Senior Level Structures Engineer Jobs
Senior level structures engineer jobs put experienced engineers in charge of technical direction, project outcomes, and the teams responsible for delivering complex structural systems. Roles are 33% remote or hybrid, concentrated in Science & Research, Energy, and Technology & Software, with employers like Pacific Fusion, CB&I, and Rivian hiring at this level now.
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The Rivian Supply Chain team is looking for strategic technical leaders to drive the quality and reliability of our vehicle programs. As a Lead Supplier Development, Industrialization & Quality Engineer, you are an advanced individual contributor and subject matter expert responsible for the complete supplier quality lifecycle, from initial sourcing to ongoing business management. You act as a leader with minimal manager input, taking direct ownership of the most critical and highest-risk suppliers to ensure a seamless production ramp.
In this role, you lead the resolution of complex manufacturing issues and partner with cross-functional leadership to drive systemic change across the organization. You are responsible for identifying and mitigating high-impact risks, serving as a technical mentor, and providing the expert-level analysis necessary to influence critical sourcing and design decisions. We are looking for an expert who can drive accountability with suppliers at the executive level and advocate for the team’s needs in major program reviews.
This position is based onsite in Plymouth, Michigan with a 50–75% primarily domestic travel requirement and reports to the Sr. Manager - Supplier Development, Industrialization & Quality.
Supplier Management: Own the complete "Cradle to Grave" supplier quality lifecycle to ensure seamless production ramps. Manage critical CL0 and CL1 suppliers, resolving failures to mitigate risks or delays.Problem-Solving and Risk Mitigation: Lead the breaking down of complex problems and datasets to derive meaningful, actionable results. Apply standard, robust problem-solving tools to address systemic issues across the supply base.
Technical Skills: Lead high-complexity APQP/PPAP projects impacting major program milestones. Optimize supplier quality KPIs to predict and prevent future failures, aligning project efforts with long-term goals.
Organizational Influence & Outreach: Act as a key advisor to program leadership, presenting and defending strategic recommendations in high-stakes forums. Drive systemic cross-functional change using first principles to persuade other functions to adopt new processes.
Direction: Operate as a leader with minimal manager input, holding accountability for the performance of suppliers and cross-functional teams. Act instinctively to manage and prioritize complex workloads in high-pressure situations.
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field and a minimum of 6 years of relevant supplier development experience.Domain Expertise: Full understanding of the procurement end-to-end lifecycle and experience managing high-risk supplier portfolios.
Commodity-Specific Experience:
Experience in Cold/Hot stamping, sheet-metal forming, fixture-based assembly, MIG welding, robotic welding, manual welding, e-coat interfaces, and final assembly processes.
Evaluate fixture datum strategies, clamping, weld-gun access, poka-yoke, dimensional capability, and repeatability.
Drive controls for weld defects, dimensional variation, distortion, missing welds, spatter, undercut, porosity, burn-through, and rework.
Technical Skills: Primary owner of the business case and execution for significant process improvement initiatives.
Communication: Interpreter of information who can facilitate productive conversations and gain buy-in for a clear vision.
Execution: Expert analysis and recommendations directly influence critical sourcing decisions and capital investments.
Operational Style: Operates as a leader with minimal manager input, holding accountability for the performance of suppliers/cross-functional teams; navigates high-pressure situations by reaching beyond defined scope to solve problems.
Travel Requirements: Regular primarily domestic travel is a core part of this role, expected to average between 50–75%.
The Rivian Supply Chain team is looking for strategic technical leaders to drive the quality and reliability of our vehicle programs. As a Lead Supplier Development, Industrialization & Quality Engineer, you are an advanced individual contributor and subject matter expert responsible for the complete supplier quality lifecycle, from initial sourcing to ongoing business management. You act as a leader with minimal manager input, taking direct ownership of the most critical and highest-risk suppliers to ensure a seamless production ramp.
