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Airframe Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Supernal

Lead Engineer, Airframe Design

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

The Lead Engineer, Airframe Design is responsible for guiding the strategic direction and execution of the design, build, and test prototype and production aircraft, while overseeing the development ...

Archer

Airframe Design Lead, Wing

San Jose, CA · On-site

$172K - $216K/yr

Work closely with and mentor other engineers on the design, stress and M&P teams * Provide ... Broad experience across a range of airframe structures (fuselage, wing, pylons, empennage)

Archer

Airframe Design Lead, Fuselage

San Jose, CA

$172K - $216K/yr

Work closely with and mentor other engineers on the design, stress and M&P teams * Provide ... Broad experience across a range of airframe structures (fuselage, wing, pylons, empennage)

Archer

Airframe Design Lead, Fuselage

San Jose, CA · On-site

$172K - $216K/yr

Work closely with and mentor other engineers on the design, stress and M&P teams * Provide ... Broad experience across a range of airframe structures (fuselage, wing, pylons, empennage)

Archer

Airframe Design Lead, Wing

San Jose, CA · On-site

$172K - $216K/yr

Work closely with and mentor other engineers on the design, stress and M&P teams * Provide ... Broad experience across a range of airframe structures (fuselage, wing, pylons, empennage)

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All JobsAirframe Design Engineer JobsAirframe Design Engineer Jobs in California

Airframe Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$70.1K

$118.7K

$176.2K

How much do airframe design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for airframe design engineer in California is $118,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,700.00 and $135,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Airframe Design Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Airframe Design Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, strong knowledge of structural analysis, and proficiency in 3D CAD modeling—typically backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard software like CATIA or Siemens NX, and knowledge of FEA tools and aerospace regulations are vital, with certifications in aerospace engineering being a plus. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills distinguish top performers in this field. These skills enable the successful design, analysis, and implementation of safe and efficient airframe structures while coordinating with multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges an Airframe Design Engineer might face in their day-to-day work?

Airframe Design Engineers frequently encounter complex technical challenges, such as balancing weight reduction with structural integrity and navigating evolving regulatory requirements. Coordinating with manufacturing and testing teams to ensure designs are both feasible and cost-effective can require strong collaboration skills. Meeting tight project deadlines while accommodating design changes or unexpected issues is also common. Successfully overcoming these challenges requires adaptability, a solutions-oriented approach, and continuous communication with cross-functional teams.

What does an Airframe Design Engineer do?

An Airframe Design Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing the structural components of an aircraft. They ensure that the airframe meets safety, performance, and regulatory requirements while minimizing weight and cost. Their work involves using CAD software, conducting stress analysis, and collaborating with other engineering teams to integrate various aircraft systems.

What cities in California are hiring for Airframe Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Airframe Design Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Airframe Design Engineer jobs in CA? For Airframe Design Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Airframe Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airframe Design Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Contract, 2% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,666 per year, or $57.1 per hour.

Lead Engineer, Airframe Design

Supernal

Irvine, CA • On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

What we do: 

The Lead Engineer, Airframe Design is responsible for guiding the strategic direction and execution of the design, build, and test prototype and production aircraft, while overseeing the development of the fundamental framework of standard processes and procedures within the subject area for conceptual, preliminary, and detail design. The Lead Airframe Designer drives design for manufacturing from concept to production releases and ensures a smooth transition into production with the operations team. The position collaborates with all technical development teams, including systems, interiors, flight technology, and manufacturing and supports the airframe team meeting its delivery, weight, and cost targets. 

What you can do:
  • Guide trade studies, conceptual design layouts, and release of details and assemblies for major primary and secondary airframe structures
  • Lead development of new manufacturing technologies, engineering tools, and airframe structural designs
  • Define strategy for major integrated systems or programs
  • Coach, mentor, and develop others on the Airframe Design team on technical topics and various design methods
  • Work closely with structural analysis and test engineers to make decisions on test requirements that support element, component, and vehicle level testing
  • Make sound technical decisions and represent the design team as a subject matter expert
  • Communicate directly with management and cross-functional leaders as required
  • Document design configurations and decision justifications for milestone design reviews (CoDR, PDR, CDR) and safety of test/flight reviews (FRR, TRR)
  • Define the scope of supplier work and represent the company to suppliers as final technical authority
  • Review drawing packages and test plans
  • Create or update internal handbooks/manuals for best practices
  • May require up to 10% of domestic and international travel
  • Other duties as assigned
What you can contribute:
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a relevant engineering field is required
  • A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in airframe design 
  • Experience with aircraft conceptual design and development programs and Rotorcraft design/industry
  • Proficient in CAD software (Catia, UG, Pro-E, Solidworks)
  • Proficient in composite structures design and fabrication
  • Proficient in design optimization and load path analysis
  • Experience in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
  • Highly collaborative and proactive communicator
  • Ability to operate independently within a narrow range of tasks with minimal supervision
  • Ability to create schedules for own tasks, prioritize, and accomplish work within time constraints
  • Ability to proactively identify problems, recommend solutions or improvements, and create and implement contingency plans
You may also be able to contribute:
  • Master's degree in a relevant field preferred
  • Familiarity or expertise with MRB, structural testing, flight test, or test data monitoring/evaluation
  • Familiarity with certification process
  • Project Engineering experience/skills
Supernal logo

About Supernal

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Supernal is at the forefront of creating emerging mobility solutions that will foster the development of human-centered cities. We are designing a completely new electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft tailored to the mobility needs of future cities. This allows passengers a seamless intermodal journey that safely transports them to their final destination. We fuse research in autonomy, robotics, aviation and services to define a new category of mobility for the world's communities. We believe in creative thinking and collaboration to help build a better mobility experience for everyone, improving people's ability to move - whether for work or play.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2021

Social media

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