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C-17 Mission Systems Engineer (SME or Senior)

Long Beach, California
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

Boeing Global Services (BGS) is currently hiring a C-17 Mission Systems Engineer in Long Beach, California. This position will support the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Engineering effort, working on team that focuses on maintaining and modifying Mission Systems that includes general payloads (crew seating, galley, lavatory, emergency personnel equipment, etc.), and cargo handling systems for loading, securing, and aerial deployment.

This role involves evaluating and enhancing the structural integrity and functionality of cargo systems to ensure continued operational effectiveness, reliability, and safety of the C-17 fleet. The engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement solutions that optimize payload capabilities and supportability.

Our teams are currently hiring for a broad range of experience levels including SME or Senior C-17 Mission Systems Engineers.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Lead the design and analysis of structural components and cargo handling systems, ensuring compliance with performance, safety, and regulatory standards for the C-17 aircraft

  • Utilize engineering analysis tools and software (e.g., Finite Element Analysis (FEA), CAD software) to evaluate structural designs and assess the impact of payload configurations on aircraft performance and safety

  • Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for issues related to payloads and cargo handling systems, developing and implementing corrective actions and design modifications as necessary

  • Collaborate with mission systems, maintenance, operations, and other engineering teams to provide technical support and guidance on sustaining engineering challenges related to payloads and cargo handling systems

  • Develop and review engineering documentation, including specifications, design reports, and test plans, ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety standards

  • Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior engineers and team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing

  • Interface with customers, suppliers, and regulatory agencies to communicate engineering findings, project status, and technical recommendations

  • Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices related to structural design and cargo handling systems in aerospace engineering

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus on Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace Aeronautical or Material Sciences)

  • 5+ years’ experience working with aircraft payloads/interiors certification processes and requirements (or cargo systems)

  • 5+ years’ experience with structural design principles for repair and maintenance (e.g., fatigue, damage tolerance, corrosion, stress analysis, statics, materials strength, material characteristics, repair techniques)

  • 3+ years’ experience working with computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) such as CATIA, Solidworks or Siemens NX

  • 1+ years’ experience with Product Data Management tools/systems such as TeamCenter and ENOVIA

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • 10+ years higher education and/or related work experience (Higher education includes college, university, technical school, licensing/certification programs, etc.)

  • Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field

  • Experience with C-17 aircraft systems and operations, particularly in payloads and cargo handling systems

  • Working knowledge of avionics, electrical, and hydraulic systems

  • Proven track record of leading engineering projects and teams within the aerospace sector, specifically in a sustainment context

  • Experience with military aviation regulations and standards, with experience in compliance and safety assessments

  • Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and digital engineering practices

  • Experience communicating with technical personnel from multiple skill areas and functions to evaluate technical information

  • Strong analytic, problem solving, and troubleshooting skills

Conflict of Interest:Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company’s Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent.  Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.  

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.  

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.  

Summary pay range (SME - Level 4): $135,150 - $182,850

Summary pay range (Senior - Level 5): $165,750 - $224,250

Applications for this position will be accepted until Jun. 08, 2026

Export Control Requirements:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Export Control Details:

US based job, US Person required

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Required

Relocation

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Shift

This position is for 1st shift

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

About Boeing

Boeing

Boeing is one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the world, supporting critical military, commercial aviation, space, and national security missions. With a long history of innovation, Boeing develops advanced aircraft, satellites, autonomous systems, defense platforms, and space technologies used by the U.S. military and allied partners worldwide. The company plays a major role in programs ranging from fighter aircraft and military helicopters to missile defense, space systems, and next-generation aviation technologies.

For job seekers, Boeing offers opportunities across nearly every area of aerospace and defense, including engineering, software development, cybersecurity, manufacturing, supply chain, program management, aviation maintenance, and defense operations. The company is especially attractive to veterans, cleared professionals, engineers, and candidates looking for mission-driven work with strong long-term career growth. Boeing also offers extensive training, leadership development, and opportunities to work on some of the most recognized aerospace programs in the world.

Unlike smaller defense firms focused on a single capability, Boeing provides employees exposure to a broad mix of commercial and defense technologies. Teams contribute to programs involving military aircraft, autonomous systems, satellites, advanced manufacturing, AI, and next-generation aerospace innovation. Employees often value the combination of large-scale engineering challenges, global impact, and the stability of a major industry leader.

As defense modernization, commercial aviation, and space investment continue to grow, Boeing remains one of the most recognized employers in aerospace and government contracting. For professionals seeking a mission-focused career with strong benefits, technical growth, and opportunities to work on world-changing technologies, Boeing continues to stand out as a leading destination in aerospace and defense.

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