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Aircraft Design information

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$120K

$153K

$176K

How much do aircraft design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft 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.

How do you become an aircraft designer?

To become an aircraft designer, typically a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level engineering roles, developing skills in CAD software, and obtaining professional engineering licensure can also enhance career prospects in aircraft design.

How much do aircraft designers make?

Aircraft designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $115,000, with salaries varying based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced designers or those in senior roles can earn significantly more. Strong skills in CAD software and aerospace engineering are often required for higher-paying positions.

What are the main challenges faced by professionals working in Aircraft Design?

Professionals in Aircraft Design often face the challenges of balancing innovative design solutions with strict safety regulations and industry standards. Meeting ambitious performance, weight, and cost targets while ensuring compliance with government certifications requires careful coordination and attention to detail. Working under tight project timelines and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—including aerodynamics, systems, and manufacturing engineers—are also common aspects of the role. These challenges make the work dynamic, but also highly rewarding for those passionate about aviation innovation.

What career designs airplanes?

Aircraft design is typically carried out by aerospace engineers who specialize in creating and testing aircraft structures, systems, and aerodynamics. These professionals often hold degrees in aerospace engineering or related fields and use tools like CAD software to develop designs, adhering to safety and regulatory standards throughout the process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Aircraft Design position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Aircraft Design, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software, finite element analysis tools, and familiarity with industry standards such as FAA or EASA regulations are essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective teamwork skills are key soft skills for excelling in this role. These competencies ensure that innovative, safe, and efficient aircraft designs are developed while meeting rigorous industry standards and project objectives.

What is an Aircraft Design job?

An Aircraft Design job involves conceptualizing, developing, and optimizing aircraft structures, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and avionics. Professionals in this field use engineering principles, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and simulations to create efficient, safe, and cost-effective aircraft. They work closely with aerospace engineers, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with industry standards. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of materials and aerodynamics.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior aerospace engineers, including those specializing in aircraft design, can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation is often associated with senior positions, specialized expertise, or working in high-demand sectors within the aerospace industry.
More about Aircraft Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Aircraft Design jobs? Cities with the most Aircraft Design job openings:
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Aircraft Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aircraft Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $152,999 per year, or $73.6 per hour.

Manager, Aircraft Design & Performance

Pivotal

Palo Alto, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Pivotal is the leader in the emerging market of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. We design, develop, and manufacture light eVTOL aircraft and are renowned for the BlackFly aircraft the world's first light eVTOL to fly manned missions and enter the consumer market. 
 
Efficient, compact, and simple, Pivotal aircraft are designed for a wide range of consumer, public service, and defense applications. Our distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable platform have been flying for over 10 years. Last year we announced our next-generation aircraft, the Helix, which is rapidly progressing toward general release and scalable production in 2026. 
 
Mobility is one of the most highly-valued areas of modern technology investments. This is the right company, in the right space, the right strategy, at the right time. If you are ready for adventure, we invite you to join our amazing team and grow with us.

The Aeromechanical team at Pivotal is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Manager, Aircraft Design & Performance to join our team. This role sits at the center of aircraft development and works closely with propulsion, structures, flight controls, manufacturing, test, and executive leadership teams to shape the direction of future aircraft platforms. 
Responsibilities:

  • Lead aircraft-level design, sizing, and performance development for electric aircraft platforms.  

  • Own multidisciplinary vehicle trade studies including weight, aerodynamics, propulsion integration, mission performance, stability, controllability, thermal constraints, manufacturability, and operational capability.  

  • Drive rapid concept iteration and down-selection using simulation, analysis, testing, and engineering judgment.  
  • Develop and maintain aircraft performance models and sizing tools to support design decisions and program planning.  
  • Define high-level aircraft architecture and guide configuration development from early concept through prototype and flight test.  
  • Work cross-functionally with propulsion, structures, electrical, software, controls, manufacturing, and flight test teams to drive integrated vehicle development.  
  • Lead technical decision-making under aggressive timelines and evolving program requirements.  
  • Support wind tunnel testing, propulsion testing, flight testing, and correlation of simulation models to real-world data.  

  • Mentor and grow a small multidisciplinary engineering team while maintaining deep individual technical contribution.  

  • Identify technical risks early and drive practical engineering solutions with a strong bias toward execution and rapid iteration.  

  • Help establish scalable engineering workflows, analysis methods, and development processes appropriate for a fast-moving aerospace startup. 

Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering or equivalent field 

  • Experience with eVTOL, UAV, or unconventional aircraft configurations.  

  • Experience developing conceptual and preliminary aircraft sizing tools.  

  • Experience with CFD and aerospace analysis tools such as STAR-CCM+, XFLR5/FLOW5, OpenVSP,  Simulia/3DEXPERIENCE, MATLAB, or Python.  

  • Flight test, prototype development, or rapid hardware iteration experience.  

  • Experience building internal engineering tools and automation workflows.  

  • Experience balancing technical performance with manufacturing and operational constraints.  

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated experience in early aircraft development/sizing.  

  • Comfortable owning major aircraft-level decisions with incomplete information.  

  • Naturally gravitates toward first-principles engineering and rapid iteration.  

  • Strong systems thinker capable of connecting aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, controls, and operations into a cohesive vehicle design.  

  • Excited by ambiguity, rapid development cycles, and building unconventional aircraft with small, high-output teams. 

Attributes aligned with Core Values
  • Demonstrates a proactive safety mindset by embedding safety into daily operations, identifying and mitigating risks through assessments and training, encouraging open dialogue on safety concerns, and continuously improving protocols to ensure a safe work environment.
  • Puts customers at the center of every action by deeply understanding their challenges, delivering exceptional value, and striving to exceed expectations to support their success as our core purpose.
  • Actively seeks and values diverse stakeholder perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication-committing to shared decisions for the greater good.
  • Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomes while aligning actions with a clear understanding of success at every level.
  • Navigates ambiguity with resilience and bold thinking, challenges the status quo, and combines innovative ideas with practical best practices to overcome obstacles and drive progress.
  • Fosters a high-performance culture grounded in respect, professionalism, and support-balancing high expectations with a healthy, collaborative environment and being a trusted, dependable teammate.
$195,000 - $220,000 a year
Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States and willing to work onsite at our HQ office in Palo Alto, CA.
 
Pivotal offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401k plans.
 
Pivotal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pivotal does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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