Aircraft Engineer Jobs in California
Aircraft Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in defense systems, commercial aviation, and aerospace manufacturing across a seniority range from entry-level technicians through senior design engineers. The largest hiring hubs are Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Antelope Valley, home to longtime employers such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing. The most consistent demand falls in structures and systems design, avionics integration, and propulsion engineering. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 11+ Aircraft Engineer jobs
INTRODUCTION
Rise above. Are you ready to take human possibility to a new dimension with us?
Supernal is an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company that's developing an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle and the ground-to-air ecosystem to support the emerging industry. By creating a sustainable, integrated, and human-centered ecosystem, we are committed to taking a thoughtful and responsible approach to entering the AAM market with a product that meets the high level of safety and reliability in today's air transportation system.
The future of mobility starts with people. We believe in creative thinking and collaboration to help build a better mobility experience for everyone, improving people's ability to move – whether for work or play. Join our dynamic team as we strive to be a part of something greater where potential powers tomorrow!
Supernal provides an inviting open-space workplace designed to foster collaboration, which aligns with one of our core values. This position is required to work on-site 5 days a week.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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 and maintains 3D CAD models, aircraft layouts, installation concepts, and design integration studies to support aircraft level trade studies, design reviews, and development planning. The engineer also supports CAD based structural layout activities for composite and lightweight aircraft components, including laminate region definition, local reinforcement concepts, and integration of structural design inputs into vehicle layout models. This role is part of the Flight Sciences team and collaborates regularly with the other groups in Supernal.
What you can do:
- Aircraft Layout and Configuration Integration
- Develop and maintain aircraft layout models to support vehicle configuration studies, design reviews, and engineering coordination.
- Create 3D CAD layouts for aircraft level integration, including lifting surfaces, rotor systems, fuselage, landing gear, propulsion components, and major system interfaces.
- Support packaging studies to evaluate component placement, clearances, accessibility, maintainability, mass properties, and integration constraints.
- Incorporate engineering inputs from multiple groups into aircraft layout models and configuration studies.
- CAD Modeling and Design Documentation
- Develop, update, and manage 3D CAD models and assemblies for air vehicle concepts, installation studies, and integration reviews.
- Prepare CAD based layouts, drawings, sections, and visual materials to support technical reviews and program decisions.
- Maintain consistency between CAD models, interface assumptions, configuration data, and engineering documentation.
- Use CATIA or similar 3D CAD tools to support aircraft layout and vehicle integration activities.
- Design Review and Engineering Coordination
- Review CAD geometry, layout assumptions, interface constraints, and packaging risks to support aircraft level design decisions.
- Identify integration issues related to clearances, accessibility, maintainability, installation, and interface compatibility.
- Support multidisciplinary design reviews by preparing CAD views, layout sections, interface checks, and technical findings.
- Document design assumptions, open items, risks, and recommended actions for engineering reviews.
- General
- Travel up to approximately 25% domestically and internationally to support simulation events, design reviews, test activities, and program milestones.
- Perform additional duties assigned in support of the Flight Controls, Simulation, and Flight Sciences organizations.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a relevant engineering field required.
- Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Experience developing aircraft layouts, 3D CAD models, component installations, or vehicle integration studies.
- Experience with CATIA v6 or similar 3D CAD software required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with aircraft configuration design, rotorcraft, eVTOL, vertical lift aircraft, or advanced air vehicle development preferred.
- Experience with composite structures, lightweight structures, laminate layout, or structural design integration preferred.
- Experience supporting aircraft design reviews, layout reviews, interface checks, or configuration trade studies preferred.
- Experience working with structural, aerodynamic, propulsion, systems, or manufacturing teams to support integrated vehicle design preferred.
- Experience with preliminary weight, mass properties, packaging, or maintainability considerations preferred.
- Strong understanding of aircraft layout, CAD modeling, and vehicle integration fundamentals.
- Ability to develop and manage complex 3D CAD assemblies for aircraft level layouts and component integration.
