Structural Design Manager (K Level)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Structural Design Manager (K Level)

Company: Boeing

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 structural design engineers focused on developing and integrating advanced structural concepts for diverse aerospace and vehicle platforms.

• Oversee the execution and growth of contracted and internally funded research and development (CRAD & Global Technology) projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and technical requirements.

• Drive process improvements and set operational goals within the Advanced Structural Concepts team, fostering a culture of efficiency and innovation.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders (Business Development, Contracts, Finance, HR, Supplier Management) and external entities, including government organizations, industry partners, and universities.

• Manage employee development, motivation, and performance, ensuring a high-performing and engaged team capable of tackling complex design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "K Level" designation at Boeing typically signifies a senior individual contributor or a first-line management role with significant technical expertise and leadership responsibilities, often requiring a deep understanding of engineering principles and project execution within a complex organizational structure. This role is crucial for advancing Boeing's capabilities in structural design for next-generation vehicles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Be responsible for the management, execution, and growth of contracted and internally funded research and development (CRAD) projects, including planning and execution of project schedules, finances, and deliverables.

• Develop, maintain, and grow relationships with peers, direct reports, stakeholders, government organizations, industry partners, and universities to foster collaboration and drive innovation.

• Manage, develop, and motivate employees, leading process improvements and setting operational goals for the team.

• Collaborate effectively with other organizations, such as Business Development, Contracts, Finance, Supplier Management, and Human Resources, to ensure project success and business alignment.

• Provide engineering oversight for high temperature and cryogenic structures, as well as structures experiencing steep thermal gradients and/or large thermal transients with dissimilar materials exhibiting varying Coefficients of Thermal Expansion (CTEs).

• Contribute to shaping, proposing, and capturing CRAD and Global Technology opportunities, and develop internal research projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical leadership in advanced structural design (including specialized areas like high-temperature and cryogenic structures) and people management. The emphasis on CRAD/Global Technology initiatives indicates a strategic role in future product development and innovation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of one year of experience in a formal leadership role (e.g., team leader, project manager, formal manager) OR completion of Boeing's internal "Exploring Leadership" course.

• Demonstrated experience in designing for performance, cost, and producibility.

• Proven experience in shaping, proposing, and capturing Contracted Research and Development (CRAD) and Global Technology opportunities.

Required Skills:

• Structural Design Expertise: Deep understanding of structural design principles, including stress analysis, load paths, and material selection for aerospace applications.

• Engineering Management: Proven ability to manage engineering teams, projects, and R&D initiatives, including planning, execution, and resource allocation.

• Composite Material Design & Production: Knowledge of composite material properties, design methodologies, manufacturing processes, and their application in aerospace structures.

• Vehicle Integration: Experience in integrating structural designs into broader vehicle systems, considering interfaces, aerodynamics, and overall vehicle performance.

• Project Management: Strong skills in project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and deliverable tracking for complex engineering projects.

• Team Leadership & Development: Ability to lead, mentor, motivate, and develop engineering talent, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team environment.

• Process Improvement: Experience in identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and innovation within engineering workflows.

• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with diverse stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally.

Preferred Skills:

• Thermal Analysis: Experience with designing structures that must withstand high temperatures, steep thermal gradients, and large thermal transients, particularly with dissimilar materials.

• Cryogenic Structures: Familiarity with the design considerations and challenges associated with cryogenic environments and materials.

• Structural Optimization: Knowledge of techniques and tools for optimizing structural designs for weight, strength, stiffness, and cost.

• Requirements Management: Experience in managing and flowing down design requirements from higher-level specifications.

• Business Development Acumen: Understanding of proposal development, contract negotiation, and market analysis within the aerospace R&D sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "K Level" designation implies a high degree of technical proficiency and leadership. Candidates are expected to have not only management experience but also a strong foundation in core structural engineering principles relevant to advanced aerospace applications, including specialized areas like thermal and cryogenic structures.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of structural designs managed or directly contributed to, demonstrating an understanding of the full product lifecycle from concept to production.

• Provide case studies of CRAD or R&D projects, highlighting your role in proposal development, project planning, execution, and successful delivery.

• Include evidence of process improvement initiatives led or implemented within engineering teams, with quantifiable results related to efficiency, cost reduction, or quality enhancement.

• Demonstrate experience in managing technical teams, including examples of team development, motivation strategies, and performance management.

Process Documentation:

• Document your approach to developing and managing project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation for complex engineering programs.

