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Aircraft Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Support development of aerospace and aircraft-related hardware. * Assist with structural analysis and design validation. * Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams for practical ...

Support development of aerospace and aircraft-related hardware. * Assist with structural analysis and design validation. * Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams for practical ...

* Perform analyses and simulations to compute aircraft design loads, in support of new aircraft design studies and continued airworthiness of in-service aircraft * Use a large range of commercial and ...

* Perform analyses and simulations to compute aircraft design loads, in support of new aircraft design studies and continued airworthiness of in-service aircraft * Use a large range of commercial and ...

Incumbents at this level are FCC-certificated technicians that design aircraft radio installations; install aircraft communication and navigation radio systems; disassemble, inspect diagnose, and ...

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Aircraft Design information

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$120K

$153K

$176K

How much do aircraft design jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft design 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 job?

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 the Aircraft Design position, and why are they important?

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.
What cities are hiring for Aircraft Design jobs? Cities with the most Aircraft Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aircraft Design jobs? The most popular types of Aircraft Design jobs are:
What states have the most Aircraft Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Aircraft Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Aircraft Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $152,999 per year, or $73.6 per hour.
Aerospace Engineer II - Aircraft Certification

Aerospace Engineer II - Aircraft Certification

Sierra Nevada Corporation

Highlands Ranch, CO • Hybrid

$94.35K - $129.72K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Sierra Nevada Corporation rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 59 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Do you love bringing "out-there" ideas to life? We are innovators on a mission to unite, explore and inspire. As an aerospace engineer in aircraft certification, you will help certify cutting edge products and services with various aircraft regulators. These products cover a very wide range from advanced mission payloads and electronic systems through highly integrated aircraft to orbital and space exploration systems. Your technical duties will be involved in the design and development, analysis, and test of new products and processes throughout the product lifecycle.
Aircraft Certification Engineers at SNC are exposed to a broad range of aircraft modifications. We create successful program execution by coordinating with various aircraft regulators to ensure that the aircraft design is compliant to an appropriate set of regulations. This includes the FAA and various US and Foreign military organizations. In this role you will solve an extremely diverse set of problems related to aircraft design and operation. This is a high visibility role that involves interfacing with most of the other roles in the organization and taking a broad perspective of the entire air system.
The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations - with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.
Responsibilities:
  • Primary interface with regulatory authorities
  • Provides project management of all certification activities
  • Assists in design and management reviews, including preparing and presenting (i.e. PDR, CDR)
  • Navigate through the certification challenges and proposes courses of action
  • Reviews all supporting documents for accuracy and compliance
  • Coordinates Military approvals
  • Provides guidance with respect to certification requirements to internal and external departments

Qualifications You Must Have:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or other related discipline and typically 2 or more years of relevant experience
  • Higher education may substitute for relevant experience
  • Basic understanding of Computer Aided Engineering tools
  • Basic awareness of the certification planning process (i.e. developing certification plans, the establishment of certification basis, proposing Methods of Compliance, proposing compliance artifacts)
  • Prior experience with Military certification (MIL-HDBK-516) programs and/or FAA Certification Standards (14 CFR Part 23, 25, 27, 29)
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required

Qualifications We Prefer:
  • Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry
  • Background in Project Management
  • Comfortable reviewing information from various engineering disciplines outside of your specialty
  • Experience coordinating certification approvals with DoD certifying authorities, FAA Aircraft Certification Office, ODA's, or Delegated Engineering Representatives (DER's)/Unit Members
  • Experience with reading, reviewing and interpreting technical documentation for accuracy and compliance with applicable regulations
  • Familiarity with aircraft flight test

Essential Functions:
  • Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
  • Ability to travel up to 10%.
  • Work in an office or hybrid environment.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.
Estimated Starting Salary Range: $94,345.12 - $129,724.54. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors, such as candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.
SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.
Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.
SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We're known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation's most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!
SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

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