Structures & Payload Design Engineer (Payload Systems Design) - Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Structures & Payload Design Engineer (Payload Systems Design) - Consultant

Company: The Boeing Company

Location: North Charleston, SC, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering - Aerospace / Structures

Date Posted: 2026-06-09

Experience Level: 14+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role involves leading the development of complex engineering solutions for the Payloads organization within the Boeing Commercial Aircraft 787 Program, with a focus on aircraft interiors and cargo compartments.

• The position requires comprehensive management of the product lifecycle, from customer configuration development and supplier engagement through to production integration, certification, and addressing in-service issues.

• Key responsibilities include validating and demonstrating compliance with stringent regulatory requirements (FAA Title 14 Part 25 and/or EASA) and working directly with regulatory bodies.

• This consultant-level role demands a high degree of technical expertise in structures, payload systems design, and aerospace interiors, coupled with strong project management and leadership capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Structures & Payload Design Engineer," the description heavily emphasizes "Payloads" and "Interiors." This suggests a specialization within broader structures engineering, focusing on the internal components and systems of the aircraft. The "Consultant" designation implies a senior, expert-level contribution, likely involving strategic guidance and problem-solving beyond day-to-day design tasks. The role is explicitly stated as 100% onsite.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development of innovative engineering solutions for the Payloads Engineering function, supporting current and future commercial aircraft interiors and cargo compartment designs.

• Oversee and manage development, testing, and production activities, optimizing integration processes to achieve program goals and ensuring seamless execution.

• Drive the creation of engineering solutions to address airline customer in-service reliability and safety concerns, ensuring continuous product improvement.

• Provide mentorship, coaching, and training to Payloads and Structures engineers, fostering technical growth and best practices within the team.

• Validate and demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements, including direct engagement with regulatory authorities (e.g., FAA, EASA).

• Implement and optimize "Design for Manufacturing" principles to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including project engineering, production engineering, program/product teams, management, and technical staff, to define and implement robust engineering solutions.

• Contribute to the certification and delivery of industry-leading interiors products by leveraging the expertise and resources of the interiors organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design leadership, project management, regulatory affairs, and team mentorship. The emphasis on "in-service reliability and/or safety issues" and "validating/demonstrating compliance" points to a critical role in product quality and safety assurance. The explicit mention of "customer configuration development" and "supplier engagement" indicates significant interaction with external stakeholders.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, with a specialization in Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace, Aeronautical, or Material Sciences. Experience:

• A minimum of 14 years of progressive experience in engineering, encompassing design, integration, and/or certification. This can be supplemented by an equivalent combination of additional education and relevant professional experience.

• At least 1 year of specialized experience in aerospace interiors, including familiarity with materials and properties, design criteria, and release processes. Required Skills:

• Aerospace Structures & Interiors Design: Proven ability to design, analyze, and integrate complex structural and interior components for aircraft.

• Regulatory Compliance (FAA/EASA): Demonstrated experience with regulatory frameworks such as FAA Title 14 Part 25 and/or EASA equivalents, including validation and demonstration of compliance.

• Product Lifecycle Management: Experience managing engineering projects across the entire product lifecycle, from concept through production and in-service support.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to effectively diagnose and resolve complex engineering challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Program/Project Management: 9+ years of experience managing projects or programs, including proposal development, schedule management, financial assessment, resource planning, and risk/issue management.

• Cross-functional Team Leadership: Proven ability to lead and collaborate effectively with diverse, cross-functional engineering and program teams.

• Supplier Engagement & Development: Experience working with suppliers on design, integration, and quality assurance for interior components.

• Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Expertise in applying DFM principles to optimize production processes and manufacturability.

• Communication Excellence: Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly to various audiences.

• Adaptability: Ability to thrive and remain productive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (14+ years) positions this as a senior or expert role, likely requiring deep domain knowledge. The preferred skills in program management and cross-functional leadership are crucial for a consultant-level position, indicating the need to not only provide technical direction but also to manage complex initiatives and stakeholder expectations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase detailed examples of complex structural or interior component designs, highlighting the design process, analysis performed, and final outcome.