• Outline your methodology for managing design requirements, ensuring they are clearly defined, communicated, and met throughout the design and development phases.

• Detail your strategies for fostering innovation within engineering teams, including approaches to idea generation, R&D project initiation, and technology transition.

• Describe your process for performance management and employee development within an engineering team, including feedback mechanisms, goal setting, and career pathing.

• Illustrate your methods for risk identification, assessment, and mitigation within engineering projects, particularly for advanced structural concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role, the portfolio should emphasize leadership and strategic contributions rather than purely individual technical contributions. It should demonstrate the ability to manage complex projects, teams, and R&D initiatives, showcasing impact on program success and organizational growth.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $147,050 - $198,950 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance plans.

• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.

• Health savings accounts (HSAs) for eligible medical plans.

• Robust retirement savings plans, such as a 401(k) with company match.

• Life insurance coverage.

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

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime depending on project demands.

• This is a Shift 1 position (United States of America).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the information available and industry benchmarks for a Structural Design Manager (K Level) role at a major aerospace company like Boeing, considering the specified location (Huntington Beach, CA) and experience level. The "K Level" designation and the nature of the responsibilities suggest a senior management position commanding a competitive compensation package. Benefits are standard for a large corporation and are designed to attract and retain top talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing. Boeing is a global leader in the aerospace industry, designing, manufacturing, and servicing commercial airplanes, defense systems, and space exploration vehicles. The company is at the forefront of technological innovation, driving advancements in aviation and space technology.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees). This size implies a structured organization with established processes, a wide range of career opportunities, and significant resources for research and development.

Founded: 1916. With over a century of history, Boeing has a deep-rooted legacy of engineering excellence, innovation, and global impact. This longevity suggests stability, extensive experience, and a well-established corporate culture.

Team Structure:

• Advanced Structural Concepts Team: This team likely comprises specialized structural engineers, analysts, and designers focused on cutting-edge structural technologies. The manager will lead a group of highly skilled professionals.

• Reporting Structure: As a "K Level" manager, this role likely reports to a higher-level engineering director or program manager responsible for broader structural engineering or advanced technology development.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires extensive collaboration with various departments, including design, analysis, manufacturing, program management, business development, contracts, and supplier management, to ensure successful project execution and technology integration.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Boeing emphasizes rigorous engineering analysis, simulation, and testing to inform design decisions and validate structural integrity.

• Integrated Product Teams (IPTs): Projects are often managed through IPTs, where representatives from different disciplines work collaboratively to achieve program objectives.

• Lean Manufacturing & Process Optimization: The company actively pursues lean principles and process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality throughout the development and production lifecycle.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Boeing's culture is built on a foundation of engineering rigor, safety, and innovation. For operations and engineering management roles, this translates to a focus on detailed planning, precise execution, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The "K Level" designation indicates a high degree of autonomy and responsibility within this established framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Principal Engineering Leadership. The "K Level" designation signifies a critical leadership role within Boeing's engineering organization. This position is responsible for managing technical teams, driving strategic R&D initiatives, and contributing to the company's long-term technological advancement in structural design. It involves significant decision-making authority and accountability for project outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Structural Design Manager will report to a Director or higher-level VP within the engineering or advanced technology division, overseeing the Advanced Structural Concepts team. They will manage a team of engineers and potentially technical leads.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on Boeing's ability to develop and deliver next-generation aircraft, spacecraft, and defense systems. Successful management of advanced structural concepts translates into lighter, stronger, more efficient, and cost-effective designs, which are critical competitive advantages in the aerospace industry. The manager's contributions influence product performance, safety, and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in advanced structural design, high-temperature/cryogenic applications, composite materials, and structural optimization.

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher-level management positions, overseeing larger teams, broader engineering disciplines, or entire programs within Boeing.

• Program Management: Transition into senior program management roles, leveraging engineering and leadership experience to lead major aerospace development projects.

• Strategic R&D Leadership: Opportunity to shape Boeing's future technology roadmap by leading critical research and development initiatives and defining future structural technologies.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Potential to lead cross-functional initiatives or take on roles in areas like manufacturing engineering, advanced materials research, or business development for technology solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "K Level" designation at Boeing is a recognized pathway for senior technical experts and managers. Growth typically involves increasing scope of responsibility, leading more complex or strategic projects, and potentially moving into executive leadership roles. The emphasis on R&D and advanced concepts suggests a strong focus on innovation and future product development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an office-based role within a large corporate campus, with potential access to engineering labs and testing facilities. The environment will be professional and collaborative, designed to support engineering development and management activities.

