Aircraft Design Engineer

Volatus Aerospace•Vaughan, ON

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Volatus Aerospace is seeking an Aircraft Design Engineer to join their team and support the development, integration, and testing of advanced RPAS platforms and avionics systems. This role is crucial for the design, prototyping, and development of airframes, structural components, and propulsion systems used in RPAS platforms. The engineer will be involved in the full product development cycle, from initial CAD concepts and rapid prototyping through fabrication, testing, and integration. The successful candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support fast-paced design iterations, validate mechanical performance, and contribute to the continuous improvement of aerospace systems. This position is ideal for someone passionate about aviation who enjoys building, problem-solving, and transforming innovative concepts into functional aerospace hardware.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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

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.