Aircraft Design Engineer

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

The Aircraft Design Engineer will play a key role in the design, prototyping, and development of airframes, structural components, and propulsion systems used in RPAS platforms. This hands-on role supports the full product development cycle, from initial CAD 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, validate mechanical performance, and contribute to the continuous improvement of aerospace systems operating in real-world environments.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with developing novel RPAS airframes using aircraft design first principles

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

• Perform aerodynamics and aircraft performance analysis using hand calculations and software tools (OpenVSP, XFOIL, XFLR5, etc.)

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

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

• Assist with the development and integration of lightweight aerospace structures and mechanical systems

• Manage component weight, geometry, and fitment considerations to support overall aircraft performance

• 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

• Maintain organized 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 be reasonably assigned by the Company from time to time.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

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

• 1-3 years of mechanical design experience
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar parametric CAD software
• Strong understanding of aircraft conceptual design/sizing procedures, including aerodynamics calculations, structures design, and propulsion sizing
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials selection, 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

• 1-3 years experience with UAV, drone, or RC aircraft design
• Familiarity with design tools such as OpenVSP, XFOIL, XFLR5 for aircraft design is considered an asset
• Experience with FEA and CFD tools such as SolidWorks Simulation, Ansys Fluent, 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 projects are considered 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

HOW TO APPLY

If you are ready to take your engineering career to new heights, please apply with your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.