Office Location(s): Huntington Beach, CA. This location is a significant hub for Boeing's aerospace and defense operations, offering a dynamic work environment with access to a skilled engineering talent pool and established industry infrastructure.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will likely feature open-plan areas for team collaboration, alongside private offices or cubicles for focused work and management tasks. Meeting rooms equipped with necessary technology for presentations and discussions will be readily available.

• Tools and Technology: Access to state-of-the-art engineering software (CAD, CAE, FEA tools), simulation platforms, and project management systems will be standard. The team will utilize Boeing's internal network and communication platforms.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with direct reports, peers, higher management, and cross-functional team members through meetings, project reviews, and informal discussions.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours (Shift 1), typically Monday through Friday, with flexibility for project needs.

• Up to 25% travel may be required for meetings, conferences, site visits, or collaborations with other Boeing facilities or partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Huntington Beach location is a key site for Boeing, particularly for advanced programs. The work environment will be typical of a large aerospace corporation, emphasizing collaboration, technical rigor, and adherence to established processes and safety protocols. The travel requirement is moderate, indicating a need for on-site presence but also engagement with external stakeholders.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and/or hiring manager review of application, resume, and preliminary assessment results to gauge basic qualifications and experience.

• Technical & Leadership Assessment: A mandatory online assessment (Boeing First-Line Leader Assessment) to evaluate leadership potential and foundational management competencies.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on leadership experience, technical background in structural design, project management skills, and strategic thinking. Expect behavioral questions.

• Panel Interview: Interviews with a panel of peers, direct reports, and/or senior leaders. This stage assesses team fit, collaborative approach, and broader engineering/management acumen. Case studies or problem-solving scenarios related to structural design challenges may be presented.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level executive for final approval, focusing on strategic alignment and long-term vision.

• Security Clearance: Obtaining and maintaining a U.S. Secret Security Clearance is a requirement.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 key projects that best demonstrate your leadership in structural design management, R&D, and team development. Prioritize projects with significant impact and complexity.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, weight reduction, schedule improvements, performance gains). Use metrics relevant to aerospace engineering and management.

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically. For each project, provide a concise overview, key challenges, your leadership approach, technical contributions (or oversight), and outcomes. Use clear visuals where appropriate (diagrams, charts, photos).

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in team management, mentorship, process improvement, and stakeholder communication. Demonstrate how you empowered your team and fostered a positive, productive work environment.

• Tailor to Boeing: Research Boeing's current projects, technologies, and values. Frame your experience and portfolio examples to align with Boeing's strategic priorities in advanced structural design and innovation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Leadership Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss hypothetical leadership challenges, such as motivating an underperforming team, resolving conflicts between team members, or managing stakeholder expectations during a project crisis.

• Technical Problem Solving: Anticipate questions related to complex structural design issues, trade-off analyses, and decision-making processes for critical structural components, especially those involving thermal gradients or cryogenic conditions.

• Process Improvement Case Study: Be ready to walk through a process improvement initiative you led, detailing the steps taken, the tools used, and the measurable impact on efficiency or quality.

• R&D Project Management: Prepare to discuss how you would scope, propose, and manage an R&D project from concept to potential transition into a production program, including budget and schedule considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process at Boeing is thorough, involving multiple stages and assessments. The mandatory leadership assessment and the emphasis on security clearance are critical components. A well-structured portfolio that showcases both technical oversight and strong leadership capabilities will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/CAE Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) tools such as CATIA, Siemens NX, SOLIDWORKS, or similar for design and analysis.

• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Software: Experience with FEA tools like ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN for structural analysis, stress calculations, and thermal simulations.

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

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar internal communication and collaboration tools for team coordination and information sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in using tools for data analysis and visualization, potentially including Excel (advanced functions), Tableau, Power BI, or specialized engineering data analysis software.

• Requirements Management Systems: Familiarity with systems designed to track and manage complex engineering requirements throughout the product lifecycle.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how structural design integrates with broader product lifecycle management (PLM) systems and enterprise resource planning (ERP) is beneficial.

• Experience with process automation tools or methodologies to streamline engineering workflows, reporting, or project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong foundation in core engineering design and analysis software. The manager is expected to understand the technological landscape their team operates within, even if not directly performing all technical tasks. Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools is essential for effective team leadership.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in aerospace, ensuring all designs and processes prioritize the safety of passengers, crew, and the public.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings, from design integrity to contractual obligations.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in engineering, innovation, and execution, driving continuous improvement.

