--- title: 'Design Engineer 3 at AEVEX' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/design-engineer-3-aevex-murrieta-california-n31fj6j7ee9p' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-06' --- # Design Engineer 3 at AEVEX - **Company:** AEVEX - **Location:** Murrieta California, United States - **Compensation:** $134–$148/hr - **Posted:** 2025-10-03 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-06 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/aevexaerospace/jobs/4942309008 ## Job description The Design Engineer 3 at AEVEX Aerospace is engaged in the design of aircraft structural and system modifications using 3D CAD software. Tasks will involve platform modification layouts, preliminary sizing, load path development, cursory structural calculations, design and optimization of aircraft structure, systems & components, composite structural design, and other design functions. The Design Engineer 3 may be asked to direct, guide, and verify work performed by other design engineers. Essential Functions: - Creates engineering layouts models, and drawings for significant aircraft structural and systems modifications using 3D Catia CAD software. - Provides leadership to a team of designers/draftsman to complete engineering drawing packages and drives design solutions from initial concept through final implementation. - Provides technical guidance to support project that includes proposal and development work. - Mentor’s junior engineers. - Provides design solutions to manufacturing problems. Identifies creative ways to overcome obstacles and meet schedule deadlines. - Performs or verifies engineering testing/calculations to meet performance and safety protocols. - Documents designs, analyses & test results with accurate and concise reports. - Interprets engineering drawings and works cross-functionally to resolve issues. - Conducts liaison engineering when required. - Interfaces with stress analysts and shop floor mechanics throughout airframe integration projects. - Performs other related duties as assigned. - Regular and reliable attendance on a full-time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule]. - Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices. - Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture. Qualifications and Competencies: - Sound understanding and demonstration of engineering concepts and principles. - Ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately in an evolving, fast-paced environment. - Broad experience with typical aircraft materials (MMPDS), hardware (MS, NAS, AN, bolts, rivets, screws, nuts, bushings, etc.) aluminum and steel sheet metal, fiberglass, honeycomb panels, machined parts and welding. - Strong understanding of airframe structures, systems, manufacturing and assembly procedures. - Excellent attention to detail and creative problem-solving skills. - Strong communication skills, both verbal and written. - Proficient in MS Office Suite for report writing and analysis preparation. Education / Certifications: - Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering Experience: - 5-10 years' experience with Catia V5 design of aerospace/aircraft structural modifications and/or new design Security Clearance: - Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance. (US Citizenship is required) Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is: Constantly required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment Frequently required repetitive movements of wrists, hands, and/or fingers Occasionally experience a high level of noise, adverse weather or temperature conditions For the purpose of this summary, occasionally is used to represent up to 1/3 of the time given to the work day, frequently represents 1/3 to 2/3 of the time and constantly represents 2/3 or more of the time. The Company provides a reasonable range of compensation. Actual compensation is influenced by an array of factors including, but not limited to, skill set, level of experience, and specific location. The range of starting pay for this position is for the listed location only. Salary Range $133.90—$147.90 USD ## About AEVEX AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia. AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees. Equal Employment Opportunity: AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws. ## About AEVEX ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: AEVEX designs, manufactures, and deploys autonomous systems, navigation technologies, and mission solutions for U.S. and allied defense forces. - **Entity Type**: Private (LLC – backed by undisclosed investors) - **Headquarters**: Solana Beach, California, USA (with major facilities in Tampa, Florida; Crestview, Florida; Murrieta, California; and Huntsville, Alabama) - **Founded**: Not publicly available - **Founders**: Not publicly available ## Core Business - **Primary industries**: Defense technology, aerospace, unmanned systems, autonomous navigation, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) - **Target customers**: U.S. Department of Defense, allied military forces, government agencies (B2G) - **Mission**: “To design, deliver, and scale autonomous systems that create a decisive advantage in the modern battlespace.” ## Products & Services - **[CompassX](https://aevex.com/)**: Open‑standards, AI‑driven navigation and autonomy platform for crewed and uncrewed systems, including GPS‑denied navigation and autonomous targeting. - **[Atlas](https://aevex.com/)**: Group II autonomous precision strike system with high payload‑to‑GTOW ratio for tactical dominance. - **[Disruptor](https://aevex.com/)**: Next‑generation autonomous precision strike system for extended endurance, multi‑domain versatility (precision