1

Aircraft Conceptual Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reverse engineering of existing aircraft designs leveraging 3D laser scanning data. * Support to mechanical engineers to develop FAA certified design solutions. * Lead the conceptual design, analysis ...

Reverse engineering of existing aircraft designs leveraging 3D laser scanning data. * Support to mechanical engineers to develop FAA certified design solutions. * Lead the conceptual design, analysis ...

Reverse engineering of existing aircraft designs leveraging 3D laser scanning data. * Support to mechanical engineers to develop FAA certified design solutions. * Lead the conceptual design, analysis ...

Engineer III

Poway, CA · On-site

$81K - $141K/yr

... conceptual design which matures to estimate costs as the system moves throughout the life cycle ... aircraft configuration decisions and technology development roadmaps. * The System Cost Engineer ...

Industrial Designer Sr

Duluth, MN · On-site

$90K - $136K/yr

... aircraft seats and interiors. This role is responsible for the conceptual design of seating systems, cabin furnishings, and interior componentsbalancing form, function, ergonomics, and ...

Showing results 41-60

Aircraft Conceptual Design information

See salary details

$120K

$153K

$176K

How much do aircraft conceptual design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft conceptual design in the United States is $152,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,500.00 and $166,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is aircraft conceptual design?

Aircraft conceptual design is the initial phase in the aircraft design process where engineers and designers define the basic configuration, performance, and overall feasibility of a new aircraft. During this stage, key decisions are made about the aircraft's size, shape, propulsion, aerodynamics, and intended mission. The goal is to create a preliminary design that meets performance, safety, and cost requirements while considering regulatory constraints. This phase involves trade studies, sketches, and basic calculations before moving to more detailed design stages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in aircraft conceptual design, and why are they important?

To thrive in Aircraft Conceptual Design, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering principles, aerodynamics, and structural analysis, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools, and industry standards is essential, along with experience using specialized design and simulation platforms. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective teamwork skills set top candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for producing innovative, feasible aircraft concepts that meet safety, performance, and regulatory requirements.

What are the common challenges faced by professionals in aircraft conceptual design, and how are they typically addressed within a team setting?

Professionals in Aircraft Conceptual Design often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative design ideas with strict safety regulations, meeting weight and performance targets, and accommodating evolving customer requirements. These challenges are typically addressed through collaborative brainstorming sessions, frequent interdisciplinary meetings, and iterative design reviews with specialists in aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion. Working closely with experienced engineers and using advanced modeling tools helps teams identify potential issues early, ensuring that creative solutions are both feasible and compliant with industry standards.

What is the difference between Aircraft Conceptual Design vs Aircraft Aerodynamics Engineer?

AspectAircraft Conceptual DesignAircraft Aerodynamics Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Engineering, design experienceBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Engineering, specialized in aerodynamics
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, early-stage project teamsResearch labs, testing facilities, aircraft development teams
Industry UsageInitial aircraft concept developmentRefining aircraft performance through aerodynamic analysis
Common Search/ComparisonDesign process, aircraft developmentAerodynamic analysis, flight performance

Aircraft Conceptual Design focuses on creating initial aircraft concepts, including layout and systems, while Aircraft Aerodynamics Engineer specializes in analyzing and optimizing airflow and performance. Both roles are essential in aircraft development but differ in scope and focus.

More about Aircraft Conceptual Design jobs

What cities are hiring for Aircraft Conceptual Design jobs?

Cities with the most Aircraft Conceptual Design job openings:

What states have the most Aircraft Conceptual Design jobs?

States with the most job openings for Aircraft Conceptual Design jobs include:

Infographic showing various Aircraft Conceptual Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,999 per year, or $73.6 per hour.

Advanced Design System Safety Engineer Staff

Cirrus Aircraft

Duluth, MN • On-site

$113K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Cirrus Aircraft rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

