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Aeronautical Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The primary focus will be aerodynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mechanical design. The Aeronautical Engineer is expected to provide technical support in both R&D and new business ...

The Aeronautical Engineer will support ongoing and new projects related to aircraft air data sensor ... Design to meet DO-160 or MIL-STD-810 testing standards. * Generate requirements for contracted ...

Experience in airframe structure design and analysis * Experience with metallic and composite ... As the Aeronautical Engineer you will be responsible for driving the integration and design ...

The primary focus will be aerodynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mechanical design. The Aeronautical Engineer is expected to provide technical support in both R&D and new business ...

Job Title: Senior Aeronautical Engineer Location: Bedford, MA Job Type: Full-time * Platform ... Author/maintain 3D CAD assemblies, interface‑control models, and parametric weight/balance data ...

Senior Aeronautical Engineer Job Location: Dayton, OH Job Type: Full-Time * Own the ... Author/maintain 3‑D CAD assemblies, interface‑control models, and parametric weight/balance ...

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Chemical or Aeronautical Engineering required, and 3-6 years of related design experience with small or medium caliber ammunition/ordinance is strongly preferred. 2 ...

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Aeronautical Design Engineer information

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How much do aeronautical design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for aeronautical design engineer in the United States is $62.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.79 and $82.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aeronautical design engineer?

To thrive as an Aeronautical Design Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering principles, fluid dynamics, and structural analysis, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with CAD software (such as CATIA or SolidWorks), finite element analysis tools, and industry certifications like EIT or PE are highly valued. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for excelling in collaborative and innovative environments. These skills enable the creation of safe, efficient, and cutting-edge aircraft designs while meeting rigorous industry standards.

What are some common challenges aeronautical design engineers face when working on new aircraft projects?

Aeronautical Design Engineers often face the challenge of balancing innovative design with strict safety regulations and weight constraints. They must collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, such as manufacturing, testing, and quality assurance, to ensure every component meets both performance and regulatory standards. Additionally, managing tight project timelines while adhering to budget limitations can be demanding. Staying updated with evolving technologies and materials is essential for creating competitive and efficient aircraft designs.

What is the difference between Aeronautical Design Engineer vs Aerospace Design Engineer?

AspectAeronautical Design EngineerAerospace Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace or Aeronautical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace or related engineering fields
Work EnvironmentAircraft manufacturing, aviation companies, defense contractorsSpace agencies, satellite companies, aircraft and spacecraft industries
Industry UsagePrimarily in aviation and aircraft designIn both aviation and space exploration sectors

While both roles involve designing aircraft and related systems, Aeronautical Design Engineers focus on aircraft and aviation technology, whereas Aerospace Design Engineers work on both aircraft and spacecraft. The roles share similar qualifications but differ in industry applications and project scope.

What is an aeronautical design engineer?

Aeronautical Design Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test aircraft and related systems. Their work includes creating blueprints, selecting materials, and ensuring safety and performance standards are met. They collaborate with other engineers and specialists to optimize aircraft structures, aerodynamics, and propulsion systems. Aeronautical Design Engineers often use advanced software and simulation tools to model and analyze their designs before actual production.
More about Aeronautical Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Aeronautical Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Aeronautical Design Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Aeronautical Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Aeronautical Design Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Aeronautical Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,258 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Engineer or Principal Engineer Aeronautical - Airframe Design

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL

$98K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems sector is seeking an Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 2) or Principal Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 3) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in defining the future. This position will be located in Melbourne, FL.

In this role, you will work within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment to develop primary and secondary metal and composite aircraft structure parts and assemblies, lead design and trade study efforts, mentor less experienced engineers, and develop advanced design solutions to complex technical problems. The successful candidate possesses substantial experience with design and fabrication techniques for aircraft primary structural details, assemblies, and installations utilizing both metallic and composite materials, conventional fastening methods, bonded primary structures, major structural joint definition, and load path development.

Responsibilities:

  • Design primary and secondary aircraft structural parts, assemblies, and installations using metallic and/or composite materials for new aircraft design and/or modifications to existing aircraft

  • Working within or leading an IPT, interfaces with IPT/Program leadership, suppliers, customers, and other technical disciplines to independently prepare and lead the preparation of engineering design solutions to challenging problems through the development of Product Definition Packages

  • Collaborate with structural analysis, manufacturing, materials and processes, and other stakeholders to produce flight weight structures

  • Employ GD&T and Model Based Engineering (MBE) methods in support of Digital Transformation to create airframe layouts and produce engineering definitions

  • Assist team to develop/document best practices and mentor less experienced engineers.

This requisition may be filled at an Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 2) OR Principal Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 3) level based on the qualifications below.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Basic qualifications for an Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 2) include a Bachelor's in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and at least 2 years of relevant experience, a Master's Degree in STEM with no years of experience.

  • Basic qualifications for a Principal Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 3) include a Bachelor's in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and at least 5 years of relevant experience, a Master's Degree in STEM with 3 years of relevant experience, or a PhD Degree with no experience.

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance; clearance not required to start employment.

  • Must have the ability to obtain any Program Special access required within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.

  • Professional experience designing primary and/or secondary metallic aircraft parts/components, assemblies, and/or installations

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

  • Proficiency with NX Solid Modelling or similar 3D modeling software

  • Proficiency with Teamcenter

Primary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $118,900.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939