• Inclusivity: Fostering a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and contribute to innovation and problem-solving.

• Teamwork: Emphasizing collaboration, mutual support, and shared responsibility to achieve common goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Approach: Collaboration is expected to be highly integrated, with engineers from different disciplines working closely together in cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones.

• Data-Driven Discussions: Technical and strategic decisions are typically supported by robust data analysis, simulations, and testing, leading to fact-based discussions.

• Open Communication: An environment that encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and the sharing of knowledge and best practices across teams and departments.

• Problem-Solving Focus: A collective effort towards identifying and solving complex engineering challenges, with a proactive approach to risk mitigation and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Boeing's culture emphasizes a strong ethical framework, technical excellence, and a commitment to safety. For a management role, demonstrating alignment with these values and the ability to foster them within a team is critical. The collaborative style is essential for navigating the complexity of aerospace development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Technical Expertise: Leading a team with varied specializations in structural analysis, composite materials, high-temperature/cryogenic applications, and vehicle integration requires balancing different technical viewpoints and ensuring cohesive output.

• Navigating Complex Requirements: Meeting stringent aerospace design requirements from multiple stakeholders (customers, regulatory bodies, internal engineering standards) while balancing performance, cost, and schedule constraints.

• Driving Innovation vs. Execution: Balancing the need for innovation in advanced structural concepts with the disciplined execution required for production-ready designs and project delivery.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of rapid advancements in materials science, simulation techniques, and manufacturing processes to maintain Boeing's competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training programs in cutting-edge structural analysis techniques, new material applications, and advanced simulation software.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to participate in Boeing's comprehensive leadership development programs, enhancing skills in strategic management, financial oversight, and organizational leadership.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Encouragement and support to attend major aerospace engineering conferences (e.g., AIAA, SAMPE) for knowledge sharing, networking, and staying current with industry trends.

• Mentorship: Access to senior engineering leaders and mentors within Boeing who can provide guidance on career progression and technical development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role stem from the high-stakes nature of aerospace engineering and the complexity of managing innovation within a large, established corporation. The growth opportunities are significant, reflecting Boeing's investment in its employees' technical and leadership development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between different engineering disciplines on a project. How did you resolve it and ensure project success?" (Focus on stakeholder management, communication, and compromise.)

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation within an engineering team while ensuring adherence to strict safety and quality standards?" (Highlight balance, process, and team empowerment.)

• "Walk me through your process for developing and managing the budget and schedule for a complex R&D project. What are your key risk mitigation strategies?" (Demonstrate project planning and financial acumen.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Boeing's current focus areas in advanced structural design, and how does your experience align with those areas?" (Research Boeing's latest projects, technologies, and strategic goals.)

• "How would you contribute to Boeing's values of safety, integrity, and inclusivity within your team?" (Showcase understanding of corporate values and how you embody them.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each portfolio example, structure your narrative clearly: the challenge, your leadership approach, the technical oversight, the team's efforts, and the quantifiable outcomes. Keep it focused and impactful.

• Highlight Leadership Impact: Emphasize your role in enabling your team's success, driving strategic decisions, managing resources, and fostering a positive team environment. Use "I" for direct actions and "we" for team achievements where appropriate.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, professional visuals (charts, diagrams, simplified schematics) to illustrate complex concepts or project timelines. Avoid overly technical jargon unless explaining a critical design element.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared for detailed questions about your projects, your decision-making process, and how you would apply your experience to Boeing's specific challenges. Anticipate questions about trade-offs, risks, and alternative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of strong technical understanding in structural engineering, proven leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and alignment with Boeing's corporate culture and values. The ability to articulate past successes with data and clear narratives is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your leadership experience, specific achievements in structural design management, R&D project execution, and any experience with composite materials, thermal analysis, or cryogenic structures. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio showcasing 3-5 key projects that best illustrate your leadership in structural design management, R&D initiatives, and team development. Quantify achievements and focus on impact.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare detailed answers to common behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your leadership style, problem-solving approach, and technical expertise. Rehearse presenting your portfolio examples concisely and effectively.

• Research Boeing: Deeply understand Boeing's current projects, technological focus areas (especially in advanced structures and materials), and corporate values. Familiarize yourself with the company's commitment to safety, innovation, and inclusivity.

⚠️ 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. Please note that successful completion of the Boeing First-Line Leader Assessment and the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance are mandatory requirements for this role.