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Airframe Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Electra

Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$92K - $112K/yr

Position Overview Electra is seeking a Airframe Design Engineer to help the design, integration, and development of primary and secondary structures for our nine-passenger EL9 hybrid-electric ...

Electra

Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$92K - $112K/yr

Position Overview Electra is seeking a Airframe Design Engineer to help the design, integration, and development of primary and secondary structures for our nine-passenger EL9 hybrid-electric ...

Electra

Senior Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Senior Airframe Design Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation through the development of hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing (eSTOL) aircraft designed to ...

Electra

Senior Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Senior Airframe Design Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation through the development of hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing (eSTOL) aircraft designed to ...

Lynk

Propulsion Design Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Job Summary As a Propulsion Design Engineer at Lynk, you will support the development of the Hall Effect Thrusters (HET) and other propulsion system components used on our satellites. You will be ...

Heven AeroTech

Mechanical Engineer

Winchester, VA · On-site

Lead the design and development of complex airframe structures, subsystems, and tooling across ... Apply strong engineering judgment and structured problem-solving to complex technical challenges ...

Heven AeroTech

Mechanical Engineer

Winchester, VA · On-site

Lead the design and development of complex airframe structures, subsystems, and tooling across ... Apply strong engineering judgment and structured problem-solving to complex technical challenges ...

Heven AeroTech

Mechanical Engineer

Winchester, VA · On-site

Lead the design and development of complex airframe structures, subsystems, and tooling across ... Apply strong engineering judgment and structured problem-solving to complex technical challenges ...

Heven AeroTech

UAS Composites Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$89K - $117K/yr

Title: UAS Composites Engineer Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt ... Design, analyze, and optimize highly manufacturable composite airframe structures (fuselage, wings ...

Heven AeroTech

UAS Composites Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$89K - $117K/yr

Title: UAS Composites Engineer Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt ... Design, analyze, and optimize highly manufacturable composite airframe structures (fuselage, wings ...

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All JobsAirframe Design Engineer JobsAirframe Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Airframe Design Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$70.4K

$119.2K

$177K

How much do airframe design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for airframe design engineer in Virginia is $119,209.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,100.00 and $136,300.00 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 are popular job titles related to Airframe Design Engineer jobs in VA? For Airframe Design Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Airframe Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airframe Design Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Contract, 2% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,209 per year, or $57.3 per hour.

Airframe Design Engineer

Electra

Manassas, VA • On-site

$92K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About Electra
At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation through the development of hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing (eSTOL) aircraft designed to transform regional mobility. Our aircraft operate from soccer-field-sized spaces-enabling Direct Aviation, a new mode of point-to-point air travel that brings communities closer together. Headquartered in Northern Virginia with a location in Switzerland, Electra is building a diverse global team passionate about redefining the future of flight.
Position Overview
Electra is seeking a Airframe Design Engineer to help the design, integration, and development of primary and secondary structures for our nine-passenger EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft.
In this role, you will support major structural design deliverables, collaborate deeply with multidisciplinary teams, and help ensure the aircraft's structures meet performance, safety, manufacturability, and certification goals. This position is ideal for an experienced engineer ready to contribute at a high level while influencing design decisions across multiple aircraft systems.
Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions
  • Support the design and development of primary and secondary airframe structures, including fuselage, wing, empennage, and landing gear integration.
  • Assist with structural design tasks from concept through detailed design and into certification, ensuring compliance with performance, manufacturability, maintainability, and safety requirements.
  • Work with structural requirements, material selections, and design criteria in support of applicable airworthiness regulations.
  • Collaborate with aerodynamics, propulsion, systems, manufacturing, stress, and certification teams to ensure integrated and optimized structural solutions.
  • Produce high-quality design documentation, including 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, ICDs, and supporting design reports.
  • Execute trade studies evaluating materials, configurations, manufacturing approaches, and integration options to balance weight, cost, and performance.
  • Support structural analysis activities by working closely with stress engineers on static, dynamic, and fatigue considerations.
  • Participate in design reviews and provide technical mentorship to early-career engineers.
  • Work with suppliers on manufacturability, design-for-production, and technical issue resolution.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement in Electra's structural design methods, tools, and development processes.
  • Stay informed on emerging technologies, advanced materials, and evolving FAA certification requirements for new aircraft types.
  • Support CAD admin duties such as tool and process development for designers
Required Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
  • 2+ years of experience in aircraft structural or airframe design, integration, and development (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
Required Skills and Qualifications
  • Strong understanding of airframe structural design for both metallic and composite components.
  • Demonstrated experience across conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design phases.
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (preferably Siemens NX or CATIA V5/V6).
  • Familiarity with FAA Part 23 or Part 25 structural certification requirements.
  • Working knowledge of loads, stress, and fatigue principles and their influence on design decisions.
  • Experience creating aerospace engineering drawings, design documentation, and configuration-controlled deliverables.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills for effective cross-functional teamwork.
  • Ability to manage design tasks, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced development environment.
Desired Skills and Qualifications
  • Experience with hybrid-electric, eSTOL/eVTOL, or other advanced aircraft development programs.
  • Familiarity with composite manufacturing processes such as AFP, infusion, or hand layup.
  • Experience with FEM tools (NASTRAN, FEMAP, HyperMesh).
  • Background in weight optimization, design-for-manufacturability, or design-to-cost.
  • Knowledge of requirements management or PLM tools (JAMA, Teamcenter, etc.).
  • Experience coordinating with suppliers on design, fabrication, or integration activities.
  • Private pilot license or a strong passion for aviation is a plus.
Location & Additional Information
  • Location: Manassas, VA headquarters (on-site presence strongly preferred).
  • Travel: Occasional (<10%).
  • Salary: Electra's salary range for this position is: $92,000.00- $112,000.00
    Our salary ranges reflect the minimum and maximum range for the Company level overall across all locations & projects and does not necessarily reflect the budgeted amount for this position. Individual pay is based on additional factors, including project budgets, job-related skills, experience, relevant education and/or training, role, level, location, and project.

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