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Airframe Structural Analysis Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Airframe Stress Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$100.50K - $136.50K/yr

Define the engineering analysis requirements that ensure structural integrity of the airframe to support Type Certification. * Perform static and fatigue analysis of airframe structure in support of ...

Senior Airframe Stress Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$100.50K - $136.50K/yr

Define the engineering analysis requirements that ensure structural integrity of the airframe to support Type Certification. * Perform static and fatigue analysis of airframe structure in support of ...

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Airframe Structural Analysis information

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$17

$27

$49

How much do airframe structural analysis jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for airframe structural analysis in the United States is $27.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Airframe Structural Analyst, and why are they important?

To excel as an Airframe Structural Analyst, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, knowledge of structural mechanics, and typically a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) software such as ANSYS or NASTRAN, and experience interpreting technical drawings and industry standards, are essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and presenting findings. These competencies ensure the integrity and safety of airframe structures, meeting regulatory requirements and supporting successful aircraft design and maintenance.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Airframe Structural Analysis engineer?

As an Airframe Structural Analysis engineer, your daily tasks often include reviewing detailed blueprints and CAD models, performing stress analysis using specialized software, and preparing technical reports to document findings. You will collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and testing teams to ensure structural integrity and compliance with safety regulations. Routine activities also involve troubleshooting structural issues, proposing design modifications, and participating in design review meetings to address engineering challenges as they arise.

What is airframe structural analysis?

Airframe structural analysis is the process of evaluating the strength, durability, and stability of an aircraft's frame to ensure it can safely withstand operational loads and stresses. Engineers use mathematical models, simulations, and physical testing to assess the performance of materials and structural components under various conditions. The goal is to identify potential weaknesses and ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards.

What is the difference between Airframe Structural Analysis vs Aircraft Structural Design?

AspectAirframe Structural AnalysisAircraft Structural Design
Primary FocusEvaluating existing airframe structures for integrity and safetyCreating new structural designs for aircraft
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in aerospace or structural analysisEngineering degree, certifications in aerospace design or CAD
Work EnvironmentAnalysis labs, maintenance facilities, engineering officesDesign studios, engineering offices, CAD environments
Industry UsageUsed by aerospace companies, maintenance, and repair organizationsUsed by aircraft manufacturers, design firms, aerospace engineers

While both roles require aerospace engineering knowledge and certifications, Airframe Structural Analysis focuses on assessing and ensuring the safety of existing aircraft structures. In contrast, Aircraft Structural Design involves creating new structural components and layouts for aircraft. Both are essential in the aircraft lifecycle but serve different stages from design to maintenance.

More about Airframe Structural Analysis jobs
Infographic showing various Airframe Structural Analysis job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $56,490 per year, or $27.2 per hour.
Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 3 / 4)

Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 3 / 4)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 336 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 511 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems sector is seeking a Principal Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 3) / Senior Principal Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 4) 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 may include:

  • 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

Basic Qualifications:

This requisition may be filled at an Principal Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 3) OR Senior Principal Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 4) level based on the qualifications below.

Principal Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 3)

  • Must have a Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 5 years of related professional/military experience; OR a Master's Degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related professional/military experience; OR a Ph.D. in a STEM discipline and 1 year of related professional/military experience.

  • Your ability to obtain and/or transfer and maintain the final adjudicated U.S. government Secret clearance and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.

  • Professional experience designing primary and/or secondary composite aircraft parts/components, assemblies, and/or installations

Senior Principal Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 4)

  • Must have a Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 8 years of related professional/military experience; OR a Master's Degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of related professional/military experience; OR a Ph.D. in a STEM discipline and 4 years of related professional/military experience.

  • Your ability to obtain and/or transfer and maintain the final adjudicated U.S. government Secret clearance and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.

  • Professional experience designing primary and/or secondary composite 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
  • Understanding of GD&T and MBE methods
  • Final adjudicated government Secret clearance

#AS-FA3

We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00The 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