The AD&D System Safety Engineer defines andleads system safety strategy for earlyphase aircraft and system concepts andis responsible for ensuring the safety and reliability of designs beingdeveloped by the Advanced Design & Development team. This role will focus on the initial phases ofaircraft developmentideation, hypothesis generation, stakeholder engagement,technology maturation, and conceptual design [BS1] . This role will develop safetydrivenarchitectures, allocates safety and reliability requirements, and establishesreusable safety cases and analysis patterns that can be carried forward intodetailed design and certification programs. This position involves acting as a safety architect and technical leader and collaborating with cross-functionalteams, including aero, airframe, systems, software, and certification engineersas well as flight test, flight operations, and IT, to ensure that noveltechnologies and operating concepts can be matured into certifiable,operationally viable products.This role will work with small, agile teams toexplore new user value propositions, challenge the status quo, and evolve ideasinto developed systems with validated architectures and requirements ready fordetailed design and certification planning.
  • Define AD&D safety engineering strategy, processes, and methods aligned with core Product Development's System Safety and Systems Engineering practices.
  • Conduct system safety analyses to support early development design decisions such as system architectures, availability, integrity, monitoring, and other safety requirements.
  • Conduct and document Functional Decompositions.
  • Conduct and document aircraft and system level safety analyses specifically Aircraft Functional Hazard Assessments, Preliminary Aircraft Safety Assessments, System Functional Hazard Assessments, Preliminary System Safety Assessments, Particular Risk Assessments, Common Cause Assessments, and Particular Risk Assessments.
  • Develop and review system schematics.
  • Develop and validate reliability, maintenance, and safety requirements.
  • Participate in trade studies and design reviews.
  • Perform reliability and safety trade studies for alternative architectures and design concepts.
  • Establish and maintain safety cases, including explicit documentation of assumptions, open issues, and certification risks for transition into development programs.
  • Mentor and coach AD&D and Systems Engineers in safety driven design practices, including early phase use of ARP4754B/4761A and runtime assurance.
  • Perform reliability analysis of electrical and/or mechanical assemblies using RIAC NPRD-2011, NSWC-11, RIAC Reliability Toolkit, and/or equivalent.
  • Perform reliability analysis of electrical assemblies using MIL-HDBK-217-F2, RIAC NPRD-2011, RIAC Reliability Toolkit, and/or equivalent .
  • Perform Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA ) of electrical and/or mechanical assemblies per MIL-STD-1629A, SAE ARP4761, RIAC FMD-2013, RIAC Reliability Toolkit, and/or equivalent.
  • Support safety of flight determination for first of type flights or first flights of significantly modified aircraft.
  • Identify Failure Modes and Effects Test (FMET) cases and support simulation and flight FMET
  • Review vendors' reliability analysis and FMEA submittals for completeness and accuracy.
  • Perform Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and common cause analyses (CCAs) of electrical and/or mechanical systems per SAE ARP4761.
  • Development of tasks and procedures for flight crew and periodic maintenance requirements necessary for ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
  • Coordinate closely with and support the work of system and software architects, systems development assurance, systems engineering, electrical and mechanical systems design, flight deck designers, human factors engineers, and flight test.
  • Travel up to 25% may be required.

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or relevant technical discipline., Master's degreee preferred.
  • 8+ years of experience with Systems Safety Analyses – specifically AFHA, PASA, SFHA, PSSA, CCA, and FMEAs
  • Must have a strong understanding of ARP 4761 and ARP 4754A
  • Must be able to conduct quick assessments and provide feedback on designs or architectures with only verbal direction or minimal documentation (whiteboard sketches, preliminary schematics, etc.)
  • Must be able to work effectively in early product development phases, before full requirements or system descriptions are documented.
  • Must be able to work with highly iterative or frequently changing designs
  • Must be able to demonstrate the ability to read, write and speak the English language
  • Ability to communicate technical knowledge in a clear and understandable manner
  • Intrinsic motivation to drive progress - to explore, challenge, and innovate – and to minimize administrative overhead
  • Must be innovation minded and willing to try new and different methods or approaches
  • Must be comfortable operating under tight deadlines with minimal direction and in a shop or lab environment.
  • Must be proficient in reading and creating engineering design definition - 3D models, 2D drawings, sketches, schematics, BOMs.
  • Ability to work both independently and across a variety of functional disciplines
  • Ability to efficiently learn new skills and manage multiple tasks
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Visio)
  • Must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Preferred Qualifications: 
  • Previous aircraft development program experience, from early concepts to entry into service
  • Private pilot certificate or personal aviation experience
  • Familiarity with ARP 4761A and ARP 4754B.
  • Familiarity with advanced software functions (AI, ML, etc.) and Run Time Assurance methods
  • Working understanding of the FAA's Safety Continuum concepts Knowledgeable of or experienced with STPA (Systems Theoretic Process Analysis)
  • Broad technical skillset related to aircraft, with strong understanding of systems engineering and system safety. Previous experience with Model Based Systems Engineering
  • Previous experience with CAFTA Previous experience with JAMA Familiarity with PTC products (e.g. CREO, Windchill) Familiarity with Mathworks products (e.g. Matlab, Simulink)
  • Familiarity with Atlassian products (e.g. Jira, Confluence)
  • Proficient in at least one coding language. Experience with FAA certification processes and standards (e.g. Part 23, Part 27, Advisory Circulars, Industry Consensus Standards)
  • Familiarity with foreign validation activities for EASA, TCCA, ANAC
  • Participation in the development and publishing of Industry Consensus Standards Experience in cross-disciplinary system integration and trade studies
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate, negotiate, and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization, from the shop floor to the C-suite Bonus points if your weekends involve flying, plane spotting, or building RC aircraft

Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:

  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options
  • Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: FSA and HSA offerings with company contributions to HSA
  • Well-being: Calm Health, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness incentives through medical provider
  • 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting at 1 year of service
  • PTO: Various PTO plans starting at 100 hours accrued within the first year
  • Additional Time off Benefits: Paid holidays, 2 weeks of Paid Parental leave, paid time for funeral leave and jury duty
  • Career Development: Tuition reimbursement program and professional growth opportunities
  • Exclusive Discounts: Cirrus Store, partner and marketplace discounts available
  • Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations


These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!


Salary Range: USD $113,082.61/Yr. - USD $169,623.91/Yr.

What Cirrus Aircraft employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom