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Entry Level Aircraft Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We offer opportunities for both Experienced and Entry Level Aircraft Engineers. Candidates will work primarily in an office environment with opportunities to travel and offer worldwide engineering ...

Eaton's IS AER MSD division is currently seeking a Entry Level Design Engineer. This role is based in Orchard Park, NY. The expected annual salary range for this role is $69000 - $101000 a year.

Staley Company is one of the leading manufacturers specializing in Aircraft Ground Support Test ... Design engineer will develop test systems designs for aerospace components, including test fixtures ...

Staley Company is one of the leading manufacturers specializing in Aircraft Ground Support Test ... Design engineer will develop test systems designs for aerospace components, including test fixtures ...

... design studies and continued airworthiness of in-service aircraft • Use engineering judgment on selecting the appropriate methods, techniques, and tools in resolving complex issues • Prepare and ...

Eaton's IS AER MSD division is currently seeking a Entry Level Design Engineer. This role is based in Orchard Park, NY. The expected annual salary range for this role is $69000 - $101000 a year.

NY · On-site

$69K - $101K/yr

Eaton's IS AER MSD division is currently seeking a Entry Level Design Engineer. This role is based in Orchard Park, NY.The expected annual salary range for this role is $69000 - $101000 a year.Please ...

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Entry Level Aircraft Design Engineer information

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How much do entry level aircraft design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level aircraft design engineer in the United States is $152,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,500.00 and $166,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level aircraft design engineer do?

An Entry Level Aircraft Design Engineer assists in designing and developing aircraft and related components under the supervision of senior engineers. Their responsibilities typically include creating technical drawings, performing basic calculations, conducting simulations, and supporting testing activities. They often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that designs meet safety, regulatory, and performance requirements. This role provides foundational experience in the aerospace industry and helps new engineers build essential technical and teamwork skills.

What kinds of projects and tasks can an entry level aircraft design engineer expect to work on in their first year?

As an entry level aircraft design engineer, you will typically be involved in supporting senior engineers with tasks such as drafting technical drawings, running simulations, and assisting with component design and testing. You'll likely participate in team meetings, learn to use industry-standard CAD software, and help document design changes or test results. Expect to collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including aerodynamics, materials, and manufacturing engineers. These early projects are designed to help you build foundational skills, understand the company's design processes, and contribute meaningfully while receiving mentorship.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level aircraft design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Aircraft Design Engineer, a solid grounding in aerospace or mechanical engineering principles, supported by a relevant degree, is essential. Familiarity with CAD software (such as CATIA or SolidWorks), finite element analysis tools, and knowledge of industry standards are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help new engineers excel in collaborative and technically demanding environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, innovative, and efficient aircraft designs that meet regulatory and performance standards.

What is the difference between Entry Level Aircraft Design Engineer vs Aircraft Systems Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Aircraft Design EngineerAircraft Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in aerospace or mechanical engineeringBachelor's in aerospace, electrical, or systems engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD labs, R&D facilitiesDesign teams, testing labs, integration environments
Industry UsageAircraft manufacturers, aerospace firmsAircraft manufacturers, defense contractors

Both roles require engineering degrees and involve working within aerospace companies. The Entry Level Aircraft Design Engineer focuses on conceptual and detailed aircraft design, while the Aircraft Systems Engineer specializes in integrating and testing aircraft systems. Understanding these differences helps candidates choose the right career path in aerospace engineering.

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Infographic showing various Entry Level Aircraft Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,999 per year, or $73.6 per hour.

Aircraft Structures Design Engineer

Poway, CA • On-site

General Atomics
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 10 hours ago


General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
We have an exciting career opportunity for a highly motivated, experienced Aircraft Structures Design Engineer within our AeroStructures Design Team located in Poway, CA. This position will develop high performance component and assembly designs for new and/or modifications to existing advanced air vehicles, in addition to supporting classified pursuits. The position focuses on designing, validating, and documenting aircraft primary and secondary structural designs using both composite and metallic materials. Design by analysis methods, which include the use of CAD and integrated finite element tools to develop high performance structures.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Create and maintain Advance Airframe CAD models, drawings of installations, assembly and detail components that meet all requirements such as structural integrity, interface boundaries, weight and cost targets as directed by the lead.
  • Produce airframe structural configuration layouts and detail designs including preliminary sizing/stress analysis, joint layouts, interface boundary definitions of parts and assemblies employing metallic and composite materials.
  • Experience with the composite part detail process, including composites stacking sequence, lamination theory, honeycomb core, bonded assemblies, manufacturing assembly and fabrication processes, post-cure machining operations.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with members of stress, manufacturing, procurement, quality control and other departments as required to mature the design from conception to production.
  • Strong technical background including familiarity with industry standards for the manufacture, repair and assembly of composite components for aerospace.
  • Experience with engineering and manufacturing development and production of structural parts and assemblies utilizing composite materials.
  • Experience with prototype and/or rate part production with exposure to tool design, manufacturing planning and hands on fabrication.
  • Position requires proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance and drawing standards, including Model Based Definition; e.g., ASME Y14.1, ASME Y14.2, ASME Y14.5, ASME Y14.37, and ASME Y14.41.
  • Position requires working knowledge of classical and numerical (Finite Element) stress analysis methods.
  • Fundamental knowledge of composite and metallic materials and structural joints.
  • Can accept broad objectives with reasonable deadlines, but establishes and communicates the tasks required and how they should be completed.
  • Must demonstrate the ability to document and present information in a concise manner appropriate for leadership review.
  • Ability to create and maintain parametric product geometry models is desired.
  • Capable of working within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment, interfacing with IPT leadership, suppliers, and other technical disciplines to independently prepare/status and/or lead the preparation of engineering design solutions to challenging problems through the development of Product Definition Packages.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; four or more years of experience with a bachelors degree or two or more years of experience with a masters degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Must have a complete understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; capable of expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
  • Experience must include classical hand calculations (first order structural sizing), finite element analysis, free-body analysis, and Mathcad, MATLAB, or Excel.
  • Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and able to apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
  • Must have experience using primary CAD tools: NX, Creo or other parametric CAD tools (e.g. Catia, SolidWorks). Fibersim or Catia CWB.
  • Secondary CAD tool experience desired: NX Simcenter, Creo Simulate, Nastran or Abaqus FE tools.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) required.
  • Ability to document, trade and communicate pro/cons of structural designs based on performance/Design For Manufacturability / Design For Cost.
  • Hands on aircraft, aerospace, automotive, or other manufacturing ability considered a plus.
  • Metal and composite part design, fabrication, and repair experience.
  • Able to work extended hours as required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.

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About General Atomics

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General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955