Job Title: Airframe Design Engineer
Job Description:
The Design Engineer - Airframe is a vital part of the engineering team, responsible for the design, development, and verification of helicopter airframe structures that meet safety, weight, and cost objectives.
Job Responsibilities:
+ Design, develop, integrate, and verify airframe structures through the product development cycle.
+ Conduct preliminary analysis of loads and stress to inform design decisions.
+ Create detail, assembly, and installation design definitions using CAD software.
+ Oversee the development and manufacturing of prototype articles.
+ Develop requirements, specifications, and processes.
+ Identify, plan, and conduct tests for components, assemblies, and aircraft in various environments including laboratory, ground, and flight tests.
+ Interface with other engineers to determine the operating environment for design elements and resolve issues found during development and certification.
+ Validate that designs meet customer expectations, design objectives, and regulatory requirements.
+ Interface with suppliers to identify solutions to design problems and establish requirements.
+ Report project status and propose processes and tools to improve work effectiveness, quality, and efficiency.
Must Have Skills:
+ Direct experience designing metallic aircraft primary structures.
+ Proficiency in CAD software; Solidworks preferred, CATIA acceptable.
+ Strong understanding of aircraft design loads and GD&T.
+ 2-6 years of relevant experience in 1-3 different roles.
+ Projects/hobbies that involve something mechanical or tinkering related (demonstrating a passion for hands-on skills as well as self-starting)
+ Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Civil Engineering or related field, or equivalent work experience.
+ Due to ITAR requirements, must be a Green Card Holder or US Citizen .
Additional Skills & Qualifications:
+ Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) and modeling with a focus on design for manufacturing.
+ Understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
+ Strong understanding of aircraft certification requirements.
+ Proven self-starter with strong problem-solving skills.
+ Excellent academic record and effective communication skills.
+ Team-oriented with a positive attitude.
+ Experience with engineering.
+ Strong understanding of aircraft design principles, structures, loads, and mechanical systems.
Why Work Here?:
+ Offer discounts for employees to learn how to fly helicopters
+ Very collaborative and helpful culture; Program Manager came from automotive and the team went out of their way consistently to help her get up to speed
+ Can wear multiple hats and work on various parts of the aircraft - not pigeonholed
+ Physically close to the work - factory floor is in same building so it's very hands on and you get to see and touch the parts you design
+ Leading manufacturer of light helicopters
+ Offers stability and credibility with 50+ years in the industry
+ Family Fair event once a year
Work Environment:
The work environment is team-oriented, fostering a culture of collaboration and learning opportunities. Employees enjoy a work-life balance and the organization is committed to providing affordable and quality aircrafts, offering a challenging and exciting opportunity to contribute to the future of vertical flight.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Torrance, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $90.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
- Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Torrance,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 30, 2025.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email
[email protected] (%
[email protected]) for other accommodation options.