attack, ISR, communications relay, EW). - **[Raker](https://aevex.com/)**: Long‑endurance, fixed‑wing uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) produced via digital engineering and additive manufacturing. - **[Vandal](https://aevex.com/)**: Low‑signature UAS with vision‑based navigation, electric propulsion, and RF‑transparent materials for stealthy operations. - **[Mako Lite](https://aevex.com/)**: Lightweight, expeditionary unmanned surface vessel for maritime ISR, logistics, and communications. - **[Mariana](https://aevex.com/)**: Long‑endurance ISR UAS with open architecture, autonomous operation, and modular payload design. - **Engineering & Mission Support**: Aircraft engineering, ISR operations, systems integration, and sustainment services. ## Market Standing - **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not disclosed - **Key Metric (Private)**: Total funding – not publicly available; notable contract wins include an $18.5M U.S. Air Force contract for UAS and engineering services, a $15.2M option year for real‑time aerial intelligence for California, and $15.6M in U.S. Air Force mission‑support contracts. - **Notable Investors / Partners**: Unnamed; recent acquisitions include Veth Research Associates (contested/GPS‑denied navigation) and select assets from RapidFlight (additive manufacturing). - **Growth Signals**: - Opened a 60,000 sq ft UAS production facility and showroom in Florida. - Launched “Drone Factory of the Future” using additive manufacturing for rapid, scalable production. - Achieved AS9100 certification (aerospace quality standard). - Leadership transition: Brian Raduenz becomes Executive Chairman, Roger Wells appointed CEO. - Active hiring: 103 job openings across multiple locations. ## Competitive Advantages - **Speed & Scale**: Digital engineering and additive manufacturing enable rapid prototyping and production at the edge (Drone Factory of the Future). - **Open Architecture**: CompassX platform integrates crewed and uncrewed systems with AI‑driven autonomy, resistant to GPS denial. - **Proven in Conflict**: Systems designed and built for real‑world modern battlespace conditions, with a focus on contested and denied environments. - **Vertical Integration**: From hardware (UAS, USV) to software (autonomy, navigation) to mission support and ISR services. ## Strategic Focus - Scaling autonomous systems production through the Drone Factory of the Future. - Expanding UAS portfolio for multi‑domain operations (air, maritime, ground). - Deepening capabilities in contested environments (GPS‑denied navigation, low‑signature platforms). - Strengthening relationships with U.S. and allied defense customers via speed‑to‑need delivery and proven performance. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Mission‑driven, values of Accountability, Integrity, Tenacity, Excellence, Teamwork. Emphasis on “moving the mission faster, farther, and forward.” - **Benefits**: Comprehensive medical/dental/vision, Health FSA / HSA, 401(k) with employer match, generous paid time off and holidays, 2 weeks paid parental leave, professional development stipend, monthly gym stipend, wellness initiatives, EAP, life and disability insurance. - **Work Arrangements**: Multiple on‑site locations (Solana Beach, CA; Tampa & Crestview, FL; Murrieta, CA; Huntsville, AL). Remote/hybrid policy not explicitly stated; roles likely on‑site due to defense nature. - **Growth**: 103 active job postings across engineering, operations, business development, IT, HR, and more. Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge autonomous systems in a high‑growth defense tech company. ## Sources 1. [aevex.com](https://aevex.com/) – Official website (products, mission, values, news) 2. [aevex.com/who-we-are](https://aevex.com/who-we-are/) – Mission, vision, values, and culture 3. [aevex.com/careers](https://aevex.com/careers/) – Careers page with benefits overview 4. [job-boards.greenhouse.io/aevexaerospace](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/aevexaerospace) – Active job listings (103 roles) 5. [linkedin.com/company/aevex-aerospace](https://www.linkedin.com/company/aevex-aerospace) – LinkedIn profile (headquarters, industry) ## Other roles at AEVEX - [SIGINT Operator (SIO)](https://feeny.ai/job/sigint-operator-sio-aevex-washington-district-of-columbia-xbcr5770zysn) — Washington District of Columbia, United States - [ServiceNow Architect](https://feeny.ai/job/servicenow-architect-aevex-united-states-w4b3g02zm3rd) — United States - [Electrical Engineer 2 - Tactical Systems](https://feeny.ai/job/electrical-engineer-2-tactical-systems-aevex-tampa-florida-byd84zyh7azq) — Tampa Florida, United States - [Sr. Pricing Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-pricing-analyst-aevex-united-states-xs5bn2r54kys) — United States - [VP of Business Development Special Programs](https://feeny.ai/job/vp-of-business-development-special-programs-aevex-tampa-florida-csw4rnj30fyt) — Tampa Florida, United States - [Subcontract Administrator](https://feeny.ai/job/subcontract-administrator-aevex-murrieta-california-6c91dpbwj7dd) — Murrieta California, United States - [Procurement Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/procurement-specialist-aevex-murrieta-california-84zj6k5zd55k) — Murrieta California, United States - [Staff Accountant](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-accountant-aevex-murrieta-california-rdbhzjebcd0y) — Murrieta California, United States - [Sr. Aerospace Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-aerospace-engineer-aevex-tampa-florida-n863sjkv9d0h) — Tampa Florida, United States - [Sr. Program Finance Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-program-finance-analyst-aevex-united-states-2358y5h42sq8) — United States