At Horizon Hobby, we inspire dreams and help build memories! Our company is the leader in the global Radio Control industry, celebrating 40 years in 2025! We offer tremendous opportunities for growth and development and a full array of benefits including discounts on our products! We are currently hiring for an Aircraft Designer to support our Air Category team!

This is a full-time, on-site position at our Champaign, IL location. Working hours are Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

Typical pay for this position is $65,000-$75,000 annually. The final offer for this position will be based on the unique experience and qualifications of the candidate selected. This position may also be eligible for a bonus not included in the base pay range.

The Aircraft Designer is responsible for the technical design and development of radio-controlled aircraft from initial concept through production-ready design. This role owns the creation and development of 2D and 3D CAD, airframe architecture, structural design, component integration, and design documentation necessary to bring new aircraft concepts to production.

This position works closely with Aircraft Developers, Flight Evaluators, Product Development leadership, suppliers, and other cross-functional teams to convert product requirements into technically complete, manufacturable aircraft designs. The ideal candidate combines strong CAD capability with aircraft design knowledge, mechanical aptitude, practical engineering judgment, and an understanding of how aerodynamic, structural, manufacturing, cost, and performance requirements come together in a complete aircraft

Key Responsibilities

Aircraft Design & CAD Development

• Develop complete aircraft designs from concept through production-ready definition.
• Design fuselages, wings, control surfaces, landing gear systems, internal structures, equipment installations, and related aircraft components.
• Translate product requirements and design concepts into functional, manufacturable aircraft designs.
• Perform fit checks, interference analysis, tolerance reviews, and packaging studies.
• Create and maintain detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, 2D drawings, and supporting design documentation for RC aircraft and related component
• Develop designs appropriate for materials and manufacturing processes including molded foam, composites, wood structures, plastics, metals, and related production methods.
• Working knowledge of various power systems, including but not limited to, intake and exhaust ducting

Aircraft Engineering & Development

• Apply structural, aerodynamic, mechanical, and manufacturing principles throughout the aircraft design process.
• Develop practical engineering solutions to aircraft design, structural, packaging, weight, balance, cooling, and manufacturability challenges.
• Support prototype development and incorporate findings from testing and flight evaluation into design revisions.
• Work with Flight Evaluators to address handling, performance, structural, and setup feedback.
• Support Aircraft Developers in meeting product performance, cost, schedule, and feature requirements.
• Participate in design reviews and product development gate meetings

Production & Supplier Support

• Work directly with domestic and international suppliers to communicate design intent and resolve technical questions.
• Support tooling development, prototype builds, first articles, and production implementation.
• Review supplier CAD, tooling data, samples, and manufacturing feedback for compliance with approved designs.
• Investigate production and quality issues and develop corrective design solutions.
• Support engineering changes and continuous improvement throughout the product lifecycle

Documentation & Data Management

• Create and maintain CAD files, drawings, specifications, bills of materials, and design documentation.
• Maintain accurate design revisions and engineering change documentation.
• Ensure design packages are complete and suitable for supplier and manufacturing use.
• Maintain consistent aircraft design practices and CAD standards across the Air Category

Cross-Functional Development Support

• Collaborate closely with Aircraft Developers, Flight Evaluators, Marketing, Sourcing, Quality, and external manufacturing partners.
• Participate in prototype reviews, flight evaluations, design reviews, and development meetings.
• Incorporate flight-test data, supplier feedback, manufacturing learnings, and product requirements into design improvements.
• Support multiple aircraft development programs based on Air Category priorities

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Industrial Design, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent demonstrated professional experience.
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical design, aircraft design, product design, or related technical development.
• Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and 2D technical drawing.
• Demonstrated ability to develop complex assemblies from concept through production-ready design.
• Understanding of mechanical design, structural design, tolerances, material selection, and design-for-manufacturing principles.
• Ability to diagnose technical design problems and develop practical solutions.
• Experience creating and maintaining engineering drawings, specifications, BOMs, and technical documentation.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly with internal teams and external manufacturing partners.
• Detailed Oriented and focused. Must be able to review and evaluate other CAD for design flaws and other required changes.
• Innovative mindset to be able to create cost-effective designs as well as designs that would allow for a much greater consumer experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing radio-controlled aircraft, full-scale aircraft, UAVs, aerospace products, or similar lightweight structures.
• Strong knowledge of fixed-wing aircraft configuration, aerodynamics, control systems, weight and balance, and structural design.
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar professional 3D CAD software.
• Experience designing molded foam, composite, wood, plastic, and metal aircraft structures.
• Experience working with overseas manufacturing partners and tooling suppliers.
• Experience supporting products from concept through tooling, production, launch, and sustaining engineering.
• Hands-on experience building, flying, modifying, or developing RC aircraft.
• Familiarity with RC electronics, propulsion systems, servos, receivers, stabilization systems, and related aircraft hardware.

Key Competencies

• Strong aircraft design and mechanical problem-solving capability.
• Advanced attention to detail in CAD, design, and technical documentation.
• Ability to balance performance, manufacturability, cost, schedule, and product requirements.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills.
• Clear communication of technical ideas and design intent.
• Ability to work effectively with Aircraft Developers, Flight Evaluators, suppliers, and other cross-functional teams.
• Hands-on, practical approach to aircraft development.
• Enthusiasm for RC aircraft, aviation, and product innovation

Physical Requirements

• Occasional lifting of aircraft, prototypes, equipment, and materials up to 30 pounds
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working on a computer

• Ability to participate in prototype reviews, field testing, and flight-evaluation activities as needed

• Occasional domestic and international travel may be required

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 of the job.

Benefits & Other Perks

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• HSA and FSA options
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance and Supplemental Life Insurance
• 401(k) with a company match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Internal Rewards
• Discounts on Products
• Additional Coverage such as accident, critical, hospital and pet insurance

Horizon Hobby is a progressive, innovative company and, as such, is constantly reevaluating and reinventing the processes and procedures associated with each job. The essential duties and responsibilities of this position may change at any time. In addition, employees may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work necessary or important to the operation of Horizon. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected and appreciated.

Horizon Hobby, LLC is an equal opportunity and E-Verify employer