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Airframe Design Engineer Jobs (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)

Ag

Design Engineer - In Service Repair

Wichita, KS · On-site

As a Design Engineer - In Service Repair you will support the airline in-service fleet on repairs ... Experience in metallic and/or composite airframe structural repair. * Candidates should be ...

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 ...

Raytheon

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Design

Provo, UT

$85K - $117K/yr

The Advanced Airframes Department within Raytheon Hardware Engineering provides Mechanical ... Your responsibilities will include leading design efforts, optimizing designs to meet demanding ...

AEVEX

Design Engineer 3

Murrieta, CA · On-site

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.

Raytheon

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Design

Houston, TX

$85K - $118K/yr

The Advanced Airframes Department within Raytheon Hardware Engineering provides Mechanical ... Your responsibilities will include leading design efforts, optimizing designs to meet demanding ...

Raytheon

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Design

Orlando, FL

$84K - $115K/yr

The Advanced Airframes Department within Raytheon Hardware Engineering provides Mechanical ... Your responsibilities will include leading design efforts, optimizing designs to meet demanding ...

Raytheon

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Design

El Paso, TX

$81K - $112K/yr

The Advanced Airframes Department within Raytheon Hardware Engineering provides Mechanical ... Your responsibilities will include leading design efforts, optimizing designs to meet demanding ...

Raytheon

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Design

Miami, FL

$86K - $118K/yr

The Advanced Airframes Department within Raytheon Hardware Engineering provides Mechanical ... Your responsibilities will include leading design efforts, optimizing designs to meet demanding ...

Raytheon

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Design

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$87K - $120K/yr

The Advanced Airframes Department within Raytheon Hardware Engineering provides Mechanical ... Your responsibilities will include leading design efforts, optimizing designs to meet demanding ...

Raytheon

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Design

Tucson, AZ

$85K - $117K/yr

The Advanced Airframes Department within Raytheon Hardware Engineering provides Mechanical ... Your responsibilities will include leading design efforts, optimizing designs to meet demanding ...

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Airframe Design Engineer information

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$71K

$120.2K

$178.5K

How much do airframe design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for airframe design engineer in the United States is $120,241.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $137,500.00 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.

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Airframe Design Engineer jobs near you

Mechanical Design, Structures & Airframe - Engineer II/Senior

Heart Aerospace

Los Angeles, CA • Hybrid

$124K - $155K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

At Heart Aerospace, we're shaping the future of sustainable aviation with the ES-30, a regional hybrid-electric aircraft designed to carry 30 passengers with a 200 km all-electric, zero-emission range and an extended 400 km hybrid range. Heart is targeting type certification by the end of the decade.

Your Mission

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, Structures & Airframe, you will design, analyze, and develop aircraft structural components. You will collaborate cross functionally to the design of the fuselage, wing, and empennage, working with both composite and metallic materials, while gaining hands-on exposure to certified aerospace hardware development in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

This is an exciting opportunity for a mechanical or aerospace engineer to contribute to the design and development of next-generation aircraft structures while building strong engineering fundamentals and growing into increased technical responsibility over time.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • This role is a Responsible Engineer (RE) who focuses on the design and development of aircraft structural components.
  • Create and release 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and documentation using NX/Teamcenter or equivalent tools.
  • Optimize structural performance for cost and mass.
  • Perform structural analyses, hand calculations, and FEA activities with mentorship.
  • Define structural requirements, specifications, and test plans.
  • Own structural testing activities, data review, and documentation.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and test teams to resolve design and build issues.
  • Participate in design reviews, continuous improvement and best practices.
  • Learn and apply aerospace standards, GD&T, and manufacturing fundamentals.

(This position can be hired as a Mechanical Design Engineer II or Senior Mechanical Design Engineer) 

Skills & Requirements:

You'll Bring These Qualifications for Mechanical Design Engineer II, Structures & Airframe:

  • 2+ years of professional experience in structural design, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience with CAD tools such as Siemens NX, CATIA, Creo, or SolidWorks
  • Understanding of engineering fundamentals, structural mechanics, and first principles
  • Exposure to composite and/or metallic structures through coursework, projects, or early industry experience
  • Familiarity with GD&T and basic manufacturing concepts
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and take technical direction
  • Passion for aircraft design and interest in sustainable aviation

You'll Bring These Qualifications for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, Structures & Airframe:

  • 5+ years experience in composite structural design
  • Experience with CAD tools such as Siemens NX, CATIA, Creo, or SolidWorks
  • Understanding of engineering fundamentals, structural mechanics, and first principles
  • Familiarity with GD&T and basic manufacturing concepts
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and take technical direction
  • Passion for aircraft design and interest in sustainable aviation

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have:

  • Worked in a startup environment.
  • Hands-on exposure to composite or aluminum part fabrication.
  • Familiarity with NX, CATIA, or other advanced CAD platforms.
  • Academic or early exposure to FAA/EASA certification concepts.
  • Introductory experience with FEA tools and structural analysis methods.
  • Experience leading or working with structural testing, instrumentation, or data analysis.
  • Master's degree (or progress toward one) in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.

Base Pay Range:

  • Mechanical Design Engineer II - $124,000 - $155,000.
  • Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - $140,000 - $176,000.

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