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Aircraft Design Vtol Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Structures Test Engineer

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$75K - $123K/yr

... for VTOL electric aircraft. Working in our structural test lab facility, the structural test ... The data collected during these tests will inform the company's hardware design efforts and pave ...

Joby Aviation

Structures Test Engineer

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$75K - $123K/yr

... for VTOL electric aircraft. Working in our structural test lab facility, the structural test ... The data collected during these tests will inform the company's hardware design efforts and pave ...

Joby Aviation

Structures Test Engineer

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$75K - $123K/yr

... for VTOL electric aircraft. Working in our structural test lab facility, the structural test ... The data collected during these tests will inform the company's hardware design efforts and pave ...

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Aircraft Design Vtol information

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How much do aircraft design vtol jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft design vtol 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 an aircraft design VTOL engineer?

An Aircraft Design VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) engineer specializes in designing aircraft that can take off, hover, and land vertically, such as drones, air taxis, or certain military aircraft. These engineers work on the aerodynamics, propulsion systems, materials, and control systems unique to VTOL vehicles. Their work involves integrating advanced technologies to optimize performance, safety, and efficiency for vertical flight operations. They often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address challenges in stability, noise reduction, and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by engineers in an aircraft design VTOL role?

Engineers working in Aircraft Design VTOL roles often encounter unique challenges such as managing weight constraints while ensuring structural integrity, integrating advanced propulsion systems, and achieving stable flight dynamics for both vertical and horizontal operations. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams—including aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, and software—is essential, as design changes in one area can significantly affect others. Additionally, meeting strict regulatory standards and ensuring safety in innovative designs adds complexity to day-to-day responsibilities.

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

To thrive as an Aircraft Design VTOL Engineer, you need strong expertise in aerodynamics, propulsion, structural engineering, and typically a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools, and industry standards like FAA regulations is essential, along with relevant certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and meticulous attention to detail are crucial soft skills for innovation and effective collaboration. These competencies are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and cutting-edge VTOL aircraft designs that meet stringent regulatory and performance standards.

What are popular job titles related to Aircraft Design Vtol jobs?

For Aircraft Design Vtol jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aircraft Design Vtol job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,999 per year, or $73.6 per hour.

Aircraft Loads Engineer | Flight Sciences

South Burlington, VT

BETA Technologies
See more jobs at BETA Technologiesexternal

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

The Aircraft Loads Engineer will be responsible for developing external aircraft loads including gusts, maneuver, and ground loads for fixed wing and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft.  The engineer will support development of aircraft FEM and ensuing external loads for structural sizing. You will work closely with the Flight Science and Structures teams, as well as various system experts (such as Motors, Flight Controls, etc.) in ensuring that aircraft capability is accurately captured in load case definition. You will collaborate with the Certification team to ensure loads development aligns with certification requirements and drive component and aircraft-level structural test definition. The engineer will need to understand the aircraft at an architecture level to support the effective design and optimization of next-generation electric aircraft.

How you will contribute to revolutionizing electric aviation:

  • Lead development of external loads requirements and analyses including maneuver, gust, and ground cases using six degree of freedom (6DOF) models
  • Define load cases for both fixed wing and VTOL aircraft that align with certification requirements
  • Develop mass and stiffness representative structural FEM and generate external loads
  • Assist in loads test development and execution (at the component and flight test level)
  • Use a multidisciplinary understanding of aircraft design to proactively identify areas for improvement in design and analysis

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field
  • At least 3-5 years of experience in aircraft loads analysis and testing, including steady state maneuvers, abrupt maneuvers, gust response, landing loads, and miscellaneous conditions such as canopy loads, etc.
  • Experience with aerodynamic analysis methods of varying fidelity (panel methods, CFD, etc.)
  • Experience in the use of industry standard loads analysis software such as NASTRAN, FEMAP, etc.
  • Experience with MATLAB, Python, and CAD tools (CATIA, SolidWorks, etc.)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Curiosity and ability to identify and rapidly implement new requirements and analysis processes for next generation aircraft

Above and Beyond Qualifications:

  • Experience with load case definition and analysis in vertical flight, particularly for novel aircraft configurations with industry standard tools such as RCAS
  • Demonstrable understanding of aircraft flight controls and impact of fly by wire systems on loads development
  • Experience with design and analysis of loads mitigation strategies
  • Experience as a FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER)

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