• Regulatory Compliance Projects: Present documentation or case studies demonstrating successful navigation of regulatory approval processes (e.g., FAA/EASA certifications) for aircraft interiors.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Include examples where you identified and implemented improvements to design, integration, or production processes, quantifying the impact (e.g., efficiency gains, cost reductions, quality improvements).

• Cross-functional Collaboration Examples: Illustrate instances where you effectively collaborated with production, program management, or supplier teams to achieve project milestones or resolve complex issues.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate familiarity with creating and maintaining comprehensive engineering documentation, including design specifications, analysis reports, test plans, and compliance records relevant to aerospace interiors.

• Provide evidence of experience in developing and refining engineering workflows and processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and adherence to design criteria.

• Showcase an understanding of how to integrate design processes with manufacturing and production, ensuring manufacturability and efficient assembly.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior and consultant nature of the role, a strong portfolio demonstrating not just design capability but also process leadership, regulatory expertise, and project management acumen is expected. Candidates should be prepared to articulate the "how" and "why" behind their design decisions and process improvements, emphasizing measurable results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided summary pay range is $154,700 - $209,300 annually. Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage options.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Pre-tax accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): For eligible high-deductible health plans.

• Retirement Savings Plans: Including 401(k) or similar plans for long-term financial security.

• Life Insurance: Basic and supplemental life insurance coverage.

• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

• Paid Time Away From Work: Including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Unpaid Time Away From Work: Options for extended leave when needed.

Working Hours:

• This is a standard full-time position, likely involving a 40-hour work week (Shift 1). While specific flexibility is not detailed, the consultant role may require occasional extended hours to meet project deadlines or address critical issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior engineering consultant role in the aerospace industry within the US. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting a large, established corporation like Boeing. The salary estimate is derived directly from the provided pay range summary.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace Manufacturing & Defense. Boeing is a global leader in aviation, designing, manufacturing, and servicing commercial airplanes, defense systems, and space exploration vehicles.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees). This implies a structured environment with extensive resources, established processes, and numerous opportunities for specialization and career development.

Founded: 1916. Boeing has a long and rich history in aviation innovation, fostering a culture that values engineering excellence, safety, and long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Payloads organization of the Boeing Commercial Aircraft 787 Program, specifically focusing on interior systems.

• The team likely comprises various engineering disciplines (structures, mechanical, electrical, materials) specialized in different interior components (monuments, galleys, lavatories, lighting, etc.).

• This position involves significant cross-functional collaboration with program management, production engineering, supply chain, and potentially customer representatives and regulatory bodies. Methodology:

• Boeing emphasizes a rigorous, data-driven approach to engineering, adhering to strict quality, safety, and regulatory standards.

• Workflows will involve detailed design, analysis (FEA, CFD, etc.), simulation, testing, documentation, and certification processes.

• A strong focus is placed on design for manufacturability, assembly, and sustainment, with an emphasis on efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Boeing's culture is known for its deep engineering heritage, emphasis on safety and quality, and commitment to innovation. As a large, publicly traded company, it operates with robust processes and a structured hierarchy, which is typical for aerospace manufacturing. The 787 program is a flagship product, indicating a high-stakes, high-visibility environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Consultant/Senior Principal Engineer. This level signifies an expert contributor with extensive experience, responsible for leading complex technical initiatives, mentoring junior engineers, and influencing strategic decisions within the Payloads organization.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Senior Manager or Director within the Payloads Engineering function of the 787 Program. Will work closely with program managers, chief engineers, and leads of various sub-teams (e.g., BFE Monuments, Lighting, Galleys).

Operations Impact: Directly influences the design, safety, reliability, and certification of aircraft interiors for the 787 program. This role has a significant impact on customer satisfaction, operational efficiency for airlines, and Boeing's reputation for quality and innovation in cabin design.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of aerospace interiors, structures, or certification through advanced projects and training.

• Leadership Development: Progress into roles with broader program management responsibilities, team leadership, or chief engineering positions within other Boeing programs.

• Cross-Program Mobility: Opportunities to apply expertise to other Boeing commercial, defense, or space programs, leveraging a broad understanding of systems engineering and product development.

