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Airframe Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CHAOS Industries

GNC Software Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$160K - $240K/yr

As a member of Engineering, you also have the opportunity to expand your skillset across our ... Support airframe design activities * Support system integration of software on flight hardware

CHAOS Industries

GNC Software Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$160K - $240K/yr

As a member of Engineering, you also have the opportunity to expand your skillset across our ... Support airframe design activities * Support system integration of software on flight hardware

CHAOS Industries

GNC Software Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$160K - $240K/yr

As a member of Engineering, you also have the opportunity to expand your skillset across our ... Support airframe design activities * Support system integration of software on flight hardware

Amca

Mechanical Design Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

The Mechanical Design Engineering role is responsible for developing flight hardware for new and existing airframes. You will serve as the extreme owner of the product from concept through ...

Joby Aviation

Design Engineer, Actuators

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$121K - $206K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a motivated individual to join our airframe and actuators team ... design elements * Collaboration with engineering and certification teams to incorporate best ...

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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 20, 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 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,666 per year, or $57.1 per hour.

Mechanical Systems Design Engineer

Astro Mechanica

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$135K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

ABOUT US:
Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected future. Our mission is to democratize high-speed flight by making supersonic travel flexible, accessible, and sustainable. We believe that rapid, on-demand, point-to-point global mobility will become the new standard for moving people and goods across the planet. To achieve this, we are integrating our advanced airframe and engine technologies-which include Duality™, our proprietary dual-use propulsion system-with a new flight operations model to make supersonic transport as efficient and economical as commercial air travel is today. In the near term, we are developing adaptable, high-speed systems to close aircraft performance gaps for the United States government.
WHO WE ARE:
We're a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We're generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.
WHO YOU ARE:
Astro Mechanica is seeking an experienced Mechanical Systems Design Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is someone who can take full ownership of hardware design from concept to production and has a deep understanding of their impact on surrounding systems. Technical challenges are resolved from first principles. Your work at Astro Mechanica will have a direct impact on the configuration and performance of the Astro Mechanica demonstrator aircraft.
In this role, your mission will be to shepherd novel airframe integration and component hardware from whiteboard design through analysis, qualification, vehicle integration, and aircraft flight.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Perform trade studies and first-order analyses to inform component design and system architecture decisions
  • Complete detailed component designs and drawings. Validate your designs with structural, thermal, and/or fluid analyses
  • Collaborate closely with propulsion, structures, avionics, controls, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless component and system integration
  • Work with suppliers to specify, select, and qualify off-the-shelf and/or custom components
  • Develop and conduct hardware test plans and analyze data to verify requirements and performance metrics meet design intent
  • Provide hands-on support during prototyping, vehicle builds, ground testing, and flight test campaigns
  • Participate in technical reviews, generate clear documentation, and contribute to safety and hazard analyses

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
  • 2-5+ years of experience designing, integrating, or testing fluid or mechanical systems
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, precision measurement and GD&T
  • Proficiency in 3D CAD tools (NX, CATIA V5, SolidWorks, or similar) for routing, packaging, and component design
  • Solid understanding of mechanical system, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer fundamentals and analysis methods
  • Hands-on experience with hardware- fabrication, assembly, or testing
  • Takes initiative for continuous improvement (not just completing assigned tasks)
  • Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, evolving development environment

PERKS & BENEFITS:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • 401(k) program and transparent stock option plan
  • Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time
  • Flexible work environment
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.
Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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