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Airframe Manufacturing Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Engineer

Morrisville, NC

$68K - $87K/yr

... and overall airframe assembly. This person will also demonstrate the ability to work across ... with design engineering release * Write manufacturing documentation, such as work instructions ...

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer with strong expertise in metallic and composite assembly for large airframe structures. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of time ...

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer with strong expertise in metallic and composite assembly for large airframe structures. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of time ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Machine parts, composite details, composite assemblies, airframe structures, aircraft systems ... Engineering Bill Of Materials (EBOM), Manufacturing Bill Of Materials (MBOM), and Order Bill Of ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$57K - $112K/yr

Anduril's Manufacturing team is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to join our team to support ... Composite and Metallic Airframe assembly processes * Understanding of CNC Machining operation and ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$57K - $112K/yr

Anduril's Manufacturing team is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to join our team to support ... Composite and Metallic Airframe assembly processes * Understanding of CNC Machining operation and ...

LEAD MANUFACTURING ENGINEER Position Overview Thrush Aircraft LLC is seeking a Lead Manufacturing ... Airframe Process Design: Interpret complex aerospace engineering drawings and GD&T to organize the ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Madison, AL · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Design, implement, and optimize end-to-end manufacturing flows for airframe integration and ... S. in Manufacturing, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering. * Experience: 2-10 years of experience ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Madison, AL · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Design, implement, and optimize end-to-end manufacturing flows for airframe integration and ... S. in Manufacturing, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering. * Experience: 2-10 years of experience ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Madison, AL · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Design, implement, and optimize end-to-end manufacturing flows for airframe integration and ... S. in Manufacturing, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering.Experience: 2-10 years of experience in a ...

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Airframe Manufacturing Engineer information

See salary details

$47.5K

$85.6K

$120K

How much do airframe manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for airframe manufacturing engineer in the United States is $85,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an airframe manufacturing engineer do?

An Airframe Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing the production processes of aircraft structures, known as airframes. They work to ensure that all components are manufactured to precise specifications, meet safety and regulatory standards, and are produced efficiently. Their role often involves collaborating with design teams, quality assurance, and production staff to resolve technical issues and implement improvements. Airframe Manufacturing Engineers also use advanced software and tools to monitor and optimize manufacturing workflows.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an airframe manufacturing engineer?

To excel as an Airframe Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering principles, materials science, and manufacturing processes, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, finite element analysis tools, and industry standards such as AS9100 or Six Sigma certification is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills are highly valued in this role. These competencies ensure the efficient design, production, and quality assurance of complex airframe components critical to aircraft safety and performance.

What are some typical challenges an airframe manufacturing engineer faces when coordinating with cross-functional teams?

As an Airframe Manufacturing Engineer, one common challenge is ensuring seamless communication between design, quality, and production teams to address manufacturing constraints without compromising structural integrity or safety. Differences in priorities can lead to conflicting requirements, so it's crucial to facilitate collaborative problem-solving and maintain detailed documentation. Successfully managing these dynamics helps ensure that production stays on schedule while meeting strict regulatory and quality standards.

What is the difference between Airframe Manufacturing Engineer vs Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?

AspectAirframe Manufacturing EngineerAircraft Maintenance Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in aerospace or mechanical engineering; certifications like FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) often preferredFAA A&P certification; relevant technical training
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and oversee manufacturing processes in factoriesInspect, repair, and maintain aircraft in hangars or maintenance facilities
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace manufacturing companiesPrimarily in airline maintenance, repair organizations, or military bases

While both roles involve aircraft, an Airframe Manufacturing Engineer focuses on designing and improving aircraft structures during production, whereas an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is responsible for inspecting and repairing aircraft after they are in service.

What are popular job titles related to Airframe Manufacturing Engineer jobs?

For Airframe Manufacturing Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Airframe Manufacturing Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,613 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Airframe Manufacturing Lead

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$165K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

ABOUT US:
Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing a scalable technology platform to power critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. We apply aerospace engineering and quality standards across our products, delivering high performance, reliability, and efficiency for the most demanding operating environments. Astro Mechanica is backed by leading venture and strategic investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Giant Step Capital, United Airlines Ventures, and Voyager Ventures.
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:
  • A hands-on airframe manufacturing leader with deep expertise in composite structures and bonded assemblies
  • Comfortable building a manufacturing function from the ground up-facilities, processes, tooling, and teams
  • A tactical leader who thrives on the shop floor, leading by example and mentoring technicians through complex builds

WHAT YOU'LL DO:
You will own Astro Mechanica's supersonic plane build. Working with our Director of Manufacturing, you'll lead a team turning designs into real hardware, making sure parts get built, assemblies come together, and problems get solved efficiently as the airplane takes shape.
  • Work with senior engineering leadership to stand up Astro Mechanica's airframe manufacturing function from scratch, including facilities, workflows, tooling concepts, and technician teams
  • Own day-to-day operations of in-house airframe manufacturing, with a focus on composite structures and assemblies
  • Work directly with the airframe engineering and design teams to translate designs, analyses, and requirements into executable manufacturing plans
  • Partner closely with senior engineering leadership to align manufacturing strategy with program goals, schedules, and technical risk reduction
  • Lead, schedule, and develop composite technicians and fabricators while maintaining a strong hands-on presence on the shop floor
  • Supervise and coordinate layup, bonding, curing, trimming, assembly, and rework activities to meet aggressive development milestones
  • Establish and continuously improve work instructions, build sequences, tooling approaches, and process documentation
  • Ensure safe and effective operation of composite manufacturing equipment including autoclaves, ovens, freezers, layup tools, trimming equipment, and inspection tools
  • Drive a culture of quality, accountability, and pride in workmanship across the airframe manufacturing team

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
  • 10+ years of experience in high-mix, low-volume composite manufacturing, prototyping, or airframe fabrication, preferably in aerospace or defense
  • Strong hands-on knowledge of composite materials and processes (prepreg layup, wet layup, bonding, curing, trimming, and repair)
  • Strong hands-on knowledge of metallic materials and processing
  • Practical experience working with metallic airframe components and composite-to-metal interfaces
  • Experience building or scaling manufacturing operations, labs, or shops in a development or flight hardware environment
  • Proven ability to lead and mentor technicians while staying deeply engaged in the technical details
  • Ability to work directly from engineering drawings, ply books, CAD models, and evolving build definitions
  • Familiarity with aerospace quality standards, inspection practices, and documentation for flight and test hardware
  • Practical, execution-focused leadership style with comfort navigating ambiguity and rapid change
  • Ambition to build real flight hardware in a fast-moving, high-accountability 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.