• Industry Influence: Potential to contribute to industry standards bodies or advanced research initiatives through Boeing's extensive R&D capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Consultant" title suggests a role that might not necessarily lead to traditional people management but offers significant technical leadership and influence. Growth would likely involve taking on larger, more complex programs, leading strategic technical initiatives, or becoming a recognized subject matter expert within Boeing and the broader aerospace industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an office-based role within a large aerospace manufacturing and engineering campus. The environment will be professional and collaborative, with access to engineering labs, testing facilities, and production floor support.

Office Location(s): North Charleston, South Carolina. This is a significant Boeing manufacturing and engineering hub, particularly for commercial aircraft programs.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be an open-plan office or cubicle environment designed to foster collaboration among engineering teams.

• Access to advanced engineering software, simulation tools, and potentially VR/AR for design reviews will be available.

• Regular interaction with design engineers, analysts, production specialists, program managers, and potentially customer representatives.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours (Shift 1), Monday-Friday. Given the consultant level and project-driven nature of aerospace engineering, some flexibility may be required to meet critical project deadlines, though the role is designated as on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial. This role involves close collaboration with manufacturing and production teams, which necessitates physical presence. The environment will be fast-paced and demanding, typical of major aerospace programs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and/or Recruiter review of application and resume for basic qualifications and experience alignment.

• Technical Interview(s): Series of interviews with engineering managers, senior engineers, and subject matter experts. Focus will be on technical depth in structures, payload systems, aerospace interiors, and regulatory compliance. Expect in-depth technical questions and problem-solving scenarios.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present specific examples from their portfolio demonstrating relevant design projects, process improvements, and regulatory achievements.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Assessment of leadership capabilities, teamwork, communication skills, problem-solving approaches, and cultural fit within Boeing's engineering environment.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose 3-5 projects that best showcase your expertise in aerospace interiors, structures, certification, and project leadership.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the technical approach/solution, challenges encountered, your specific contributions, and quantifiable results (e.g., weight savings, cost reduction, performance improvement, certification achieved).

• Highlight Regulatory Experience: Specifically detail your experience with FAA Title 14 Part 25 and/or EASA regulations, including any direct interactions with regulatory bodies.

• Demonstrate Process Improvement: If applicable, present examples of how you optimized design, integration, or manufacturing processes, using data to support your claims.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to answer detailed questions about design methodologies, analysis techniques, material selection, and manufacturing considerations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Problems: Be prepared for hypothetical design challenges related to aircraft interiors, structural integrity, or certification pathways. Practice breaking down complex problems into manageable steps.

• Process Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would manage a project, resolve a design conflict between teams, or address a critical safety issue.

• Regulatory Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach a new certification requirement or respond to an inquiry from a regulatory authority.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a consultant role at Boeing, the interview process will be rigorous. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates impact and demonstrates deep technical and regulatory expertise is paramount. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience in a structured, results-oriented manner.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD tools such as CATIA (highly likely for aerospace), SolidWorks, or similar for 3D modeling and complex surface design of interior components.

• FEA Software: Experience with Finite Element Analysis tools like Abaqus, ANSYS, NASTRAN, or PATRAN for structural analysis, stress analysis, and material behavior simulation.

• PLM/PDM Systems: Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) or Product Data Management (PDM) systems for managing design data, revisions, and workflows.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence, or internal Boeing platforms for project management, communication, and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Experience with tools for analyzing test data, performance metrics, and reliability statistics (e.g., Excel, MATLAB, potentially Python for scripting).

• Reporting Software: Ability to generate clear, concise reports and presentations using standard office productivity suites.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design release processes integrate with enterprise resource planning (ERP) and manufacturing execution systems (MES) is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given Boeing's scale and industry, proficiency in CATIA for CAD and a robust FEA package like NASTRAN or Abaqus are highly probable requirements for this role. Familiarity with aerospace-specific design criteria and release processes within a PLM framework is essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: An uncompromising commitment to safety in every aspect of design and engineering.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings and engineering practices.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in products and processes, pushing the boundaries of innovation.

• Collaboration: Fostering a teamwork-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated.

• Respect: Valuing employees, customers, and stakeholders, promoting inclusivity and diversity.