- General understanding of aircraft structures, composite components, and manufacturing constraints as they affect CAD layout and integration.
- Ability to evaluate packaging constraints, interface issues, clearances, and design integration risks.
- Ability to translate engineering inputs into CAD geometry, layout studies, and reviewable design data.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to communicate design assumptions, layout risks, and technical findings clearly.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to independently prioritize and accomplish work within time constraints.
Click HERE or visit: https://jobs.supernal.aero/benefits to view our benefits!
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other category or class protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Individuals with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at: ta-support@supernal.aero
This position may include access to certain technology and/or software source code subject to U.S. export controls laws and regulations. If an export authorization from an applicable US regulatory agency is required in connection with your employment, your employment is contingent upon Supernal's receipt of such regulatory authorization(s) and your continued compliance with all conditions and limitations pursuant to such authorization(s).
INTRODUCTION
Rise above. Are you ready to take human possibility to a new dimension with us?
Supernal is an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company that's developing an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle and the ground-to-air ecosystem to support the emerging industry. By creating a sustainable, integrated, and human-centered ecosystem, we are committed to taking a thoughtful and responsible approach to entering the AAM market with a product that meets the high level of safety and reliability in today's air transportation system.
The future of mobility starts with people. We believe in creative thinking and collaboration to help build a better mobility experience for everyone, improving people's ability to move – whether for work or play. Join our dynamic team as we strive to be a part of something greater where potential powers tomorrow!
Supernal provides an inviting open-space workplace designed to foster collaboration, which aligns with one of our core values. This position is required to work on-site 5 days a week.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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 and maintains 3D CAD models, aircraft layouts, installation concepts, and design integration studies to support aircraft level trade studies, design reviews, and development planning. The engineer also supports CAD based structural layout activities for composite and lightweight aircraft components, including laminate region definition, local reinforcement concepts, and integration of structural design inputs into vehicle layout models. This role is part of the Flight Sciences team and collaborates regularly with the other groups in Supernal.
What you can do:
- Aircraft Layout and Configuration Integration
- Develop and maintain aircraft layout models to support vehicle configuration studies, design reviews, and engineering coordination.
- Create 3D CAD layouts for aircraft level integration, including lifting surfaces, rotor systems, fuselage, landing gear, propulsion components, and major system interfaces.
- Support packaging studies to evaluate component placement, clearances, accessibility, maintainability, mass properties, and integration constraints.
- Incorporate engineering inputs from multiple groups into aircraft layout models and configuration studies.
- CAD Modeling and Design Documentation
- Develop, update, and manage 3D CAD models and assemblies for air vehicle concepts, installation studies, and integration reviews.
- Prepare CAD based layouts, drawings, sections, and visual materials to support technical reviews and program decisions.
- Maintain consistency between CAD models, interface assumptions, configuration data, and engineering documentation.
- Use CATIA or similar 3D CAD tools to support aircraft layout and vehicle integration activities.
- Design Review and Engineering Coordination
- Review CAD geometry, layout assumptions, interface constraints, and packaging risks to support aircraft level design decisions.
- Identify integration issues related to clearances, accessibility, maintainability, installation, and interface compatibility.
- Support multidisciplinary design reviews by preparing CAD views, layout sections, interface checks, and technical findings.
- Document design assumptions, open items, risks, and recommended actions for engineering reviews.
- General
- Travel up to approximately 25% domestically and internationally to support simulation events, design reviews, test activities, and program milestones.
- Perform additional duties assigned in support of the Flight Controls, Simulation, and Flight Sciences organizations.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a relevant engineering field required.
- Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Experience developing aircraft layouts, 3D CAD models, component installations, or vehicle integration studies.
- Experience with CATIA v6 or similar 3D CAD software required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with aircraft configuration design, rotorcraft, eVTOL, vertical lift aircraft, or advanced air vehicle development preferred.
- Experience with composite structures, lightweight structures, laminate layout, or structural design integration preferred.
- Experience supporting aircraft design reviews, layout reviews, interface checks, or configuration trade studies preferred.
