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Aircraft Design Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Parker

Electric Motor Design Engineer

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

... the aircraft's lifecycle, including aftermarket support. Our passionate people with deep ... Acts as Project Leader with Technical responsibility for Design Planning, Organizing, and ...

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All JobsAircraft Design JobsAircraft Design Jobs in Michigan

Aircraft Design information

See Michigan salary details

$104.6K

$133.4K

$153.4K

How much do aircraft design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft design in Michigan is $133,354.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,700.00 and $145,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aircraft design?

An Aircraft Design job involves conceptualizing, developing, and optimizing aircraft structures, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and avionics. Professionals in this field use engineering principles, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and simulations to create efficient, safe, and cost-effective aircraft. They work closely with aerospace engineers, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with industry standards. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of materials and aerodynamics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in aircraft design?

To thrive in Aircraft Design, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software, finite element analysis tools, and familiarity with industry standards such as FAA or EASA regulations are essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective teamwork skills are key soft skills for excelling in this role. These competencies ensure that innovative, safe, and efficient aircraft designs are developed while meeting rigorous industry standards and project objectives.

What are the main challenges faced by professionals working in aircraft design?

Professionals in Aircraft Design often face the challenges of balancing innovative design solutions with strict safety regulations and industry standards. Meeting ambitious performance, weight, and cost targets while ensuring compliance with government certifications requires careful coordination and attention to detail. Working under tight project timelines and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—including aerodynamics, systems, and manufacturing engineers—are also common aspects of the role. These challenges make the work dynamic, but also highly rewarding for those passionate about aviation innovation.

How much do aircraft designers make?

Aircraft designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior or specialized designers with advanced skills in CAD software and aerodynamics can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

What is the salary of aircraft design engineer?

The average salary of an aircraft design engineer in the United States ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers with specialized skills or working for major aerospace companies can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000 annually.

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

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

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

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

Aircraft Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aircraft Design job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,354 per year, or $64.1 per hour.

Senior Aero-Mechanical Engineer - Advanced Systems Engineering Integration and Design Optimization

Orb Aerospace

Lowell, MI • On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

US Citizen or Permanent Resident 
In-Person 
Fall 2026 Start
 
5+ Years’ Experience Req. Successful Program Experience 
 
Join us in retuning to a 1940’s design cadence, reducing the cycle time for aircraft design, build and fly – Integrating advanced design tools and experimenting with unconventional planforms. We are reindustrializing the Midwest as Michigan’s first airframe prime since the Second World War. We’releveraging our region’s industrial might and airspace to build aircraft that become decentralized infrastructure. Orb is a small mission-driven team where your initiative, creativity, and dedication will be used to reach every village on the planet with power, logistics, and communications.  
 
Your Role at Orb: We’re establishing a low overhead, fast paced, experimental aircraft development environment that allows new design ideas, tools, and processes to be tested and go to market in an entirely new category of aircraft. We’re giving a passionate engineer with a history of designing, optimizing and shepherding aircraft cradle-to-grave an opportunity to test their ideas in the interests of building the best aircraft to have the highest impact on the greatest number of people. You should have a passion for efficient, multifunctional teams and the experience to lead others in the interested of rapid execution on exciting new air platforms.   
 
If you’re ready to take ownership, embrace complexity, and thrive in a role where your work truly matters, we’d love to hear from you. 
Key Responsibilities
  • Aircraft Design, Configuration, Analysis, and Trade Studies 
  • Engineering First Principals Driven Multi-Disciplinary Systems Engineering from RF to Propulsion and Structures 
  • Spool up Aircraft Design Tools Like CFD,   
  • Incorporate Multi-Disciplinary Optimization and Establish Design Tools / Processes 
  • Incorporate With Every Discipline from Conceptual Design to Flight Test 
Desired Skills and Qualifications
  • Demonstrated Experience in Wholistic Aircraft Design, Aero, Mechanical, and Systems Integration. 
  • Demonstrated Success inBuilding Unconventional Air Platforms 
  • Long Term Commitment to Orbs Mission 
  • Expert in CAD E.G. Siemens NX, Solid Works, Catia or Similar 
  • Expert in Simulation of Loads and Aerodynamic Forces 
  • Experienced in Conceptual Design Tools and Multi-Disciplinary Optimization 
+ Additional Options and Incentives

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. 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.