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Aircraft Structural Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Structural Design Engineer Location: Pelzer, SC Job Summary: Seeking a Structural Design Engineer with experience in data center or industrial infrastructure projects. The role involves designing ...

Structural Design Engineer Dallas, TX Structural Design Engineer who will apply their structural engineering expertise alongside a strong understanding of outdoor functionality, aesthetics, and ...

Structural Design Engineer Dallas, TX Structural Design Engineer who will apply their structural engineering expertise alongside a strong understanding of outdoor functionality, aesthetics, and ...

Structural Design Engineer Location: Pelzer, SC Summary: Design structural solutions for modular data centers, power modules, and telecom facilities. Ensure compliance with building codes and ...

Structural Design Engineer Dallas, TX Structural Design Engineer who will apply their structural engineering expertise alongside a strong understanding of outdoor functionality, aesthetics, and ...

Structural Design Engineer Dallas, TX Structural Design Engineer who will apply their structural engineering expertise alongside a strong understanding of outdoor functionality, aesthetics, and ...

Design Engineer 3

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$133.90 - $147.90/hr

The Design Engineer 3 at AEVEX Aerospace is engaged in the design of aircraft structural and system modifications using 3D CAD software. Tasks will involve platform modification layouts, preliminary ...

Structural Design Engineer Dallas, TX Structural Design Engineer who will apply their structural engineering expertise alongside a strong understanding of outdoor functionality, aesthetics, and ...

Design Engineer 3

Murrieta, CA

$133.90 - $147.90/hr

The Design Engineer 3 at AEVEX Aerospace is engaged in the design of aircraft structural and system modifications using 3D CAD software. Tasks will involve platform modification layouts, preliminary ...

Structural Design Engineer Dallas, TX Structural Design Engineer who will apply their structural engineering expertise alongside a strong understanding of outdoor functionality, aesthetics, and ...

Structural Design Engineer - Modular Steel Buildings Location: Pelzer, SC Job Summary: Seeking a Structural Engineer with 3+ years of experience to support the design and development of modular steel ...

Structural Design Engineer Location: Pelzer, SC Duration: Long term Job Summary The Structural Design Engineer will design and support structural systems for customized power modules, IT modules ...

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Structural Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Structural Design Engineer (4+ Years Experience) This is an in person role located in Lake Forest, Orange County, CA $80,000 - $90,000 per year On-Site Position (Not Remote) Full-Time Grow Your ...

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Structural Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Structural Design Engineer (4+ Years Experience) This is an in person role located in Lake Forest, Orange County, CA $80,000 - $90,000 per year On-Site Position (Not Remote) Full-Time Grow Your ...

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Aircraft Structural Design Engineer information

See salary details

$43K

$103.5K

$192.5K

How much do aircraft structural design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft structural design engineer in the United States is $103,463.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $122,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Aircraft Structural Design Engineer vs Aerospace Design Engineer?

AspectAircraft Structural Design EngineerAerospace Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, certifications like EASA or FAABachelor's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Aeronautical Engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentAircraft manufacturing, maintenance, and repair facilitiesAircraft, spacecraft, and satellite design firms
Industry UsagePrimarily in aviation and defense sectorsIn aerospace, space exploration, and defense industries

While both roles involve designing aircraft components, the Aircraft Structural Design Engineer focuses specifically on aircraft structures, whereas the Aerospace Design Engineer may work on a broader range of aerospace projects, including spacecraft and satellites. The roles share similar credentials and work environments but differ in scope and application.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aircraft Structural Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aircraft Structural Design Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, proficiency in structural analysis, and a solid understanding of aerodynamics and materials science, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Expertise with CAD software (such as CATIA or SolidWorks), finite element analysis (FEA) tools, and familiarity with aviation industry standards are crucial. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this role. These skills ensure the design and integrity of safe, efficient aircraft structures, meeting regulatory requirements and project goals.

What does an Aircraft Structural Design Engineer do?

An Aircraft Structural Design Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and testing the structural components of aircraft to ensure they meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards. Their work includes creating detailed blueprints, selecting appropriate materials, and using computer-aided design (CAD) software to model structures such as fuselages, wings, and landing gear. They also collaborate with other engineering teams to integrate structural designs with systems like avionics and propulsion. Ensuring structural integrity while minimizing weight and cost is a key part of the role.

What are the common challenges faced by Aircraft Structural Design Engineers when working on new aircraft models?

Aircraft Structural Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing weight optimization with structural integrity and safety requirements. They must also navigate strict regulatory standards and certification processes, which require meticulous attention to detail and thorough documentation. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including aerodynamics, materials, and manufacturing engineers—is crucial for integrating various system requirements, which can sometimes lead to complex coordination efforts. Staying updated on the latest materials and design technologies is also essential to deliver innovative and efficient solutions.
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What cities are hiring for Aircraft Structural Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Aircraft Structural Design Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Aircraft Structural Design Engineer jobs? The top employers for Aircraft Structural Design Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Aircraft Structural Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Aircraft Structural Design Engineer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Aircraft Structural Design Engineer jobs? For Aircraft Structural Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Aircraft Structural Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,463 per year, or $49.7 per hour.
Engineer or Principal Engineer Aeronautical - Airframe Design

Engineer or Principal Engineer Aeronautical - Airframe Design

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL • On-site

$98K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems sector is seeking an Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 2) or Principal Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 3) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in defining the future. This position will be located in Melbourne, FL.

In this role, you will work within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment to develop primary and secondary metal and composite aircraft structure parts and assemblies, lead design and trade study efforts, mentor less experienced engineers, and develop advanced design solutions to complex technical problems. The successful candidate possesses substantial experience with design and fabrication techniques for aircraft primary structural details, assemblies, and installations utilizing both metallic and composite materials, conventional fastening methods, bonded primary structures, major structural joint definition, and load path development.

Responsibilities:

  • Design primary and secondary aircraft structural parts, assemblies, and installations using metallic and/or composite materials for new aircraft design and/or modifications to existing aircraft

  • Working within or leading an IPT, interfaces with IPT/Program leadership, suppliers, customers, and other technical disciplines to independently prepare and lead the preparation of engineering design solutions to challenging problems through the development of Product Definition Packages

  • Collaborate with structural analysis, manufacturing, materials and processes, and other stakeholders to produce flight weight structures

  • Employ GD&T and Model Based Engineering (MBE) methods in support of Digital Transformation to create airframe layouts and produce engineering definitions

  • Assist team to develop/document best practices and mentor less experienced engineers.

This requisition may be filled at an Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 2) OR Principal Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 3) level based on the qualifications below.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Basic qualifications for an Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 2) include a Bachelor's in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and at least 2 years of relevant experience, a Master's Degree in STEM with no years of experience.

  • Basic qualifications for a Principal Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 3) include a Bachelor's in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and at least 5 years of relevant experience, a Master's Degree in STEM with 3 years of relevant experience, or a PhD Degree with no experience.

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance; clearance not required to start employment.

  • Must have the ability to obtain any Program Special access required within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.

  • Professional experience designing primary and/or secondary metallic aircraft parts/components, assemblies, and/or installations

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

  • Proficiency with NX Solid Modelling or similar 3D modeling software

  • Proficiency with Teamcenter

Primary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $118,900.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939