- Experience working with structural, aerodynamic, propulsion, systems, or manufacturing teams to support integrated vehicle design preferred.
- Experience with preliminary weight, mass properties, packaging, or maintainability considerations preferred.
- Strong understanding of aircraft layout, CAD modeling, and vehicle integration fundamentals.
- Ability to develop and manage complex 3D CAD assemblies for aircraft level layouts and component integration.
- General understanding of aircraft structures, composite components, and manufacturing constraints as they affect CAD layout and integration.
- Ability to evaluate packaging constraints, interface issues, clearances, and design integration risks.
- Ability to translate engineering inputs into CAD geometry, layout studies, and reviewable design data.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to communicate design assumptions, layout risks, and technical findings clearly.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to independently prioritize and accomplish work within time constraints.
Click HERE or visit: https://jobs.supernal.aero/benefits to view our benefits!
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other category or class protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Individuals with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at: ta-support@supernal.aero
This position may include access to certain technology and/or software source code subject to U.S. export controls laws and regulations. If an export authorization from an applicable US regulatory agency is required in connection with your employment, your employment is contingent upon Supernal's receipt of such regulatory authorization(s) and your continued compliance with all conditions and limitations pursuant to such authorization(s).
See All 11 Aircraft Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Aircraft Engineer JobsAircraft Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Aircraft Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Joby Aviation8
- Delta Air Lines1
- Robinson Helicopter Company1
- Supernal1
Top Industries Hiring
- Aerospace & Defense10
- Airlines1
- Automotive1
- Transportation & Logistics1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in aircraft engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or aeronautical engineering from an accredited program
- FAA Designated Engineering Representative credentials or eligibility preferred for design roles
- Experience with aircraft structural analysis tools such as NASTRAN or CATIA
- Familiarity with FAA airworthiness regulations and Part 25 or Part 23 certification processes
- Active or eligible DoD security clearance for defense and military aircraft programs
- Strong background in systems integration, avionics, or propulsion for California defense contractors
Aircraft Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an aircraft engineer in California?
Most aircraft engineer roles in California require a bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or aeronautical engineering from an ABET-accredited program. California does not require a state-issued license specific to aircraft engineering, though a Professional Engineer license through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists strengthens candidacy for senior roles. Many employers also expect FAA or DoD program familiarity before hiring.
How much do aircraft engineers make in California?
Aircraft engineers in California earn a median of about $157,620 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $104,370 for the lowest 10% to over $220,670 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire aircraft engineers in California?
Employers hiring aircraft engineers in California right now include Joby Aviation, Delta Air Lines, and Robinson Helicopter Company, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of defense primes and commercial MRO operators means hiring tends to be steady and spread across both large contractors and specialized engineering firms throughout the Los Angeles Basin and San Diego region.
Which California cities have the most aircraft engineer jobs?
The California cities with the most aircraft engineer openings are Marina, Irvine, and San Diego. Los Angeles anchors the list because of the dense cluster of defense contractors and aerospace manufacturers in the region, while San Diego's naval aviation programs and Palmdale's classified defense facilities in the Antelope Valley drive hiring in those areas even though they are smaller markets overall.
Are there remote aircraft engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Aircraft engineering is largely a hands-on discipline tied to physical hardware, test facilities, and classified programs, so most California roles require on-site presence. About 0% of aircraft engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions are almost exclusively in systems analysis, technical documentation, or program management rather than design or manufacturing.
How can I get hired as an aircraft engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an internship or co-op with a California defense contractor or aerospace manufacturer while still completing an engineering degree. Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing all run structured new-graduate programs at their Southern California facilities. Lateral entry from mechanical or electrical engineering roles is common, and obtaining an FAA student pilot certificate or building a portfolio through university design competitions like AIAA can give a candidate a clear edge in early interviews.
Where can I find and apply to aircraft engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to aircraft engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across defense, commercial aviation, and aerospace manufacturing. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty, then apply directly to the employer through the listing.
See All 11 Aircraft Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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