---
title: 'Sr. Aircraft Layout & CAD Engineer at Supernal'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/sr-aircraft-layout-cad-engineer-supernal-irvine-v65q8dsandzq'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-14'
---

# Sr. Aircraft Layout & CAD Engineer at Supernal

- **Company:** Supernal
- **Location:** Irvine, CA
- **Compensation:** $143k–$180k
- **Posted:** 2026-05-29
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-14
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/supernal/jobs/7753556003

## Job description

Rise above. Are you ready to take human possibility to a new dimension with us?

Supernal is an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company that’s developing an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle and the ground-to-air ecosystem to support the emerging industry. By creating a sustainable, integrated, and human-centered ecosystem, we are committed to taking a thoughtful and responsible approach to entering the AAM market with a product that meets the high level of safety and reliability in today’s air transportation system.

The future of mobility starts with people. We believe in creative thinking and collaboration to help build a better mobility experience for everyone, improving people’s ability to move – whether for work or play. Join our dynamic team as we strive to be a part of something greater where potential powers tomorrow!

Supernal provides an inviting open-space workplace designed to foster collaboration, which aligns with one of our core values. This position is required to work on-site 5 days a week.

What we do:

The Sr. Aircraft Layout & CAD Engineer supports aircraft configuration development, vehicle layout, packaging, and structural design integration for advanced air vehicle concepts. This role develops and maintains 3D CAD models, aircraft layouts, installation concepts, and design integration studies to support aircraft level trade studies, design reviews, and development planning. The engineer also supports CAD based structural layout activities for composite and lightweight aircraft components, including laminate region definition, local reinforcement concepts, and integration of structural design inputs into vehicle layout models. This role is part of the Flight Sciences team and collaborates regularly with the other groups in Supernal.

What you can do:

- Aircraft Layout and Configuration Integration
- Develop and maintain aircraft layout models to support vehicle configuration studies, design reviews, and engineering coordination.
- Create 3D CAD layouts for aircraft level integration, including lifting surfaces, rotor systems, fuselage, landing gear, propulsion components, and major system interfaces.
- Support packaging studies to evaluate component placement, clearances, accessibility, maintainability, mass properties, and integration constraints.
- Incorporate engineering inputs from multiple groups into aircraft layout models and configuration studies.
- CAD Modeling and Design Documentation
- Develop, update, and manage 3D CAD models and assemblies for air vehicle concepts, installation studies, and integration reviews.
- Prepare CAD based layouts, drawings, sections, and visual materials to support technical reviews and program decisions.
- Maintain consistency between CAD models, interface assumptions, configuration data, and engineering documentation.
- Use CATIA or similar 3D CAD tools to support aircraft layout and vehicle integration activities.
- Design Review and Engineering Coordination
- Review CAD geometry, layout assumptions, interface constraints, and packaging risks to support aircraft level design decisions.
- Identify integration issues related to clearances, accessibility, maintainability, installation, and interface compatibility.
- Support multidisciplinary design reviews by preparing CAD views, layout sections, interface checks, and technical findings.
- Document design assumptions, open items, risks, and recommended actions for engineering reviews.
- General
- Travel up to approximately 25% domestically and internationally to support simulation events, design reviews, test activities, and program milestones.
- Perform additional duties assigned in support of the Flight Controls, Simulation, and Flight Sciences organizations.

What you can contribute:

- Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a relevant engineering field required.
- Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Experience developing aircraft layouts, 3D CAD models, component installations, or vehicle integration studies.
- Experience with CATIA v6 or similar 3D CAD software required.
- Experience with aircraft configuration design, rotorcraft, eVTOL, vertical lift aircraft, or advanced air vehicle development preferred.
- Experience with composite structures, lightweight structures, laminate layout, or structural design integration preferred.
- Experience supporting aircraft design reviews, layout reviews, interface checks, or configuration trade studies preferred.
- Experience working with structural, aerodynamic, propulsion, systems, or manufacturing teams to support integrated vehicle design preferred.
- Experience with preliminary weight, mass properties, packaging, or maintainability considerations preferred.
- Strong understanding of aircraft layout, CAD modeling, and vehicle integration fundamentals.
- Ability to develop and manage complex 3D CAD assemblies for aircraft level layouts and component integration.
- General understanding of aircraft structures, composite components, and manufacturing constraints as they affect CAD layout and integration.
- Ability to evaluate packaging constraints, interface issues, clearances, and design integration risks.
- Ability to translate engineering inputs into CAD geometry, layout studies, and reviewable design data.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to communicate design assumptions, layout risks, and technical findings clearly.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to independently prioritize and accomplish work within time constraints.

Base pay offered may vary depending on skills, experience, job-related knowledge and location. This position is also eligible for a bonus as part of total compensation.

The pay range for this position is: $142,834—$180,000 USD

Click [HERE](https://jobs.supernal.aero/benefits) or visit: https://jobs.supernal.aero/benefits to view our benefits!

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other category or class protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Individuals with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at: ta-support@supernal.aero

This position may include access to certain technology and/or software source code subject to U.S. export controls laws and regulations. If an export authorization from an applicable US regulatory agency is required in connection with your employment, your employment is contingent upon Supernal’s receipt of such regulatory authorization(s) and your continued compliance with all conditions and limitations pursuant to such authorization(s).

## About Supernal

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Supernal is an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company, part of Hyundai Motor Group, developing an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and the ground-to-air ecosystem to support a new era of urban air transportation.
- **Entity Type**: Private (subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group; spun out in 2021)
- **Headquarters**: Irvine, California, United States (moved from Washington, D.C. in 2023)
- **Founded**: 2020 (as a startup within Hyundai Motor Group)
- **Founders**: Supernal was created inside Hyundai Motor Group; founding leadership included Jaiwon Shin (former CEO, departed August 2025) and David McBride (former CTO, departed 2025). The company is currently led by an interim COO, with Dr. Farhan Gandhi appointed as CTO in May 2026. [ocregister.com](https://www.ocregister.com/2025/09/05/supernal-ceo-cto-out-at-hyundais-aircraft-startup-in-irvine-part-of-leadership-shakeup/) [supernal.aero](https://www.supernal.aero/newsroom/supernal-appoints-new-cto-to-lead-next-phase-of-aam-evolution/)

## Core Business
- **Primary Industry**: Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) / Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft development
- **Target Customers**: Initially B2B partners (infrastructure operators, municipalities, fleet operators) with eventual B2C focus for passenger service
- **Mission**: “Make advanced air mobility a safe and reliable option for everyday transportation.” [supernal.aero](https://www.supernal.aero/)

