Posted on 26 Mar 2026

Airframe Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA
Permanent
$140,000 - $200,000

ACE Partners are supporting one of our partners operating within the Aerospace sector with multiple Structural Design Engineering positions. We are seeking an experienced engineers with a strong background in primary and secondary structural design and a strong experience designing with sheet metal. You will lead the design, development, integration, and verification of airframe structures throughout the product lifecycle. 

This position requires advanced CAD expertise (SolidWorks or CATIA V5), strong analytical capabilities (ANSYS or similar) and strong fundamental knowledge to complete designs in a timely manner and to support junior engineers.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design, development, integration, and verification of airframe structures across the full product lifecycle.
  • Perform early-stage loads and stress assessments to guide sound design decisions.
  • Produce detailed part, assembly, and installation definitions using CAD tools, with a focus on clear, manufacturable design.
  • Oversee prototype builds, including coordination with manufacturing teams during fabrication and assembly.
  • Create and maintain requirements, specifications, and engineering processes.
  • Plan and execute component, assembly, and aircraft testing across lab, ground, and flight environments — including test planning, conformity, instrumentation, execution, data review, and resolution of issues.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to define operating environments and address technical challenges discovered during development and certification.
  • Ensure designs comply with customer expectations, internal objectives, and regulatory requirements under 14 CFR Part 27.
  • Work with suppliers to solve design challenges, establish clear requirements, and verify that those requirements are met.
  • Communicate project status, schedules, risks, and technical progress effectively.
  • Develop tools, methods, and processes that enhance efficiency, quality, and overall engineering effectiveness.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline — or equivalent practical experience.
  • Hands-on experience designing metallic primary aircraft structures.
  • Proficiency with CAD modeling, including design-for-manufacture principles and application of GD&T.
  • Solid understanding of aircraft certification processes and requirements.
  • Strong foundation in aircraft structural design, loads, and mechanical systems.
  • Self-motivated, able to work independently, and strong at problem-solving.
  • Strong academic background.
  • Excellent communication skills — written, verbal, and interpersonal.
  • Positive, team-orientated mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively.

Desired Qualifications 

  • Experience in engineering design, fabrication, integration, development, or testing for rotorcraft platforms.

Benefits

  • Health, Dental, Vision Benefits
  • 401k
  • 10% annual bonus
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