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Freelance Aircraft Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Structures Company

Design Engineer

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$30/hr

Design Engineer LOCATION: Fort Worth, TX PAY RATE: $30-110/hour We are a national aerospace and ... Contribute to development, testing, and validation of aircraft structural designs. * Assist in ...

L3HHCM20

Senior Specialist, Electrical Engineer

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$80.80K - $105.20K/yr

... Design Engineer for Special Mission Aircraft. In this role, you will lead and develop electrical power systems for the integration of electrical/electronic equipment on the aircraft systems. In ...

Archer

Structural Design Engineer, Test

San Jose, CA · On-site

We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four ... As a Structural Design Engineer at Archer, you will be responsible for designing fixtures, test ...

PDS Tech Commercial

Aircraft Loads Engineer

Wichita, KS · Hybrid

$64.64 - $89.64/hr

Engineer the Future of Flight as an Aircraft Loads Professional PDS Tech Commercial is partnering ... This is your opportunity to help design, analyze, and certify world-class aircraft that set the ...

Archer

Structural Design Engineer, Test

San Jose, CA · On-site

As a Structural Design Engineer at Archer, you will be responsible for designing fixtures, test ... This position will focus on validating the structural performance of a primarily composite aircraft.

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

As of May 28, 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, and why are they important?

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 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 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.

More about Freelance Aircraft Design Engineer jobs
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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What job categories do people searching Freelance Aircraft Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Aircraft Design Engineer jobs are:
Freelance Aircraft Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Aircraft Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,999 per year, or $73.6 per hour.
Staff Engineer, Aircraft Configuration Design (R4028)

Staff Engineer, Aircraft Configuration Design (R4028)

Shield AI

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:
Shield AI is seeking an Aircraft Configuration Design Engineer to support the development of next-generation autonomous UAVs. In this role, you will assist in the design, optimization, and integration of aircraft configurations, ensuring that vehicle aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and mission systems are harmonized for performance, manufacturability, and operational effectiveness.
 
This position is ideal for a mechanical or aerospace engineer with a passion for cutting edge aircraft design, multi-disciplinary systems integration, and iterative prototyping in a fast-paced defense technology environment.
What you'll do:
  • Assist in the conceptual and preliminary design of Shield AI’s UAV platforms, ensuring optimal aerodynamic and structural configurations.
  • Support aircraft sizing, weight estimation, and trade studies to evaluate different airframe configurations.
  • Work with multi-disciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, propulsion, avionics) to ensure seamless system integration.
  • Develop and refine 3D CAD models of aircraft structures, subsystems, and flight\u0002critical components.
  • Perform basic aerodynamic and structural analysis using computational tools to assess feasibility and performance impacts.
  • Participate in design reviews, system trade studies, and prototype development efforts.
  • Support rapid prototyping and wind tunnel testing of scaled models to validate design concepts.
  • Assist in requirements development, documentation, and verification planning for aircraft subsystems.
  • Ensure designs comply with manufacturing feasibility, mission requirements, and aerospace industry standards.
  • Work closely with manufacturing and production teams to transition designs from concept to prototype and full-scale production.
Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or related field).
  • 5 years of experience in aircraft design, configuration layout, or airframe integration.
  • Proficiency in CAD modeling (NX, SolidWorks, or similar) for airframe and structural design.
  • Basic understanding of aircraft aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion system integration.
  • Ability to perform basic FEA, CFD, or weight & balance assessments.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in cross\u0002functional teams.
  • Excellent communication and technical documentation skills.
  • Active Secret clearance  
Preferred qualifications:
  • Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or related field).
  • Experience with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) design or aircraft conceptual design.
  • Familiarity with aircraft performance modeling, stability & control, and flight dynamics.
  • Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping, wind tunnel testing, or flight hardware development.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing techniques, composite materials, and aerospace structural design principles.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced, high-tech startup or defense environment.
  • Active TS clearance or ability to gain a TS clearance.  
#LI-JM2
#LD

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.