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Airframe Manufacturing Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thrush Aircraft

Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Albany, GA · On-site

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 ...

Anduril Industries

Manufacturing Engineer

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$68K - $87K/yr

Bachelor's degree in an engineering or technology related field * 3+ years of experience in a relevant field, preferably manufacturing of airframe structural components and/or assemblies in a ...

anduril

Manufacturing Engineer

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Bachelor's degree in an engineering or technology related field * 3+ years of experience in a relevant field, preferably manufacturing of airframe structural components and/or assemblies in a ...

AAA USA, Inc.

Manufacturing Engineer I

AL · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

They are a leader in designing, manufacturing and delivering aerospace products, services and ... airframe structures, are required. * Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, models ...

AAA USA Inc

Manufacturing Engineer I

Mobile, AL · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

They are a leader in designing, manufacturing and delivering aerospace products, services and ... airframe structures, are required. * Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, models ...

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How much do airframe manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Airframe Manufacturing Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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 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.
Infographic showing various Airframe Manufacturing Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 43% Contract, and 29% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,613 per year, or $41.2 per hour.
Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Thrush Aircraft

Albany, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

LEAD MANUFACTURING ENGINEER



Position Overview


Thrush Aircraft LLC is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to serve as a technical authority for our aircraft production lines. This role is responsible for evaluating complex aerospace manufacturing processes, creating precision-sequenced work instructions for airframe assemblies, and leading Continuous Improvement initiatives. You will implement mistake-proofing (poka-yoke) specifically for sheet metal fabrication, prioritize high-mix workflow, and oversee advanced tooling requirements.


As a Lead, you will ensure Thrush Aircraft delivers flight-critical products with maximum efficiency and uncompromising quality. You must possess deep expertise in aerospace tool design, sheet metal forming, and precision assembly methods, while exemplifying commitment to aerospace standards and proactive project management.



Reports To: Director of Engineering



Essential Job Functions:


Airframe Process Design: Interpret complex aerospace engineering drawings and GD&T to organize the production of sheet metal and welded assemblies and sub-assemblies into logical, standardized operations via the Manufacturing Execution System (MES).


Sheet Metal Subject Matter Expert: Provide technical solutions for precision bending, riveting, dimpling, and chemical sealing processes.


Configuration Management: Maintain and audit EBOM, MBOM, and ABOM aircraft configurations to ensure "as-built" matches "as-designed."


Producibility & Capability: Perform productibility studies on new and legacy designs, focusing on sheet metal spring-back, material grain orientation, and fastener edge distance requirements.

Advanced Tooling: Evaluate and oversee the design of new tooling, form blocks, and assembly jigs required for legacy and future aircraft models.


Continuous Improvement: Lead LEAN process control and waste reduction specifically targeting high-value aerospace alloys and long-lead components.


Root Cause & Corrective Action (RCCA): Perform technical Root Cause analysis on manufacturing defects, implementing robust Corrective Actions to minimize scrap and rework.


Material Review Board (MRB): Leads the MRB process to drive first time right quality initiatives.


Regulatory & Safety: Ensure all manufacturing procedures adhere to FAA-conformity standards, as well as EH&S and NADCAP-aligned process controls.


Mentorship: Train and guide production personnel and junior engineers in MES processes and advanced aerospace fabrication techniques.



Skills and Abilities:

Aerospace Mastery: Advanced knowledge of aircraft manufacturing processes, specifically sheet metal fabrication and structural assembly.


Tooling Design: Proven ability to design or specify jigs, fixtures, and templates for consistent aircraft component production.


Quality Focused: Deep familiarity with aerospace quality assurance techniques and First Article Inspection (FAI) per FAA quality standards.


Technical Proficiency: Expert-level use of CAD software (SolidWorks/CATIA) and MS Office.


Leadership: Strong project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams through production bottlenecks.



Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering is mandatory.


7+ years of experience in a Manufacturing Engineering capacity, with a strong emphasis on aerospace sheet metal environments.


Specialized Knowledge: Proficiency in machining, automated fabrication, and the heat-treatment characteristics of aerospace aluminum alloys.


Flexibility: Ability to lead through critical production deadlines, including occasional late shifts or Saturdays.


Hands-on experience in aircraft manufacturing and assembly is a plus.

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