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: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field 

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.         

• 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.