Advanced Design Aircraft Concepts Leader

All Aviation Jobs; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 161,000 - 257,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan with match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Holidays & parental leave

Well-being programs

Discounts

Job summary

Cirrus is seeking a Director of AD&D Aircraft Concepts to lead a multidisciplinary team in the rapid iteration and evaluation of aircraft concepts, modifications, and propulsion systems. The role emphasizes design, analysis, build, and test across early-stage development with strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in aircraft design, aerodynamics, and systems integration, plus a proven ability to deliver from concept to prototype in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, or related field; Master's preferred.
• Pilot certificate (private or higher preferred).
• Hands-on experience working on multiple aircraft (building, testing, maintaining).
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, aircraft performance, propulsion/powerplants, and flight control systems.
• Proficiency with CAD tools and ability to read and interpret CFD results and aircraft performance reports.
• Proven ability to lead early-phase development from clean-sheet concepts through prototype build and testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop, lead, and manage a small team of multidisciplinary engineers.
• Lead aircraft conceptual design, modifications, and new powerplants evaluations.
• Execute sizing studies, mission definition, performance analyses, and range/payload optimization.
• Conduct weight, cost, and reliability assessments for feasibility and down-select decisions.
• Oversee wind tunnel model design, build, and first-flight-proof concepts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate to leadership.

Skills

Aerospace engineering

Team leadership

Aircraft design

CFD results interpretation

CAD tools

Flight testing

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Systems Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Pilot certificate (private or higher)

Tools

PTC Creo/Windchill

MATLAB/Simulink

Jira

Python

C++

Job description

Overview: The Director – AD&D Aircraft Concepts is adynamic engineering leader responsible for aircraft concepts within theAdvanced Design and Development (AD&D) organization. This position leads asmall team in the design, analysis, build, and test of aircraft, major modifications, and emerging powerplants and mechanical systems by rapidly iterating ot evaluate feasilbity, performance, and future producte potential. Thisrequires strong technical expertise in aircraft design, aerodynamics,performance, structures, and systems integration, as well as the ability tomake timely decisions in a fast-paced development environment. This position servesas a key leader for early-stage product exploration within AD&D. The ideal candidate is someone who loves flying,intuitively understands what makes a good airplane, is drawn to creativelysolving hard problems, and is motivated to make things real.

• Develop, lead, and manage a small team of multidisciplinary engineers.
• Lead aircraft conceptual design, aircraft modification designs, and new powerplants and mechanical systems evaluations.
• Execute aircraft sizing studies, mission definition, performance analyses, and range/payload optimization.
• Execute airframe design including configuration layout, structural design, materials, weight estimation, and manufacturability considerations.
• Execute powerplant and mechanical system design including installation geometry, cooling, airflow management, routing, vibration, and system integration.
• Conduct weight, cost, and reliability assessments for feasibility and down select decisions.
• Execute the design, build, and test of wind tunnel models and first-flight-ready proof of concept aircraft .
• Collaborate and coordinate closely with other teams, including but not Advanced Systems, Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial Design, Experimental Manufacturing, Flight Test, Customer Experience, and Platform Leadership Teams.
• Communicate complex technical concepts, risks, findings, and recommendations to leadership and cross-functional partners.
• Provide product strategy and guidance, including input on technical and product road maps, marketing requirements and objectives, and design requirements and objectives
• Complete assigned tasks on time and budget.
• Communicate effectively and efficiently to diverse audiences.
• Travel up to 25% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
• 5+ years direct management experience leading teams of 10 or more engineering staff.
• 10+ years of experience in aircraft design, build, and test.
• Pilot certificate (private or higher preferred).
• Hands-on experience working on multiple aircraft (building, testing, maintaining, etc.).
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, aircraft performance, propulsion/powerplants, and flight control systems.
• Strong understanding of prototype fabrication methods and early flight test processes.
• Proficiency with CAD tools and ability to read and interpret CFD results and aircraft performance reports.
• Proven ability to lead early-phase development from clean-sheet concepts through prototype build and testing.
• Ability to make rapid, sound engineering decisions with limited data.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations, guidance materials, and safety of flight and airworthiness requirements and processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with fluency in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building homebuilt, experimental, or one-off prototype aircraft.
• Experience planning and executing wind-tunnel tests and analyzing aerodynamic data.
• Experience supporting flight-test operations or performing flight-test engineering tasks.
• Experience with advanced propulsion concepts, and unconventional powerplant installations.
• Experience with complex requirements sets, systems development assurance processes, and systems safety analysis methods.
• Proficiency with PTC CREO/Windchill, MathWorks tools (e.g., Matlab, Simulink), Atlassian tools (e.g., Jira), and programming languages (e.g., Python or C++).
• Experience performing multidisciplinary trade studies and influencing configuration downselect decisions.
• Familiarity with FAA certification frameworks (Part 23, Part 27, ACs, and industry consensus standards).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, negotiate, and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization, from the shop floor to the C-suite

Our Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options
• Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts: FSA and HSA offerings with company contributions to HSA
• Well-being: Calm Health, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness incentives through medical provider
• 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting at 1 year of service
• PTO: Various PTO plans starting at 100 hours accrued within the first year
• Additional Time off Benefits: Paid holidays, 2 weeks of Paid Parental leave, paid time for funeral leave and jury duty
• Career Development: Tuition reimbursement program and professional growth opportunities
• Exclusive Discounts: Cirrus Store, partner and marketplace discounts available
• Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations

These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!

Pay Range: Salary Range: USD $161,097.50/Yr. - USD $257,405.55/Yr.