In this role, you lead the resolution of complex manufacturing issues and partner with cross-functional leadership to drive systemic change across the organization. You are responsible for identifying and mitigating high-impact risks, serving as a technical mentor, and providing the expert-level analysis necessary to influence critical sourcing and design decisions. We are looking for an expert who can drive accountability with suppliers at the executive level and advocate for the team’s needs in major program reviews.
This position is based onsite in Plymouth, Michigan with a 50–75% primarily domestic travel requirement and reports to the Sr. Manager - Supplier Development, Industrialization & Quality.
Supplier Management: Own the complete "Cradle to Grave" supplier quality lifecycle to ensure seamless production ramps. Manage critical CL0 and CL1 suppliers, resolving failures to mitigate risks or delays.Problem-Solving and Risk Mitigation: Lead the breaking down of complex problems and datasets to derive meaningful, actionable results. Apply standard, robust problem-solving tools to address systemic issues across the supply base.
Technical Skills: Lead high-complexity APQP/PPAP projects impacting major program milestones. Optimize supplier quality KPIs to predict and prevent future failures, aligning project efforts with long-term goals.
Organizational Influence & Outreach: Act as a key advisor to program leadership, presenting and defending strategic recommendations in high-stakes forums. Drive systemic cross-functional change using first principles to persuade other functions to adopt new processes.
Direction: Operate as a leader with minimal manager input, holding accountability for the performance of suppliers and cross-functional teams. Act instinctively to manage and prioritize complex workloads in high-pressure situations.
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field and a minimum of 6 years of relevant supplier development experience.Domain Expertise: Full understanding of the procurement end-to-end lifecycle and experience managing high-risk supplier portfolios.
Commodity-Specific Experience:
Experience in Cold/Hot stamping, sheet-metal forming, fixture-based assembly, MIG welding, robotic welding, manual welding, e-coat interfaces, and final assembly processes.
Evaluate fixture datum strategies, clamping, weld-gun access, poka-yoke, dimensional capability, and repeatability.
Drive controls for weld defects, dimensional variation, distortion, missing welds, spatter, undercut, porosity, burn-through, and rework.
Technical Skills: Primary owner of the business case and execution for significant process improvement initiatives.
Communication: Interpreter of information who can facilitate productive conversations and gain buy-in for a clear vision.
Execution: Expert analysis and recommendations directly influence critical sourcing decisions and capital investments.
Operational Style: Operates as a leader with minimal manager input, holding accountability for the performance of suppliers/cross-functional teams; navigates high-pressure situations by reaching beyond defined scope to solve problems.
Travel Requirements: Regular primarily domestic travel is a core part of this role, expected to average between 50–75%.
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Senior Level Structures Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level structures engineer job?
Employers at this level look for demonstrated ownership of full project cycles, from concept through construction documents, not just execution of tasks assigned by others. A strong portfolio of complex structural systems, evidence of mentoring junior staff, and the ability to coordinate across disciplines, clients, and construction teams will set you apart. Professional licensure as a PE is expected at most firms hiring senior candidates.
Which companies hire senior level structures engineers?
Companies hiring senior level structures engineers right now include Pacific Fusion, CB&I, and Rivian, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level comes from established engineering consultancies, large architecture and engineering firms, and infrastructure owners who need experienced technical leads rather than generalist project staff.
Are there remote senior level structures engineer jobs?
Yes, though hybrid arrangements are more common than fully remote at this level. About 33% of senior level structures engineer openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting employer flexibility for experienced professionals who can manage coordination and client relationships independently. Fully on-site roles remain common for positions tied to construction administration or on-site project oversight.
What makes a structures engineer role senior level?
Senior level structures engineer roles carry technical and organizational ownership that mid-level roles do not. You are expected to lead project delivery, make independent engineering decisions, serve as the primary technical point of contact for clients, and mentor less experienced engineers. The scope typically includes complex or high-consequence structures, multi-discipline coordination, and direct accountability for quality, schedule, and technical accuracy across a project.
Which industries hire the most senior level structures engineers?
Senior level structures engineer roles concentrate in Science & Research, Energy, and Technology & Software, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they involve large capital programs, regulatory complexity, or long project lifecycles that require experienced engineers who can own technical decisions from planning through construction.