Aircraft Design Engineer

Volatus Aerospace; Vaughan; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Volatus Aerospace in Vaughan, Canada, is seeking an Aircraft Design Engineer to design, prototype, and integrate RPAS airframes, propulsion, and avionics systems. You will participate in the full product cycle from initial CAD concepts through fabrication and testing, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to validate performance in real-world environments.

The role emphasizes hands-on development, fast iterations, and ongoing improvement of aerospace structures with a focus on

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 1–3 years of mechanical design experience.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar CAD.
• Strong understanding of aircraft conceptual design, aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion sizing.
• Knowledge of materials selection and manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on prototyping or fabrication experience.
• Ability to interpret drawings, tolerances and specs.
• Strong problem-solving and attention to detail.
• Able to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with developing RPAS airframes using design first principles.
• Analyze requirements, evaluate concepts, and support concept selection.
• Perform aerodynamics and performance analysis using calculations and software.
• Create detailed 3D models, drawings, and fabrication-ready designs in SolidWorks.
• Support rapid prototyping with 3D printing and fabrication equipment.
• Develop and integrate lightweight aerospace structures and mechanical systems.
• Manage weight, geometry, and fitment for aircraft performance.
• Support assembly and integration with avionics and electrical teams.
• Conduct mechanical troubleshooting and design revisions after testing.
• Maintain engineering documentation and revision logs.
• Collaborate during prototype builds, testing, and validation.
• Support manufacturability, reliability, and system performance improvements.

Skills

Strong problem-solv ing skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

OpenVSP

XFOIL

XFLR5

SolidWorks Simulation

Ansys Fluent

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Volatus Aerospace is a global leader in aerial intelligence and drone solutions, bringing together over 100 years of combined aviation expertise. We specialize in delivering innovative, customer-focused solutions through both piloted and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) across industries including defense, infrastructure, energy, public safety, and logistics.

As part of our continued growth and innovation initiatives, we are seeking an Aircraft Design Engineer to join our team and support the development, integration, and testing of advanced RPAS platforms and avionics systems.

POSITION OVERVIEW

TheAircraft Design Engineerwill play a key role in the design, prototyping, and development ofairframes, structural components,and propulsion systemsused in RPAS platforms. This hands-on role supports the full product development cycle, frominitialCAD concepts and rapid prototyping through fabrication, testing, and integration activities.

The successful candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support fast-paced design iterations,validatemechanical performance, and contribute to the continuous improvement of aerospace systemsoperatingin real-world environments.

This role is ideal for an individual whois passionate about aviation andenjoys building, problem-solving, and transforming innovative concepts into functional aerospace hardware.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assistwith developing novel RPAS airframes usingaircraftdesign first principles

• Apply systems thinking to analyzeaircraft-level requirements, evaluate competing design concepts, and support concept selection using engineering trade studies, first-principles calculations, and performance-based decision criteria

• Perform aerodynamics andaircraftperformance analysis using handcalculations and software tools (OpenVSP,XFOIL,XFLR5, etc.)

• Create detailed 3D models, technical drawings, and fabrication-ready designs for prototyping and manufacturingusing SolidWorks

• Support rapid prototyping activities using 3D printers, laser cutters, hand tools, and fabrication equipment

• Assistwith the development and integration of lightweight aerospace structures and mechanical systems

• Managecomponentweight, geometry, and fitment considerations to support overallaircraftperformance

• Support assembly and integration activities alongside avionics and electrical teams to ensure proper system fit and accessibility

• Conduct mechanical troubleshooting, design revisions, and prototype improvements following testing activities

• Maintainorganized engineering documentation including revision tracking, build logs, and design records

• Collaborate with engineering and flight operations teams during prototype builds, testing, and validation activities

• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to manufacturability, reliability, and system performance

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as may bereasonably assignedby the Company from time to time.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’sorMaster’sdegree inMechanical orAerospaceEngineering

• 1-3 years of mechanical design experience

• Proficiencywith SolidWorks or similar parametric CAD software

• Strong understanding ofaircraftconceptual design/sizing procedures, including aerodynamics calculations, structures design, and propulsion sizing

• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materialsselection, and manufacturing processes

• Hands-on experience with prototyping, fabrication, or mechanical assembly activities

• Ability to interpret technical drawings, tolerances, and mechanical specifications

• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative engineering environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 1-3years experiencewith UAV, drone, or RCaircraftdesign

• Familiarity with design tools such asOpenVSP, XFOIL, XFLR5 foraircraftdesignis considered an asset

• ExperiencewithFEAand CFDtools such as SolidWorks Simulation, AnsysFluent,or equivalent

• Familiarity with composite materials including carbon fiber or fiberglass layups

• Understanding of DFM (Design for Manufacturability) principles

• Experience with rapid prototyping and iterative product development environments

• Personal engineering, robotics, or aerospace-related projectsareconsidered an asset

HOURS OF WORK AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The position is an onsite role, and the Employee is required to perform their duties primarily at the Company’s designated workplace, as directed by the Company.

• The standard work schedule consists of forty (40) hours per week, typically performed Monday to Friday, subject to operational requirements.

• From time to time, the Employee may be required to maintain reasonable flexibility in working hours to support operational needs, time-sensitive activities, or business priorities.

WHY JOIN VOLATUS AEROSPACE

A t Volatus Aerospace, you will be joining an innovative, fast-paced company with a strong commitment to customer success and industry advancement. We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive group benefits plan, and a group RRSP. You will have the opportunity to work with a passionate global team on cutting-edge aerospace projects while continuing to grow your career in a collaborative and supportive work environment where your contributions directly impact company growth and operational success.