Back to Jobs

Job Description

Overview

Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space, aiming to make Earth more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. The Structures Engineer II will own the development of primary and secondary structures for a novel reentry vehicle, collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and development of primary and secondary vehicle structures.
  • Own structural concept development from early architecture through hardware realization.
  • Partner closely with analysis engineers to develop and refine structural sizing approaches.
  • Drive structural integration across vehicle subsystems.
  • Support development of TPS-to-structure integration concepts.
  • Generate and review CAD, drawings, and product definition.
  • Support prototype and flight hardware builds through manufacturing coordination.
  • Conduct trade studies and make sound engineering decisions.
  • Present design progress, technical risks, and recommended paths forward.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Typically 2+ years of professional experience developing hardware for aerospace or defense.
  • Strong mechanical design skills with an emphasis on structural interfaces.
  • Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software (NX, CATIA, Solidworks, or similar).
  • Familiarity with structural analysis tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, FEMAP, or equivalent).
  • Proficiency in creating detailed engineering drawings with GD&T.
  • Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.

Additional Information

  • Office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA.
  • This position requires in office presence.
Apply for This Position

How this job compares in Los Angeles, CA

Pay in context

At roughly $63/hr, this posting sits about 39% above the $45/hr median for welding jobs in Los Angeles, CA — toward the top of a $36–$60/hr middle band drawn from 60 postings with published pay. Put another way, it pays more than about 77% of the comparable postings we have wage data for. Pay that far above local median usually comes attached to something: a harder cert requirement, travel, night shift, or overtime that isn't really optional. Worth establishing which before you accept.

The local market in Los Angeles, CA

We're tracking 87 other active welding openings in Los Angeles, CA right now, from 58 different employers. 29 of them were added in the last week. Across California as a whole we're tracking 546 other active welding openings from 251 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Los Angeles, or widen the search to California.

Inversion currently has 2 other openings live in California, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in California at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are SpaceX (34), Honeywell Aerospace (20), and Aerotek (17). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within California, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Redondo Beach at $72/hr, El Segundo at $58/hr, and Torrance at $47/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

Similar openings near Los Angeles, CA

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Structures Engineer II figures were last recalculated when this page was built.