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Aircraft Design Vtol Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Anduril Industries

Air Vehicle Lead

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

Deep experience developing VTOL platforms. * Broad exposure to aircraft concepts, design layouts, static stability, control architectures and propulsion concepts. * Demonstrated ability to lead and ...

Archer

Staff GNC Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$154K - $228K/yr

Lead teams to design and implement flight control algorithms for electric VTOL aircraft * Work cross functionally to connect GNC requirements with other system requirements * Influence leadership ...

Archer

Staff GNC Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$175K - $220K/yr

Participate in design and implement flight control algorithms for electric VTOL aircraft * Work cross functionally to connect GNC requirements with other system requirements * Influence leadership ...

Haast Autonomous

Aircraft Loft Engineer

Oregon, WI · On-site

We're developing long-range VTOL aircraft, autonomy software, and the operational foundation needed ... This is a highly specialized CAD position focused on aircraft lofting, advanced surfacing, outer ...

Anduril Industries

Air Vehicle Lead

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$191K - $253K/yr

Deep experience developing VTOL platforms. * Broad exposure to aircraft concepts, design layouts, static stability, control architectures and propulsion concepts. * Demonstrated ability to lead and ...

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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.

Structures Test Engineer, Hydraulics

Santa Cruz, CA • On-site

Joby Aviation
Aviation • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Joby Aviationexternal

$104K - $183K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Company Overview

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.

Overview

Working as a Structural Test Engineer, you will support the Testing Team. As part of this team, you will perform structural testing of flight-critical structures for VTOL electric aircraft. Working in our structural test lab facility, the structural test engineer will prepare test procedures, assemble test setups, execute tests, and analyze and report test data. The data collected during these tests will inform the company's hardware design efforts and pave the way to safe, production-ready airframes.

Responsibilities
  • Create test setups to validate the structural characteristics of primary and secondary aircraft structures (primarily composite) by working closely with the aircraft design teams to capture the nuances of aircraft design loads and operating conditions

  • Develop formal test plans, test procedures, instrumentation plans, test stand/fixture designs, data acquisition architectures, and any other necessary tools to allow for thorough and repeatable testing of specimens as discussed

  • Analyze data collected during the aforementioned tests to generate reports that will provide quantifiable feedback to the engineering teams that will allow them to optimize their designs

Required

  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience

  • Experience with servohydraulic actuators and controllers (preferably Moog)

  • Ability to perform hands-on tests including setting up and executing tests with test hardware and data acquisition

  • Strong analytical background with excellent problem-solving and communication skills

  • Experience using sensors such as strain gages, potentiometers, accelerometers, etc. (including sensor installation)

  • Periodic hours flexibility depending on test execution needs and timeline

Desired

  • M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant discipline

  • Experience with aircraft FAA certification processes

  • Experience with industrial test laboratory environments and procedures

  • Experience with Dassault Systemes CAD CATIA, specifically using Generative Shape Design, Part Design, and Assembly Design

  • Experience working with advanced instrumentation, Digital Image Correlation, Fiber Optic strain, etc.

  • Hands-on machine shop skills using lathe, mill, welder, and other machine shop equipment

  • Aircraft homebuilding or rapid prototyping experience is a plus

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $104,400 - $183,500/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

Additional Information

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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