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Aircraft Designer Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

SOGECLAIR

Aerostructure Designer

Wichita, KS · On-site

Aerostructure (Airframe) Designer - Missionized Aircraft The Aerostructure Designer focuses on the design, integration, and modification of aircraft primary and secondary structures to support the ...

SOGECLAIR

Aerostructure Designer

Wichita, KS

Aerostructure (Airframe) Designer - Missionized Aircraft The Aerostructure Designer focuses on the design, integration, and modification of aircraft primary and secondary structures to support the ...

Spirit AeroSystems

Aircraft Painter

Wichita, KS · On-site

$21.75 - $27.50/hr

Spirit Commercial designs and builds commercial aerostructures, including for Boeing Commercial ... Aircraft or auto body painting experience. * Painting prep to include sanding and masking. * Two ...

Spirit AeroSystems

Aircraft Painter

Wichita, KS · On-site

$21.75 - $27.50/hr

Spirit Commercial designs and builds commercial aerostructures, including for Boeing Commercial ... Aircraft or auto body painting experience. * Painting prep to include sanding and masking. * Two ...

Garmin

Senior Aircraft Systems Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Serve in leadership capacity to develop and/or certify complex STCs designs including all aspects ... Serve as a mentor to less experienced aircraft systems engineers (Aircraft Systems Engineer 1 & ...

Garmin

Senior Aircraft Systems Engineer

Overland Park, KS · On-site

$98K - $135K/yr

Serve in leadership capacity to develop and/or certify complex STCs designs including all aspects ... Serve as a mentor to less experienced aircraft systems engineers (Aircraft Systems Engineer 1 & ...

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Aircraft Designer information

What does an aircraft designer do?

An aircraft designer is responsible for creating the concepts, blueprints, and specifications for new types of aircraft. They use engineering principles, computer-aided design (CAD) tools, and knowledge of aerodynamics, materials, and manufacturing to ensure that the aircraft is safe, efficient, and meets regulatory standards. Aircraft designers often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with engineers, manufacturers, and testers throughout the development process. Their work is critical to the innovation and advancement of aviation technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aircraft designer?

To thrive as an Aircraft Designer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, strong mathematical and physics knowledge, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Expertise in CAD software (such as CATIA or SolidWorks), aerodynamic simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards and certifications like FAA or EASA regulations are essential. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills to excel in the design process and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure innovative, safe, and compliant aircraft designs that meet rigorous industry requirements.

What are some typical challenges an aircraft designer faces when working on a new aircraft project?

Aircraft Designers frequently encounter the challenge of balancing innovative design ideas with strict safety regulations and budget constraints. They must collaborate closely with engineers, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies to ensure designs meet aerodynamic performance, structural integrity, and compliance standards. Managing project timelines while addressing unexpected technical issues is also common, requiring strong problem-solving skills and adaptability. Effective teamwork and communication across multidisciplinary teams are crucial for successfully bringing new aircraft concepts from concept to completion.

What is the difference between Aircraft Designer vs Aerospace Engineer?

AspectAircraft DesignerAerospace Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, certifications varyBachelor's or higher in Aerospace Engineering, professional licenses optional
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, labs, aircraft manufacturing facilitiesResearch labs, manufacturing plants, testing facilities
Industry UsagePrimarily in aircraft design and manufacturing companiesBroader aerospace sector including spacecraft, satellites, and aircraft

Aircraft Designers focus specifically on creating and developing aircraft structures and systems, often working within aircraft manufacturing companies. Aerospace Engineers have a broader scope, working on various aerospace projects including spacecraft and satellites, in addition to aircraft. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often collaborate, but their primary focus and work environments differ slightly.

What are popular job titles related to Aircraft Designer jobs in Kansas?

For Aircraft Designer jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Aircraft Designer jobs in Kansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Aircraft Designer jobs in Kansas are:

Aircraft Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aircraft Designer job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Aerostructure Designer

SOGECLAIR

Wichita, KS • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Aerostructure (Airframe) Designer - Missionized Aircraft
The Aerostructure Designer focuses on the design, integration, and modification of aircraft primary and secondary structures to support the conversion of green (baseline) aircraft into missionized configurations. The successful candidate will develop detailed design solutions, interface with multidisciplinary teams, and ensure that all airframe modifications meet structural integrity, manufacturability, and certification requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design and develop structural modifications and installations for mission equipment, antennas, sensors, and payload systems.
  • Create and update 3D models, assemblies, and detailed drawings using CATIA V5/V6, ensuring adherence to aerospace standards and best practices.
  • Integrate mission systems or structural modifications into the aircraft primary structure while maintaining load paths, weight balance, and structural efficiency.
  • Perform preliminary structural analyses and coordinate with stress and loads teams to validate design integrity.
  • Develop conceptual and detailed design layouts for fuselage, wing, empennage, and internal structure modifications.
  • Ensure all designs comply with airworthiness, certification, and customer-specific requirements.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing, methods, and installation teams to ensure designs are producible, maintainable, and cost-effective.
  • Support design reviews, configuration control, and engineering change management activities.
  • Interface with suppliers and partners for the development and validation of mission-specific structural components.
  • Provide on-site engineering support during aircraft modification and installation phases.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering.
  • 8-10+ years of experience in airframe design for commercial or military aircraft.
  • 15,000-20,000 hours of CATIA (V5 or V6) experience in part, product, and assembly design.
  • Strong understanding of aircraft primary structures, load paths, joints, and material behaviors (metallic and composite).
  • Proven ability to design and integrate missionized systems into existing aircraft configurations.
  • Familiarity with aircraft certification standards (FAR/CS 23, 25, or military equivalents).
  • Excellent knowledge of GD&T, configuration management, and PLM environments (e.g., ENOVIA, SmarTeam).
  • Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with special mission or ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) aircraft modifications.
  • Familiarity with composite structure design and integration.
  • Previous involvement in supplemental type certificate (STC) programs or modification centers.
  • Experience working in close collaboration with OEMs and mission system integrators

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