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Aircraft Design Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

$110 - $145/hr

... design and analysis are executed correctly, efficiently, and safely. Perform research and ... Demonstrated expertise in Aircraft Battle Damage Repair (ABDR) engineering and/or expeditionary ...

New

Mechanical Engineer, Senior

Crestview, KY · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Evaluate the weapon system contractor's design and assess whether missionized aircraft will meet ... To fill Engineering positions, Contractor personnel must have successfully completed an ...

$145 - $165/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Principal Hardware Engineer serves as the senior technical authority for the design ... TTC have a broad exposure on more than 140 programs, including high-performance military aircraft ...

$220 - $292/hr

... design artifacts for unmanned systems. WHAT YOU'LL DO We are hiring a Principal Systems Engineer to support development of a Group 5 autonomous aircraft. You will: * Shape customer needs into air ...

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Showing results 1-20

Aircraft Design Engineer information

See Kentucky salary details

$104.2K

$132.9K

$152.9K

How much do aircraft design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft design engineer in Kentucky is $132,884.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,300.00 and $144,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an aircraft design engineer do?

An Aircraft Design Engineer is responsible for designing and developing aircraft and their components, ensuring they meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software, conduct simulations, and collaborate with aerodynamics, materials, and structural engineers. Their work includes improving fuel efficiency, aerodynamics, and overall aircraft functionality. Additionally, they test prototypes, analyze data, and refine designs based on performance evaluations.

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

An Aircraft Design Engineer requires a strong background in aerospace engineering, mathematics, and physics, often backed 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 such as EIT or PE is essential. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills help coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and convey complex ideas clearly. These abilities ensure successful design, compliance with safety standards, and efficient project execution in the demanding aerospace industry.

How much do aircraft design engineers make?

Aircraft design engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $115,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $80,000 to over $150,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. Advanced skills in CAD software and aerospace certifications can influence earning potential.

What are popular job titles related to Aircraft Design Engineer jobs in Kentucky?

For Aircraft Design Engineer jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Aircraft Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Aircraft Design Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Aircraft Design Engineer jobs in KY?

For Aircraft Design Engineer jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aircraft Design Engineer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,884 per year, or $63.9 per hour.

Senior Aerospace Structural Engineer - Aircraft Battle Damage Repair

University of Dayton

On-site

$110 - $145/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


University Of Dayton rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job No: 503794

Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)

Location: Dayton, OH

Category: Research Institute Staff

Department: Advanced Product & Sys Eng - 250615

Pay Grade: R3/R4 - Exempt

Advertised: August 12, 2026

Applications close: August 26, 2026

Position Summary:

The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) is seeking qualified applicants to apply to our Aerospace Structural Engineer - Subject Matter Expert, Aircraft Battle Damage Repair Subject Matter Expert opening!

This is a full-time position located on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The ideal candidate for this position will provide engineering expertise to guide aircraft structure related activities to the Air Force Aircraft Battle Damage Repair Engineering (ABDRE) program to improve weapon system expeditionary repair and readiness, bridging the critical gap between high-level engineering and practical, flight-line repair reality. This position will implement theories, principles, best practices, methods and techniques of aerospace engineering that are critical to USAF weapon systems meeting continued airworthiness requirements. As well as frequent travel to instruct and support ABDRE courses to USAF Company Grade Officers. This role will support the day-to-day activities of the ABDRE Chief and ABDRE Site Leads, ensuring aircraft repair design and analysis are executed correctly, efficiently, and safely. Perform research and development of novel repair methods to evaluate their operational feasibility and impact on aircraft availability.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • BS in Mechanical and/or Aerospace Engineering
  • Able to obtain a Secret Level Security Clearance
  • R3: 6 years documented experience with aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul with a Structural Engineering background
  • R3: 8-years of experience interpreting aircraft structural drawings, repair manuals, and technical orders
  • R4: 10 years documented experience with aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul with a Structural Engineering background
  • R4: 12-years of experience interpreting aircraft structural drawings, repair manuals, and technical orders
  • Knowledge of metallic and composite aircraft structures
  • Experience performing structural strength and damage tolerance assessments
  • Extensive familiarity with military airworthiness processes and risk-based engineering decisions
  • Experienced developing course curriculum or training for technical activities
  • Effective written communication skills
  • Proficiency with MS Office Suite - namely Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel
  • Ability to work with aircraft mechanics to address practical reality-based solutions for rapid expeditionary engineering repairs
  • Attention to detail
  • Due to requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. Citizen
Preferred Qualifications:
  • MS in Aerospace and/or Mechanical Engineering
  • Demonstrated expertise in Aircraft Battle Damage Repair (ABDR) engineering and/or expeditionary aircraft maintenance engineering
  • Experience in acting as the focal point for equipment and/or training across the Air Force Fabrication Enterprise
  • Experience in an AF Program Office (e.g., F-16, F-35, C-130, KC-135, etc.)
  • Self-motivated & organized with ability to work effectively with minimal supervision
  • Demonstrated successful collaboration within a multi-disciplinary team
  • Demonstrated problem solving and time management skills
  • Demonstrated customer focus and record of customer satisfaction
Closing Statement:

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.

  • Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater) 1
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