If you’re an engineer with a focus in mechanical, aerospace, or material sciences—and looking for a high-impact role—this KC-135 Structural Design Engineer position is worth a close look. The advertised salary ranges from $79,050 for Associate level to $129,950 for Mid-level, depending on experience. It’s a full-time, onsite role, with strong professional growth opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans and health insurance. Security clearance eligibility and U.S. citizenship are required, and the company operates a drug-free policy.

What You’ll Do Every Day

The Structural Design Engineer for the KC-135 program handles leading design and modification projects for this legendary aircraft fleet. Daily, you’ll develop and implement engineering solutions using top-tier CAD systems such as CATIA V5 and ENOVIA, contributing to new designs and essential upgrades.

Expect a healthy blend of individual technical work and teamwork. You’ll analyze problems, generate new ideas, and review the technical quality of other designers’ work. Engaging with customers and stakeholders—like U.S. and foreign Air Force representatives—will be a regular task.

You’ll also be responsible for supporting design reviews and technical meetings, ensuring projects move forward on schedule. Post-production fleet sustainment and support for manufacturing teams round out the role, keeping your work both challenging and rewarding.

For those with leadership ambition, you may even guide teams and manage statement of work, budgets, and schedules, adding valuable management experience to your technical toolkit.

Pros of the Position

A major highlight is the competitive pay, with clear progression from Associate to Mid-level. The benefits are generous, including a strong 401(k) match, tuition assistance, and family-oriented support for fertility, adoption, and surrogacy.

There’s also room for growth—engineers here often move into technical leadership or project management. The culture supports continued learning and actively encourages participation in knowledge-sharing forums and technical reviews.

Cons to Consider

The role requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a security clearance—some may find this limiting if you do not already meet these requirements. Another consideration is its strict drug-free workplace policies, which include testing for a variety of substances as a condition of hire.

Some may find the processes in a large corporation to be more structured or rigid than in smaller companies or startups. Also, the lack of remote or hybrid options might be a drawback for those seeking flexible working arrangements.

Our Verdict

If you are a technical problem solver who enjoys working on challenging, mission-critical projects, this KC-135 Structural Design Engineer role offers exceptional pay and benefits. The learning and advancement potential stand out, providing stability and clear career progression. For engineers who value team collaboration and enjoy seeing the results of their work come to life, this is a position to pursue.