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Aircraft Design Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Electra

Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$92K - $112K/yr

Our aircraft operate from soccer-field-sized spaces-enabling Direct Aviation, a new mode of point ... Position Overview Electra is seeking a Airframe Design Engineer to help the design, integration ...

Electra Aero, Inc.

Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA

$92K - $112K/yr

Our aircraft operate from soccer-field-sized spaces-enabling Direct Aviation , a new mode of point ... Position Overview Electra is seeking a Airframe Design Engineer to help the design, integration ...

Electra

Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$92K - $112K/yr

Our aircraft operate from soccer-field-sized spaces-enabling Direct Aviation, a new mode of point ... Position OverviewElectra is seeking a Airframe Design Engineer to help the design, integration, and ...

Electra

Staff / Senior Flight Physics Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support aircraft design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, and certification reviews) by presenting analysis results and technical recommendations * Provide performance, risk, and mass-property inputs to ...

Electra

Staff / Senior Flight Physics Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role focuses on aircraft performance, flight physics, and multidisciplinary design analysis ... Staff Flight Physics Engineer (6+ Years)Applies advanced engineering principles to aircraft ...

Electra

Senior Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Senior Airframe Design Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation ... Our aircraft operate from soccer-field-sized spaces-enabling Direct Aviation, a new mode of point ...

Electra

Senior Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Our aircraft operate from soccer-field-sized spaces-enabling Direct Aviation, a new mode of point ... Position OverviewElectra is seeking a Senior Airframe Design Engineer to lead key aspects of the ...

Electra

Senior / Principal Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

About ElectraAt Electra, we're pioneering hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft ... The RoleAs a Senior or Principal Airframe Design Engineer, you will lead the design, integration ...

Electra

Senior/Principal Airframe Stress Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

The ideal candidate combines deep structural analysis expertise with strong engineering judgment and the ability to influence aircraft design decisions throughout the product lifecycle.What You'll ...

Electra

Senior/Principal Airframe Stress Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate combines deep structural analysis expertise with strong engineering judgment and the ability to influence aircraft design decisions throughout the product lifecycle. What You'll ...

Electra Aero

Senior/Principal Airframe Stress Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$130 - $180/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate combines deep structural analysis expertise with strong engineering judgment and the ability to influence aircraft design decisions throughout the product lifecycle. What You'll ...

Electra

Senior / Principal Flight Physics Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support aircraft design trades by providing technical assessments of performance, aerodynamic ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering ...

Electra

Senior / Principal Flight Physics Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The RoleAs a Senior/Principal Flight Physics Engineer, you will lead the development, analysis, and ... data-informed design decisions and mature the aircraft through development, testing, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAircraft Design Engineer JobsAircraft Design Engineer Jobs in Washington

Aircraft Design Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$135.9K

$173.3K

$199.3K

How much do aircraft design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft design engineer in Washington is $173,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $156,900.00 and $188,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Aircraft Design Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Aircraft Design Engineer jobs in Washington are:

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

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

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

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

Aircraft Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aircraft Design Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $173,287 per year, or $83.3 per hour.

Airframe Design Engineer

Electra

Manassas, VA • On-site

$92K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

About Electra
At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation through the development of hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing (eSTOL) aircraft designed to transform regional mobility. Our aircraft operate from soccer-field-sized spaces-enabling Direct Aviation, a new mode of point-to-point air travel that brings communities closer together. Headquartered in Northern Virginia with a location in Switzerland, Electra is building a diverse global team passionate about redefining the future of flight.
Position Overview
Electra is seeking a Airframe Design Engineer to help the design, integration, and development of primary and secondary structures for our nine-passenger EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft.
In this role, you will support major structural design deliverables, collaborate deeply with multidisciplinary teams, and help ensure the aircraft's structures meet performance, safety, manufacturability, and certification goals. This position is ideal for an experienced engineer ready to contribute at a high level while influencing design decisions across multiple aircraft systems.
Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions
  • Support the design and development of primary and secondary airframe structures, including fuselage, wing, empennage, and landing gear integration.
  • Assist with structural design tasks from concept through detailed design and into certification, ensuring compliance with performance, manufacturability, maintainability, and safety requirements.
  • Work with structural requirements, material selections, and design criteria in support of applicable airworthiness regulations.
  • Collaborate with aerodynamics, propulsion, systems, manufacturing, stress, and certification teams to ensure integrated and optimized structural solutions.
  • Produce high-quality design documentation, including 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, ICDs, and supporting design reports.
  • Execute trade studies evaluating materials, configurations, manufacturing approaches, and integration options to balance weight, cost, and performance.
  • Support structural analysis activities by working closely with stress engineers on static, dynamic, and fatigue considerations.
  • Participate in design reviews and provide technical mentorship to early-career engineers.
  • Work with suppliers on manufacturability, design-for-production, and technical issue resolution.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement in Electra's structural design methods, tools, and development processes.
  • Stay informed on emerging technologies, advanced materials, and evolving FAA certification requirements for new aircraft types.
  • Support CAD admin duties such as tool and process development for designers
Required Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
  • 2+ years of experience in aircraft structural or airframe design, integration, and development (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
Required Skills and Qualifications
  • Strong understanding of airframe structural design for both metallic and composite components.
  • Demonstrated experience across conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design phases.
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (preferably Siemens NX or CATIA V5/V6).
  • Familiarity with FAA Part 23 or Part 25 structural certification requirements.
  • Working knowledge of loads, stress, and fatigue principles and their influence on design decisions.
  • Experience creating aerospace engineering drawings, design documentation, and configuration-controlled deliverables.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills for effective cross-functional teamwork.
  • Ability to manage design tasks, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced development environment.
Desired Skills and Qualifications
  • Experience with hybrid-electric, eSTOL/eVTOL, or other advanced aircraft development programs.
  • Familiarity with composite manufacturing processes such as AFP, infusion, or hand layup.
  • Experience with FEM tools (NASTRAN, FEMAP, HyperMesh).
  • Background in weight optimization, design-for-manufacturability, or design-to-cost.
  • Knowledge of requirements management or PLM tools (JAMA, Teamcenter, etc.).
  • Experience coordinating with suppliers on design, fabrication, or integration activities.
  • Private pilot license or a strong passion for aviation is a plus.
Location & Additional Information
  • Location: Manassas, VA headquarters (on-site presence strongly preferred).
  • Travel: Occasional (<10%).
  • Salary: Electra's salary range for this position is: $92,000.00- $112,000.00
    Our salary ranges reflect the minimum and maximum range for the Company level overall across all locations & projects and does not necessarily reflect the budgeted amount for this position. Individual pay is based on additional factors, including project budgets, job-related skills, experience, relevant education and/or training, role, level, location, and project.

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