, cost, safety, and feasibility of future aerospace vehicles. Their work on advanced concepts and technology development is critical for Boeing's competitive edge, innovation pipeline, and long-term market leadership. Decisions made in this role can have substantial impacts on program success, program costs, and the company's technological advancement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced materials, high-temperature/cryogenic structures, thermal analysis, and complex vehicle integration through challenging R&D projects.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to higher management levels (e.g., Director, Senior Director) within engineering, taking on broader responsibilities for larger teams, multiple programs, or entire engineering functions.

• Program Management: Transition into program management roles, leveraging technical understanding to lead entire aerospace development programs from conception to delivery.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into roles in business development, advanced concepts research, or strategic planning, applying technical leadership to broader business objectives.

• Industry Influence: Potential to contribute to industry standards, publications, and conferences, establishing thought leadership in structural design and aerospace technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The K-Level designation is significant, indicating a role that requires deep technical mastery coupled with managerial acumen. Growth opportunities are substantial, offering pathways for both continued technical leadership and broader organizational influence within a company like Boeing.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position based in Huntington Beach, CA. The work environment will likely involve a combination of office-based work for management, planning, and collaboration, and potentially lab or facility access for design reviews, prototype discussions, or specialized analysis coordination.

Office Location(s): Huntington Beach, CA, United States. This location is a significant hub for Boeing's aerospace and defense operations, particularly for advanced development and engineering. It offers access to a large pool of engineering talent and a network of industry partners.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a highly collaborative setting with frequent interactions with team members, cross-functional partners, and senior leadership. Open-plan offices or dedicated team spaces are common.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art engineering software for Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and project management tools will be standard. High-performance computing resources are likely available for complex simulations.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design reviews, project status updates, and brainstorming sessions are integral to the daily operations. The manager's role is to facilitate these interactions and ensure effective communication.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is Shift 1 (Day Shift), typically 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of R&D and project deadlines in aerospace, occasional overtime or flexible scheduling might be necessary to meet critical milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles involving sensitive technology, critical infrastructure, and hands-on collaboration. Huntington Beach is a strategic location for aerospace engineering, offering a rich ecosystem of expertise and resources.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and recruiter review of application and resume, focusing on leadership experience and core qualifications.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to assess technical depth, leadership philosophy, project management experience, and cultural fit. This may involve behavioral questions and scenario-based inquiries.

• Boeing First-Line Leader Assessment: Candidates are required to complete a specific assessment designed for first-line leaders. Failure to complete this assessment will result in disqualification.

• Technical/Team Interviews: Interviews with senior engineers, peers, and potentially direct reports to evaluate technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and collaborative abilities. This may include a review of past projects or hypothetical technical challenges.

• Cross-Functional Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with representatives from other departments (e.g., Business Development, Program Management) to gauge collaboration skills and understanding of broader business objectives.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion with senior leadership, potentially leading to an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Leadership Case Studies: Prepare detailed examples of leadership challenges you've faced, how you motivated your team, resolved conflicts, and achieved project goals. Quantify outcomes where possible.

• R&D Project Management: Be ready to discuss your experience managing R&D projects from initiation to completion. Highlight your role in proposal development, scope definition, resource allocation, risk management, and successful delivery.

• Technical Expertise Showcase: Be prepared to discuss your experience with advanced structural concepts, composite design, thermal analysis, and vehicle integration. Use specific examples of complex problems you've solved.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Provide examples of how you have successfully managed relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies and industry partners, to achieve mutual objectives.

• Process Improvement Examples: Detail instances where you identified inefficiencies in engineering processes and implemented changes to improve outcomes, quantifying the benefits.

Challenge Preparation:

• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle common management challenges (e.g., underperforming team members, conflicting priorities, resource constraints).

• Technical Problem Solving: Be ready to discuss hypothetical or past technical challenges related to structural design in extreme environments or with novel materials, outlining your analytical approach.

• Strategic Thinking: Prepare to discuss your vision for advanced structural concepts and how you would align your team's efforts with Boeing's overall strategic goals.

• Boeing Culture & Values: Research Boeing's values, mission, and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding and alignment with the company culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory "Boeing First-Line Leader Assessment" is a critical step. Candidates should prioritize preparing for this alongside traditional interview questions. The focus on R&D, specialized structures, and stakeholder management suggests interviewers will probe deeply into these areas.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD tools such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar aerospace-grade design software.

• FEA Software: Experience with Finite Element Analysis tools like ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, or similar for structural simulation and validation.

• CFD Software: Familiarity with Computational Fluid Dynamics tools (e.g., Fluent, STAR-CCM+) may be beneficial for integrated vehicle design.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana, or Boeing's internal project management systems for planning, tracking, and reporting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in tools for analyzing engineering data, potentially including MATLAB, Python (with libraries like NumPy, Pandas), or specialized statistical software.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating and interpreting reports and dashboards that visualize structural performance, project status, and team productivity, possibly using tools like Tableau or Power BI.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct sales or marketing role, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) integrate with engineering project requirements or how automation tools can streamline R&D administrative tasks could be advantageous.

• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in using Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar platforms for team communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, candidates should highlight experience with leading-edge engineering software common in the aerospace industry, particularly in CAD, FEA, and data analysis. Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools is also essential for a management role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A strong emphasis on pushing the boundaries of structural design and material science to create next-generation aerospace solutions.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all aspects of engineering, design, and project management, reflecting Boeing's commitment to safety and trust.

• Excellence: Striving for superior performance, quality, and reliability in all structural designs and technological developments.

• Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and collective efforts drive success.

• Customer Focus: Understanding and meeting the rigorous requirements of aerospace customers, including government and commercial entities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A highly integrated approach, working closely with program managers, manufacturing engineers, systems engineers, and supply chain specialists to ensure designs are feasible, manufacturable, and meet all program objectives.

• Process Review Culture: Encouraging open feedback and continuous improvement of design and management processes through regular reviews and team discussions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a culture where engineers share technical insights, best practices, and lessons learned to accelerate learning and innovation across the team and organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Boeing's core values of integrity, quality, safety, and innovation are central. For this role, expect a culture that values deep technical expertise, rigorous problem-solving, and a proactive approach to collaboration across diverse engineering and business functions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Cutting-Edge R&D: Navigating the inherent uncertainties and risks associated with developing novel technologies and advanced structural concepts. Requires strong risk management and adaptability.

• Balancing Innovation with Practicality: Ensuring that advanced designs are not only technologically superior but also cost-effective, manufacturable, and meet stringent safety and regulatory requirements.

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Effectively integrating complex structural designs with other vehicle systems (e.g., propulsion, avionics, thermal management) and coordinating with a wide array of specialized engineering teams.

• Talent Development & Retention: Attracting and retaining top engineering talent in a competitive aerospace market, while simultaneously developing existing team members' skills for future needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training programs, workshops, and conferences focused on cutting-edge topics in materials science, structural analysis, aerospace design, and thermal engineering.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal leadership training and mentorship opportunities provided by Boeing to enhance management, communication, and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to engage with industry peers, government agencies, and research institutions through conferences, partnerships, and collaborative projects, fostering professional growth and networking.

• Cross-Functional Rotations: Potential for rotational assignments in related departments (e.g., R&D, Program Management) to broaden experience and understanding of the aerospace product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges at the forefront of aerospace engineering, demanding strong technical leadership and strategic foresight. The growth opportunities are substantial, providing pathways for both technical specialization and broader leadership roles within Boeing.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• How would you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within your structural design team? Provide specific examples of initiatives you have led.

• Describe a time you had to manage a complex research and development project with significant technical risks. What was your approach to risk mitigation and ensuring successful delivery?

• How do you balance the demands of leading a team with the need for hands-on technical involvement in advanced structural design?

• Explain your strategy for developing and mentoring engineers, particularly those with specialized technical skills. How do you identify and nurture talent?

Company & Culture Questions:

• What do you understand about Boeing's strategy for future aerospace development, and how would your team's work contribute to it?

• How do you embody Boeing's core values (e.g., integrity, quality, safety, innovation) in your leadership approach?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project example, clearly define the challenge, your role and approach (especially leadership actions), the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results or impact achieved.

• Highlight R&D Management: Focus on your ability to manage the unique aspects of R&D projects – uncertainty, innovation, stakeholder alignment, and technology transition.

• Showcase Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss specific technical challenges related to composite materials, high-temperature/cryogenic structures, or advanced vehicle integration. Use diagrams or simplified explanations if necessary.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics (e.g., % cost reduction, % schedule improvement, performance gains) to demonstrate the value of your contributions and your team's work.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Emphasize your leadership style, team-building efforts, and how you empower your team to achieve ambitious goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their leadership philosophy, R&D project management expertise, and deep technical knowledge of advanced structural design. Emphasize quantifiable achievements and demonstrate an understanding of Boeing's strategic priorities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official Boeing Careers website using the provided link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your leadership experience (formal management or significant project leadership), expertise in structural design, composite materials, vehicle integration, and any experience with R&D or advanced concepts. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Gather specific examples and case studies that demonstrate your ability to manage engineering teams, execute R&D projects, handle complex structural challenges, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. Prepare to discuss these in detail.

• Leadership Assessment Preparation: Ensure you are prepared to complete the mandatory "Boeing First-Line Leader Assessment." Research typical leadership assessment formats and practice answering behavioral and situational questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Boeing's current projects, strategic initiatives, and values. Understand the "Advanced Structural Concepts" team's likely role in the company's future product roadmap.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.