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Aeronautical Drafter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Aeronautical Engineer Job Location: Dayton, OH Job Type: Full-Time * Own the ... Draft test plans, hazard analyses, and Interim Authorizations to Test (IATT); serve as on‑board ...

Job Title: Senior Aeronautical Engineer Location: Bedford, MA Job Type: Full-time * Platform ... Draft test plans, hazard analyses, and Interim Authorisations to Test (IATT); serve as on-board or ...

AutoCAD Drafter

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

... drafting, contract surveillance, and other technical services as required ... Work is performed across the nation in each of the FAA's nine regions as well as the Aeronautical ...

AutoCAD Drafter

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$15.68 - $71.30/hr

... drafting, contract surveillance, and other technical services as required ... Work is performed across the nation in each of the FAA's nine regions as well as the Aeronautical ...

AutoCAD Drafter

Fort Worth, TX

$21 - $27/hr

... drafting, contract surveillance, and other technical services as required ... Work is performed across the nation in each of the FAA's nine regions as well as the Aeronautical ...

... drafting, contract surveillance, and other technical services as required ... Work is performed across the nation in each of the FAA's nine regions as well as the Aeronautical ...

Job Summary General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics ... We have an exciting opportunity for an Integrated Cable Harness Drafter Designer within our ...

Drafter/Designer III

Poway, CA · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Job Summary General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics ... We have an exciting opportunity for an Integrated Cable Harness Drafter Designer within our ...

Drafter/Designer III

Poway, CA · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Job Summary General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics ... We have an exciting opportunity for an Integrated Cable Harness Drafter Designer within our ...

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking for a Drafter Level 2 located in Palmdale, California. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: • Develop and maintain system and sub-system ...

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking for a Drafter Level 2 located in Palmdale, California. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Develop and maintain system and sub-system ...

Cad Designer/ Drafter

Columbia, MD · On-site

$37.02 - $38.47/hr

... or aeronautical. * Strong skills in algebra, plane and solid geometry, trigonometry, and strength of materials. * Proficiency in creating assembly drawings and detailed mechanical design ...

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Aeronautical Drafter information

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$9

$27

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How much do aeronautical drafter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for aeronautical drafter in the United States is $27.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Aeronautical Drafter vs Mechanical Drafter?

AspectAeronautical DrafterMechanical Drafter
CredentialsAssociate degree or technical certification in aeronautical or aerospace draftingAssociate degree or technical certification in mechanical drafting or engineering technology
Work EnvironmentDesigning aircraft components, working with aerospace engineers, often in aerospace or defense industriesCreating mechanical parts and assemblies, collaborating with engineers in manufacturing or industrial sectors
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, defense, and aviation industriesManufacturing, automotive, industrial equipment industries

While both roles involve technical drafting skills and similar certifications, Aeronautical Drafters focus on aircraft and aerospace components, working closely with aerospace engineers. Mechanical Drafters design mechanical parts across various industries. The key difference lies in their specialization and industry focus.

What is an aeronautical drafter?

An aeronautical drafter creates detailed technical drawings and plans for aircraft and aerospace components using CAD software. They work closely with engineers to develop precise designs, often requiring knowledge of engineering principles, materials, and industry standards. This role typically involves interpreting technical specifications and ensuring compliance with safety and quality regulations.
More about Aeronautical Drafter jobs
Infographic showing various Aeronautical Drafter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,907 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Aeronautical Engineer / Principal Aeronautical Engineer - Fluid Systems

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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.

Put your skills to the test by pushing the boundaries of what's possible. From global defense to sustainment and modernization to mission readiness, your experience and ability will make it a reality. Our programs are built on equal parts of curiosity and collaboration. Our combined effort means our customers can connect and defend millions of people around the world. With Northrop Grumman, you'll have the opportunity to be an essential part of projects that will define your career, now and in the future.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add an Aeronautical Engineer / Principal Aeronautical Engineer - Fluid Systems to join our team in Palmdale, CA.

Roles and Responsibilities will include:

  • Become a responsible engineer for fluid system that may include fuel, environmental controls, fire protection, or propulsion

  • Define and champion system improvements and changes as they become necessary. Lead mechanical design and development of system to produce drawings and manufacturing ready documentation.

  • Serve as an engineering representative in the supplier management team for key suppliers to the system. Manage their performance, technical flow down, and resolution of manufacturing and assembly issues as they arise.

  • Define and validate performance, mass, structural, thermal, fluid-dynamic, and durability requirements; perform sizing, calculations, and analyses to ensure systems meet operational and environmental specifications.

  • Collaborate across propulsion, systems, avionics, structures, thermal, manufacturing, and test teams to coordinate interfaces, timing, packaging, routing, and certification evidence

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is no remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. Travel up to 25% may be required.

This position may be offered as Aeronautical Engineer (Level 2) or Principal Aeronautical Engineer (Level 3)

Basic Qualifications Aeronautical Engineer:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 2 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 0 years of related engineering experience.

  • Experience with development, design, or sustainment of Fluid systems (Fuel, ECS, propulsion).

  • Experience applying Siemens AMESIM, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar analysis tools.

  • Experience with Computer Aided Design tools and practices (drafting, modeling parts and assemblies, etc...)

  • Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) with ability to Obtain Top Secret clearance.

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

Basic Qualifications Principal Aeronautical Engineer:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience.

  • Experience with development, design, or sustainment of Fluid systems (Fuel, ECS, propulsion).

  • Experience applying Siemens AMESIM, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar analysis tools.

  • Experience with Computer Aided Design tools and practices (drafting, modeling parts and assemblies, etc...)

  • Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) with ability to Obtain Top Secret clearance.

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

Preferred Qualifications Both Levels:

  • Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.

  • Experience using CATIA V5 to examine 3D models.

  • Experience with complex fuel or ECS design and analysis .

  • Technical skills in fluid/thermodynamics, pressure systems, leak/burst calculations, and system sizing.

  • Experience with structures or subsystem installation design.

  • Experience presenting technical content to upper management.

  • Experience using TeamCenter Engineer and Enterprise to locate and examine technical data.

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00The 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