Collaboration Style:

• Boeing fosters a highly collaborative engineering environment, requiring engineers to work seamlessly across disciplines and departments.

• Expect regular design reviews, technical exchange meetings, and cross-functional team sync-ups.

• A culture of constructive feedback and continuous improvement is encouraged to ensure product robustness and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Boeing's established corporate values are deeply embedded in its culture. For this role, particularly the emphasis on safety, integrity, and excellence in engineering, will be paramount. Collaboration is not just encouraged but essential for success in a complex program like the 787.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Integrated Systems: Managing the intricate interactions between various interior systems (lighting, galleys, lavatories, seating, cargo) and the primary airframe structure.

• Stringent Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating evolving FAA and EASA regulations for aircraft interiors, which can be demanding and require extensive validation.

• Balancing Performance, Cost, and Schedule: Delivering innovative, high-performance interior solutions within strict budget constraints and aggressive program timelines.

• Adapting to Evolving Customer Needs: Incorporating unique airline customer configurations and requirements while maintaining design integrity and certification compliance.

• Legacy Systems & Modernization: Integrating new technologies and designs with existing infrastructure and manufacturing processes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to Boeing's extensive internal training programs for specialized engineering skills, software tools, and regulatory updates.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Opportunities to attend aerospace industry events to stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior technical leaders or to mentor junior engineers, enhancing leadership and communication skills.

• Cross-Program Exposure: Gaining experience across different aircraft programs or defense/space sectors within Boeing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of large-scale aerospace projects. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging Boeing's vast resources for continuous professional development and career advancement within the aerospace sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex structural or interior design challenge you faced on a previous aerospace project. How did you approach it, what was your solution, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving methodology, technical depth, and quantifiable results.)

• "Walk me through your experience with FAA Title 14 Part 25 or EASA certification processes for aircraft interiors. What were the key steps, and how did you ensure compliance?" (Highlight regulatory knowledge, documentation, and interaction with authorities.)

• "How would you lead a cross-functional team to resolve a critical design discrepancy between the interiors group and the production team, impacting a key program milestone?" (Assess leadership, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills.)

• "Imagine you need to propose a new material for aircraft galleys that offers weight savings but has limited historical certification data. What would be your approach to validate its performance and ensure regulatory acceptance?" (Evaluate technical judgment, risk assessment, and process thinking.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Boeing's commitment to safety and engineering excellence, and how would your experience contribute to these values within the 787 Payloads team?" (Demonstrate understanding of Boeing's core principles.)

• "How do you stay current with the latest advancements in aerospace interiors, structures, and regulatory requirements?" (Showcase proactive learning and industry engagement.)

• "Describe your experience working in a large, matrixed organization. How do you navigate competing priorities and stakeholder interests?" (Assess adaptability and organizational navigation skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each portfolio piece, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework. Clearly articulate the context, your specific role, the actions you took, and the measurable outcomes.

• Visuals: Use clear diagrams, renderings, or photos where possible to illustrate your designs and concepts.

• Data-Driven: Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., % weight reduction, $ cost savings, reduction in test failures, successful certification milestones).

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your contributions directly benefited the project, program, or company, aligning with Boeing's goals for safety, quality, and efficiency.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed technical questions about your design choices, analytical methods, and material selections.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical competence but also a strategic mindset, strong leadership potential, and a deep understanding of the aerospace industry's regulatory and operational landscape. The portfolio is your primary tool to showcase this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official Boeing Careers website portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 14+ years of engineering experience, emphasizing aerospace interiors, structures design, integration, and certification. Explicitly mention experience with FAA Title 14 Part 25 and/or EASA, as well as any project/program management achievements. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 key projects that best exemplify your expertise in payload systems, aerospace interiors, regulatory compliance, and process optimization. Prepare concise summaries and quantifiable results for each.

• Prepare for Technical Interviews: Brush up on aerospace structures principles, interior systems design, materials science, CAD/FEA software (especially CATIA and NASTRAN/Abaqus), and regulatory processes. Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly.

• Research Boeing and the 787 Program: Understand Boeing's mission, values, and the specific challenges and innovations related to the 787 program's interior systems. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their strategic goals.

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