Aerospace Engineer

Korn Ferry Group; Hollywood (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Korn Ferry seeks an Aerospace Engineer III to lead UAV/aircraft design from concept through flight testing and production. You will integrate payloads and modifications, oversee testing, and ensure safety and compliance.

This role requires strong execution skills and a commitment to engineering excellence. Ideal candidates bring 7+ years of aerospace experience, a solid CAD/FEA/CFD toolkit, and the ability to collaborate across mechanical, electrical, software, and systems teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering and 7+ years of aerospace engineering experience focused on aircraft design and development.
• Proficiency with CAD, FEA, CFD software tools.
• Strong knowledge of autopilot systems, flight tuning methodologies, materials, structures, aerodynamics, and propulsion.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of aerospace systems, including aircraft, subsystems, and related components.
• Develop flight test plans, test procedures, flight cards, and testing documentation.
• Conduct detailed engineering analyses and simulations to ensure system performance, reliability, and safety.
• Plan, oversee, and support flight testing and validation activities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful system integration.
• Mentor junior engineers with technical guidance and career development.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation including design specs and test reports.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with FAA and aerospace standards and regulations.
• Prepare and present technical briefings and recommendations to management and customers.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance processes, products, and tools.

Skills

Autopilot systems

Flight testing

Analytical problem-solving

Team collaboration

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree or higher (preferred)

Tools

CAD

FEA

CFD

Job description

We have partnered with our client in their search for an Aerospace Engineer - Aircraft Design.

Job Description:

JOB TITLE: Aerospace Engineer III
DEPARTMENT: Aerospace Engineering
REPORTS TO: Senior Aerospace Engineer
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

Primary Function

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Aerospace Engineer III to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for UAV design from concept and prototype through flight testing and production, including payload integrations and aircraft modifications. This role requires a strong background in aerospace engineering, project execution, flight testing, and a commitment to innovation and technical excellence.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of aerospace systems, including aircraft, subsystems, and related components.
• Develop flight test plans, test procedures, flight cards, and testing documentation.
• Conduct detailed engineering analyses and simulations to ensure system performance, reliability, and safety.
• Plan, oversee, and support flight testing and validation activities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers, to ensure successful system integration.
• Support and mentor junior engineers by providing technical guidance and professional development.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including design specifications, test reports, analysis reports, and user manuals.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and aerospace engineering best practices.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements, including FAA and related aerospace standards.
• Prepare and present technical briefings, reports, and recommendations to management, customers, and stakeholders.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance engineering processes, products, and tools.
• Perform other duties as necessary and/or required.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering and 7+ years of aerospace engineering experience focused on aircraft design and development.
• Proficiency with engineering software and tools, including CAD, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
• Strong understanding of autopilot systems and aircraft flight tuning methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace materials, structures, aerodynamics, and propulsion systems.
• Experience in flight test planning, execution, and risk assessment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of aerospace industry standards and regulations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• Experience with project leadership and engineering program execution.
• Experience supporting UAV/UAS design, integration, and flight test programs.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality standards and aerospace development processes.

About Korn Ferry

Korn Ferry unleashes potential in people, teams, and organizations. We work with our clients to design optimal organization structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people and advise them on how to reward and motivate their workforce while developing professionals as they navigate and advance their careers. To learn more, please visit Korn Ferry at www.Kornferry.com