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Airframe Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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)

Archer

Tooling Design Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA

$114K - $142K/yr

Work closely with airframe design & manufacturing engineers to provide manufacturing/assembly input during initial design stages. * Design tooling for trim, drill, and assembly operations, as well as ...

AEVEX

Design Engineer 3

Murrieta, CA

The Design Engineer 3 at AEVEX Aerospace is engaged in the design of aircraft structural and system ... Interfaces with stress analysts and shop floor mechanics throughout airframe integration projects.

AEVEX

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 ... Strong understanding of airframe structures, systems, manufacturing and assembly procedures.

AEVEX

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 ... Strong understanding of airframe structures, systems, manufacturing and assembly procedures.

Archer

Tooling Design Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$114K - $142K/yr

Work closely with airframe design & manufacturing engineers to provide manufacturing/assembly input during initial design stages. * Design tooling for trim, drill, and assembly operations, as well as ...

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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 Aug 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an airframe design engineer?

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,666 per year, or $57.1 per hour.

Advanced Airframe Design Engineer

General Atomics

Poway, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
This is an airframe design position in the Advanced Aircraft Engineering Organization located in San Diego, CA. Under the general direction of Engineering management or IPT lead, serve as a member of the airframe design team providing conceptual and detail designs of primary and secondary structural aircraft components. General responsibilities include design activities within an assigned project. Establish and communicate clear task expectations. Primary product lines for design activities will be unmanned aerial vehicles, modification of existing aircraft structures and special projects to support sensor integrations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Create and maintain Advance Airframe CAD models, drawings of installations, assembly and detail components that meet all requirements such as structural integrity, interface boundaries, weight and cost targets as directed by the lead.
  • Produce airframe structural configuration layouts and detail designs including preliminary sizing/stress analysis, joint layouts, interface boundary definitions of parts and assemblies employing metallic and composite materials.
  • Experience with the composite part detail process, including composites stacking sequence, lamination theory, honeycomb core, bonded assemblies, manufacturing assembly and fabrication processes, post-cure machining operations.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with members of stress, manufacturing, procurement, quality control and other departments as required to mature the design from conception to production.
  • Strong technical background including familiarity with industry standards for the manufacture, repair and assembly of composite components for aerospace.
  • Experience with engineering and manufacturing development and production of structural parts and assemblies utilizing composite materials.
  • Experience with prototype and/or rate part production with exposure to tool design, manufacturing planning and hands on fabrication.
  • Experience with CREO and/or NX and FiberSIM is desired.
  • Stress analysis experience using FEM based tools such as CREO-Simulate, NX Simcenter/Nastran, FEMAP with both metal and composite parts.
  • Knowledge of GD&T per ASME Y14.5 along with tolerance analysis capabilities.
  • Experience in application ASME Y14.41 methods for Model Based Definition using Creo and NX is desired.
  • Ability to create and maintain parametric product geometry models is desired.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors or masters degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and two or more years of engineering experience with a bachelors degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Must have a complete understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and, expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
  • Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly; apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and, determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
  • Must have excellent communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one engineering area; and, lead a team of less experienced professional employees on semi-routine tasks.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability obtain and maintain DoD Security Clearance required.

What General Atomics employees say

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About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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