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Airframe Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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)

Ag

Design Engineer - In Service Repair

Wichita, KS

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 ...

Ag

A320 Design Liaison Engineer (MAP)

Mobile, AL

Transparencia en el Pago No Discriminacion(Spanish) Airbus Commercial Aircraft is looking for an Airframe Design Liaison Engineer to join our Engineering department based in Mobile, AL. The A320 ...

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 ...

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.

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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 Aug 21, 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 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 are hiring for Airframe Design Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Airframe Design Engineer job openings:

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Airframe Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airframe Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,241 per year, or $57.8 per hour.

Engineer or Principal Engineer Aeronautical - Airframe Design

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL • On-site

$98K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 543 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems sector is seeking an Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 2) or Principal Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 3) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in defining the future. This position will be located in Melbourne, FL.
In this role, you will work within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment to develop primary and secondary metal and composite aircraft structure parts and assemblies, lead design and trade study efforts, mentor less experienced engineers, and develop advanced design solutions to complex technical problems. The successful candidate possesses substantial experience with design and fabrication techniques for aircraft primary structural details, assemblies, and installations utilizing both metallic and composite materials, conventional fastening methods, bonded primary structures, major structural joint definition, and load path development.
Responsibilities:
  • Design primary and secondary aircraft structural parts, assemblies, and installations using metallic and/or composite materials for new aircraft design and/or modifications to existing aircraft
  • Working within or leading an IPT, interfaces with IPT/Program leadership, suppliers, customers, and other technical disciplines to independently prepare and lead the preparation of engineering design solutions to challenging problems through the development of Product Definition Packages
  • Collaborate with structural analysis, manufacturing, materials and processes, and other stakeholders to produce flight weight structures
  • Employ GD&T and Model Based Engineering (MBE) methods in support of Digital Transformation to create airframe layouts and produce engineering definitions
  • Assist team to develop/document best practices and mentor less experienced engineers.

This requisition may be filled at an Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 2) OR Principal Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 3) level based on the qualifications below.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Basic qualifications for an Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 2) include a Bachelor's in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and at least 2 years of relevant experience, a Master's Degree in STEM with no years of experience.
  • Basic qualifications for a Principal Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 3) include a Bachelor's in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and at least 5 years of relevant experience, a Master's Degree in STEM with 3 years of relevant experience, or a PhD Degree with no experience.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance; clearance not required to start employment.
  • Must have the ability to obtain any Program Special access required within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
  • Professional experience designing primary and/or secondary metallic aircraft parts/components, assemblies, and/or installations

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
  • Proficiency with NX Solid Modelling or similar 3D modeling software
  • Proficiency with Teamcenter

Primary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $118,900.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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