Design the Next Generation of Aircraft as an Air Vehicle Design Engineer
Location: Wichita, KS Payrate: $70 - $94.70/hour Schedule: 1st shift, 8am to 5pm (flexible)
PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leader in the aerospace industry to hire an Air Vehicle Design Engineer who will contribute to the design, integration, and optimization of advanced defense and special mission aircraft. This is a hands-on engineering role where your designs move from concept to reality—impacting performance, safety, and innovation in aviation.
Role Overview
As an Air Vehicle Design Engineer, you will plan and execute complex structural and systems design assignments, with a focus on avionics and electrical installations. You’ll work across disciplines to integrate components such as LRUs and wire harnesses while supporting both new product development and sustaining engineering efforts. Your work will directly shape aircraft functionality and manufacturability.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and implement aircraft design concepts and improvements using CATIA (V5/V6) and 3DX tools
Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and installation layouts for structural and system components
Integrate avionics, electrical systems, LRUs, and wiring harnesses into aircraft designs
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Tooling, Structural Integrity, Aerodynamics, and Utility Systems
Perform peer reviews, drawing checks, and release engineering documentation
Support space reviews, interference checks, and model management processes
Assist with prototype aircraft assembly and work closely with Experimental Engineering to resolve design and manufacturability issues
Conduct engineering research, calculations, and analyses to meet performance and design specifications
Develop and support test procedures, simulations, and validation activities
Create presentations to communicate design decisions, test results, and trade studies
Respond to customer field service inquiries and support ongoing product improvements
Required Qualifications
Education:
Skills & Qualifications:
Professional and diplomatic demeanor
Strong sense of accountability and integrity
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong understanding of 2D and 3D design concepts
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and engineering tools including 3DX, CATIA V5/V6, and Enovia
Experience with component integration, modeling, and drafting
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with aircraft structural design and system integration
Familiarity with avionics and electrical installations in aerospace applications
Experience supporting prototype builds and manufacturing environments
Ability to perform engineering calculations and trade studies for design optimization
Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary engineering teams
Apply Today
If you’re ready to bring your design expertise to complex aerospace programs and see your work take flight, apply now to be considered for this Air Vehicle Design Engineer opportunity with PDS Tech Commercial.
This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.
Pay Details: $70.00 to $94.70 per year
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
- The California Fair Chance Act
- Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
- Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
- San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
