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Freelance Aircraft Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

As of Aug 9, 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 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.

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.

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.

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.
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What cities are hiring for Freelance Aircraft Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Aircraft Design Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aircraft Design Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Aircraft Design Engineer jobs are:
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,999 per year, or $73.6 per hour.

Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 3 / 4)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 537 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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. 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 - $147,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00
The 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

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