Senior Aerospace Design Engineer at Van's Aircraft, Inc. – Aurora, Oregon

Senior Aerospace Design Engineer
Join Van’s Aircraft—Where Innovation Takes Flight
Van’s Aircraft is looking for an experienced and detail-driven Senior Aerospace Design Engineer to join our engineering team. In this role, you’ll apply deep technical expertise to design, analyze, and support the development of high-performance kit aircraft. You’ll be instrumental in advancing our aircraft designs from concept through production—bringing precision, innovation, and a passion for aviation to every stage of the process. If you enjoy solving complex engineering problems and working hands-on in a dynamic environment, we want to hear from you.
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Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept:
• Design & Develop: Create detailed 3D CAD models and technical drawings for airframes, assemblies, and tooling using SolidWorks.
• Analyze & Validate: Perform structural analysis using hand calculations and FEA to ensure safety and compliance with design requirements.
• Performance Support: Conduct aerodynamic and performance evaluations to optimize flight characteristics.
• Test Involvement: Participate in structural and flight testing, including setup, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Prototyping: Assist in the prototyping and testing of parts and systems to validate designs and resolve technical challenges.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with production, supply chain, and customer service teams to ensure designs are buildable and serviceable.
• Documentation: Contribute to the creation and maintenance of assembly manuals, service instructions, and support documentation.
• Process Improvement: Provide engineering support to improve manufacturing efficiency, part quality, and builder experience.
• Customer Interaction: Occasionally support customers and represent Van’s Aircraft at events and fly-ins.
• Knowledge Sharing: Offer informal mentorship to peers and interns, sharing technical insights and best practices.
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What You’ll Bring to the Team:
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, or Mechanical Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in aircraft or mechanical design, ideally within general aviation or experimental aircraft.
• Strong understanding of aircraft structures, mechanical systems, and manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks preferred), 2D drafting, and FEA tools.
• Excellent attention to detail and a strong sense of ownership over technical work.
• Hands-on skills with shop tools, prototypes, and mechanical assemblies.
• Ability to work independently while effectively communicating within a team.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills for documentation and cross-team collaboration.
• Interest in aviation—pilot license or experience building/flying experimental aircraft is a plus.
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Work Environment:
This role offers a balance of office-based design work and hands-on engineering activities in a production setting. Some travel (up to 10%) may be required for flight testing, trade shows, or customer support. Expect to spend most of your time seated, with periods of standing, walking, and light lifting as part of prototyping or testing.
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Equal Employment Opportunity:
Van’s Aircraft is committed to equal employment opportunity and a diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

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