## Products & Services
- **S-A2 / eVTOL Aircraft**: An electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle designed for four passengers plus a pilot. Supernal has built a technology demonstrator that completed tethered test flights in March 2025. The aircraft aims to turn a 45-minute car commute into a 10-minute flight. [supernal.aero](https://www.supernal.aero/)
- **Vertiport & Ecosystem**: Supernal is developing the full ground-to-air infrastructure, including vertiports that integrate with existing transit (robotaxis, buses, trains) and a clean-energy ecosystem for charging and operations. [supernal.aero](https://www.supernal.aero/)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Investment**: Supernal has received approximately **$1.7 billion** in investment from Hyundai Motor Group (as of September 2025, per the Orange County Register). [ocregister.com](https://www.ocregister.com/2025/09/05/supernal-ceo-cto-out-at-hyundais-aircraft-startup-in-irvine-part-of-leadership-shakeup/)
- **Key Metric (Headcount)**: Approximately **315 employees** as of mid-2026 (LinkedIn), down from ~500 in mid-2025 after multiple rounds of layoffs. The company announced 296 layoffs in February 2026 as part of a consolidation into its Irvine HQ. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/supernalaero) [ocregister.com](https://www.ocregister.com/2025/09/05/supernal-ceo-cto-out-at-hyundais-aircraft-startup-in-irvine-part-of-leadership-shakeup/)
- **Notable Investors / Parent**: Wholly owned by **Hyundai Motor Group**, with deep access to automotive manufacturing, automation, supply chain, and R&D capabilities.
- **Growth Signals**: Despite a pause in the aircraft program after leadership departures, Supernal appointed a new CTO (Dr. Farhan Gandhi) in May 2026 and is repositioning as a “lean, high-efficiency organization” focused on certification and technical validation. The company is prioritizing FAA coordination and aircraft concept refinement. [supernal.aero](https://www.supernal.aero/newsroom/supernal-appoints-new-cto-to-lead-next-phase-of-aam-evolution/)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Hyundai Backing**: Access to world-class manufacturing, automation, supply chain expertise, and significant capital from one of the largest automotive groups globally.
- **Holistic Ecosystem Approach**: Developing not just the aircraft but also the vertiport and clean-energy infrastructure, aiming for seamless integration with existing urban transit (robotaxis, public transport).
- **Experienced Talent Pool**: The team includes many hires from aerospace leaders (Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Lockheed Martin) and eVTOL competitors (Archer, Joby), plus automotive engineers from Hyundai/Rivian/Tesla. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/supernalaero)

## Strategic Focus
- **Certification & Commercial Viability**: After a strategic realignment, Supernal is focusing on FAA certification, aircraft concept refinement, and building a sustainable business model. The new CTO’s expertise in rotorcraft aeromechanics aligns with this goal.
- **Operational Efficiency**: The company is operating as a “streamlined, high-efficiency organization” to stabilize operations and reduce burn rate, with a sharpened focus on business and operational development.
- **Tempered Timeline**: Rather than rushing to market, Supernal is emphasizing “building the right product and right market, first.” The original 2028 commercial service target is under reassessment. [supernal.aero](https://www.supernal.aero/newsroom/supernal-appoints-new-cto-to-lead-next-phase-of-aam-evolution/) [techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2025/09/07/hyundais-evtol-startup-supernal-pauses-work-following-ceo-and-cto-departures/)

## Why Work Here
- **Pioneering Technology**: Opportunity to work on cutting-edge eVTOL aircraft and shape a new mode of transportation with strong backing from Hyundai Motor Group.
- **Lean, High-Impact Team**: With the recent restructuring, the remaining team is small and focused, giving engineers and technical staff significant ownership over core technologies.
- **Location**: Based in Irvine, CA (Orange County) with access to test facilities in Mojave. The company has consolidated to a single HQ, indicating a more focused work environment.
- **Culture & Stability Notes**: The company has experienced significant leadership turnover, layoffs, and a program pause – job seekers should be aware of the instability, but the new leadership team (including a renowned CTO) aims to stabilize and advance the technical roadmap.
- **Work Policy**: Not publicly specified, but likely on-site at Irvine HQ given the manufacturing/engineering focus.

## Sources
1. [supernal.aero – Official Website](https://www.supernal.aero/)
2. [linkedin.com – Supernal Company Page](https://www.linkedin.com/company/supernalaero)
3. [techcrunch.com – Hyundai's eVTOL startup Supernal pauses work after CEO and CTO departures](https://techcrunch.com/2025/09/07/hyundais-evtol-startup-supernal-pauses-work-following-ceo-and-cto-departures/)
4. [ocregister.com – Supernal CEO, CTO out at Hyundai’s aircraft startup in Irvine, part of leadership shakeup](https://www.ocregister.com/2025/09/05/supernal-ceo-cto-out-at-hyundais-aircraft-startup-in-irvine-part-of-leadership-shakeup/)
5. [supernal.aero – Supernal Appoints New CTO to Lead Next Phase of AAM Evolution (May 2026)](https://www.supernal.aero/newsroom/supernal-appoints-new-cto-to-lead-next-phase-of-aam-evolution/)

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