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Freelance Aircraft Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Design Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

Design Engineer (Robinson Helicopter Company, Inc.; Torrance, California): Design, develop ... Identify, plan, and conduct tests for components, assemblies and aircraft in the laboratory, ground ...

Daher LLC

Aircraft Certification Design Engineer**Who are we?**As an aircraft manufacturer, industrialist, industrial service provider and logistician, Daher currently has approximately 14,500 employees and ...

Comlux America LLC

The company designs, engineers, and installs custom luxury interiors andadvanced aircraft systems ... Role Description The Interiors Design Engineer is responsiblefor independently developing ...

Supernal

Sr. Aircraft Layout & CAD Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

The Sr. Aircraft Layout & CAD Engineer supports aircraft configuration development, vehicle layout, packaging, and structural design integration for advanced air vehicle concepts. This role develops ...

Judge Group, Inc.

Design Engineer

Centennial, CO · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Design Engineer Contract | 6+ Months 30 + Opening with one of My Aerospace client Top Skill Sets ... Civilian aircraft design experience is fine, rocket design experience is also ok * Prior testing ...

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Freelance Aircraft Design Engineer information

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How much do freelance aircraft design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance 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 a freelance aircraft design engineer do?

A Freelance Aircraft Design Engineer is a professional who works independently to design, analyze, and improve aircraft structures and systems for clients in the aerospace industry. Their responsibilities often include creating technical drawings, conducting simulations, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, and collaborating with other engineers or project teams. Unlike in-house engineers, freelancers work on a contract basis, which allows them to take on multiple projects for different organizations. This role requires strong technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and the ability to meet client specifications and regulatory standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance aircraft design engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Aircraft Design Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, strong CAD design capabilities, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Proficiency with specialized software like CATIA, SolidWorks, and familiarity with industry standards such as FAA or EASA regulations is crucial. Excellent problem-solving skills, clear communication, and the ability to manage projects independently distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure innovative, safe, and compliant aircraft designs while meeting client needs and project deadlines.

How do freelance aircraft design engineers typically collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary teams during projects?

Freelance Aircraft Design Engineers often work remotely and are required to communicate closely with clients, project managers, and other engineering specialists such as aerodynamics, avionics, and structural engineers. Collaboration is usually managed through regular virtual meetings, shared digital workspaces, and detailed progress reports. Clear communication and adaptability are crucial, as freelancers must integrate feedback, manage documentation, and ensure all regulatory and safety standards are met throughout the project lifecycle. Building strong professional relationships and proactively addressing client needs can lead to repeat business and referrals.

What is the difference between Freelance Aircraft Design Engineer vs Aircraft Design Engineer?

AspectFreelance Aircraft Design EngineerAircraft Design Engineer
CredentialsRelevant engineering degrees, certifications preferredSame as freelance, often with additional company-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, remote or on-siteTypically within a company's design department or firm
Employer & Industry UsageClients or freelance platforms in aerospace industryAircraft manufacturing companies, aerospace firms

Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but a Freelance Aircraft Design Engineer works independently on projects, offering flexibility, while an Aircraft Design Engineer is usually employed full-time within a company. The choice depends on your preference for independence versus stability.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Aircraft Design Engineer jobs?

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Freelance Aircraft Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance 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 Doors Design Engineer

Savannah, GA • On-site

PDS Tech Commercial
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about PDS Tech Commercialexternal

$87.40/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Design the Next Generation of Flight as an Aircraft Doors Design Engineer
Location: Savannah, GA | Schedule: 1st Shift, 7am to 5:30pm | Pay Rate: $87.40 per hour
PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leader in the aerospace industry to identify an experienced Aircraft Doors Design Engineer ready to take on complex engineering challenges and make a lasting impact on the future of aviation.
This is an opportunity to bring your advanced engineering expertise to a high-visibility role supporting the development and production of aircraft products and services. You'll serve as a technical authority, solving challenging design problems while balancing performance, cost, quality, and schedule.
The Impact You'll Make
As an Aircraft Doors Design Engineer, you'll guide the successful completion of major engineering programs and provide technical leadership across complex engineering activities. Your expertise will help shape innovative aircraft door designs while ensuring engineering solutions meet demanding product and production requirements.
You'll work with a high degree of independence, making authoritative technical decisions and developing solutions that influence the quality and effectiveness of aerospace products.
What You'll Do
  • Select appropriate engineering methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria to resolve complex aircraft design issues.
  • Lead and support engineering activities related to aircraft doors and associated systems/components.
  • Serve as a recognized technical authority, providing guidance and consultation to engineers, associates, and cross-functional teams.
  • Anticipate complex technical challenges and develop creative, effective solutions.
  • Establish engineering standards, processes, and technical guides for diverse engineering activities.
  • Evaluate design solutions while balancing technical performance, product requirements, cost, quality, and schedule.
  • Work independently with minimal direction, applying sound engineering judgment to achieve long-range program objectives.
  • Determine technical objectives and make authoritative engineering decisions and recommendations.
  • Stay current on advancements in aircraft engineering, design technologies, and related technical disciplines.
  • Identify and recommend innovations that improve product quality, performance, reliability, and overall effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, production, and other stakeholders to support successful program execution.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a technical discipline applicable to the position, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions.
  • 10 years of experience in a specific technical discipline OR 15 years of broad engineering experience across several technical disciplines with a Bachelor's degree.
  • Experience with CATIA V5.
  • Experience with SmarTeam and/or Teamcenter.
  • Strong engineering problem-solving and technical decision-making capabilities.
  • Ability to work independently and exercise sound engineering judgment.
  • Ability to evaluate complex technical issues and develop effective solutions.

Experience credit for related advanced degrees: Up to 2 years for a relevant Master's degree and up to 4 years for a relevant PhD.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering background.
  • Direct aircraft design experience, particularly in aircraft doors or related structures/systems.
  • Advanced degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
  • Experience supporting aircraft development and production programs.
  • Strong knowledge of aerospace engineering practices, design processes, and technical standards.

What Makes This Opportunity Stand Out
  • High-impact engineering: Work on complex aircraft door designs with direct influence on product performance and quality.
  • Technical leadership: Become a trusted authority and make decisions that matter.
  • Innovation: Help develop solutions that improve aerospace products and engineering processes.
  • Collaboration: Partner with talented professionals across engineering, manufacturing, and production.
  • Professional growth: Continue expanding your expertise in advanced aerospace design and engineering.
  • Purpose-driven work: Contribute to aircraft programs where precision, reliability, and innovation are essential.

Ready to Make Your Mark in Aerospace?
If you're an experienced Mechanical or Aerospace Engineer with strong aircraft design expertise, CATIA V5 experience, and the technical leadership skills to tackle complex challenges, this is your opportunity to take your career to new heights.
Apply today with PDS Tech Commercial and bring your engineering expertise to the future of flight.
Pay Details: $87.40 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Ref: US_EN_33_020023_2587104
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About PDS Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1977, PDS Tech, Inc. is one of the nation's premier specialty staffing firms with 31 offices nationwide.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

1977

Social media

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