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Aircraft Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Structures Company

Design Engineer

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$30/hr

Design Engineer LOCATION: Fort Worth, TX PAY RATE: $30-110/hour We are a national aerospace and ... Contribute to development, testing, and validation of aircraft structural designs. * Assist in ...

L3HHCM20

Senior Specialist, Electrical Engineer

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$80.80K - $105.20K/yr

... Design Engineer for Special Mission Aircraft. In this role, you will lead and develop electrical power systems for the integration of electrical/electronic equipment on the aircraft systems. In ...

Archer

Structural Design Engineer, Test

San Jose, CA · On-site

We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four ... As a Structural Design Engineer at Archer, you will be responsible for designing fixtures, test ...

PDS Tech Commercial

Aircraft Loads Engineer

Wichita, KS · Hybrid

$64.64 - $89.64/hr

Engineer the Future of Flight as an Aircraft Loads Professional PDS Tech Commercial is partnering ... This is your opportunity to help design, analyze, and certify world-class aircraft that set the ...

Archer

Structural Design Engineer, Test

San Jose, CA · On-site

As a Structural Design Engineer at Archer, you will be responsible for designing fixtures, test ... This position will focus on validating the structural performance of a primarily composite aircraft.

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How much do aircraft design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft design engineer 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 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 in the Aircraft Design Engineer position, and why are they important?

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 the typical daily responsibilities of an Aircraft Design Engineer?

As an Aircraft Design Engineer, your day often involves creating and refining 3D models and technical drawings, performing structural analyses, and collaborating closely with aerodynamics, materials, and systems engineers. You will participate in design reviews, troubleshoot design issues, and help ensure new aircraft designs meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards. Regular meetings with manufacturing and testing teams are common to align on project progress and resolve technical challenges. This role requires both independent problem-solving and teamwork, as you contribute to the development of innovative aerospace solutions.
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Aircraft Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aircraft Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,999 per year, or $73.6 per hour.
Staff Engineer, Aircraft Configuration Design (R4028)

Staff Engineer, Aircraft Configuration Design (R4028)

Shield AI

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:
Shield AI is seeking an Aircraft Configuration Design Engineer to support the development of next-generation autonomous UAVs. In this role, you will assist in the design, optimization, and integration of aircraft configurations, ensuring that vehicle aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and mission systems are harmonized for performance, manufacturability, and operational effectiveness.
 
This position is ideal for a mechanical or aerospace engineer with a passion for cutting edge aircraft design, multi-disciplinary systems integration, and iterative prototyping in a fast-paced defense technology environment.
What you'll do:
  • Assist in the conceptual and preliminary design of Shield AI’s UAV platforms, ensuring optimal aerodynamic and structural configurations.
  • Support aircraft sizing, weight estimation, and trade studies to evaluate different airframe configurations.
  • Work with multi-disciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, propulsion, avionics) to ensure seamless system integration.
  • Develop and refine 3D CAD models of aircraft structures, subsystems, and flight\u0002critical components.
  • Perform basic aerodynamic and structural analysis using computational tools to assess feasibility and performance impacts.
  • Participate in design reviews, system trade studies, and prototype development efforts.
  • Support rapid prototyping and wind tunnel testing of scaled models to validate design concepts.
  • Assist in requirements development, documentation, and verification planning for aircraft subsystems.
  • Ensure designs comply with manufacturing feasibility, mission requirements, and aerospace industry standards.
  • Work closely with manufacturing and production teams to transition designs from concept to prototype and full-scale production.
Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or related field).
  • 5 years of experience in aircraft design, configuration layout, or airframe integration.
  • Proficiency in CAD modeling (NX, SolidWorks, or similar) for airframe and structural design.
  • Basic understanding of aircraft aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion system integration.
  • Ability to perform basic FEA, CFD, or weight & balance assessments.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in cross\u0002functional teams.
  • Excellent communication and technical documentation skills.
  • Active Secret clearance  
Preferred qualifications:
  • Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or related field).
  • Experience with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) design or aircraft conceptual design.
  • Familiarity with aircraft performance modeling, stability & control, and flight dynamics.
  • Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping, wind tunnel testing, or flight hardware development.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing techniques, composite materials, and aerospace structural design principles.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced, high-tech startup or defense environment.
  • Active TS clearance or ability to gain a TS clearance.  
#LI-JM2
#LD

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. 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.