1

Air Refueling Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our Air Domain delivers solutions across Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (AISR), Aerial Firefighting, Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR), Advanced Training, Aircraft Engineering, and ...

... engineering & integration, cost analysis, training, systems requirements analysis, and ... Provide detailed mission execution forecasts for takeoff, en route, destinations, and air refueling ...

... engineering & integration, cost analysis, training, systems requirements analysis, and ... Provide detailed mission execution forecasts for takeoff, en route, destinations, and air refueling ...

... Air Force Research Laboratory's Autonomous Air Refueling research effort. This role will be ... Coordinate activities among functional specialists in engineering, program scheduling ...

... engineering & integration, cost analysis, training, systems requirements analysis, and ... Provide detailed mission execution forecasts for takeoff, en route, destinations, and air refueling ...

... air refueling operations). You will support ongoing efforts to enhance, monitor, and maintain ... Coordinate with DevOps to develop and implement automation solutions to streamline cloud operations ...

... air refueling operations). You will support ongoing efforts to enhance, monitor, and maintain ... Coordinate with DevOps to develop and implement automation solutions to streamline cloud operations ...

Showing results 21-40

Air Refueling Engineer information

See salary details

$29K

$100.6K

$158K

How much do air refueling engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for air refueling engineer in the United States is $100,622.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $138,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an air refueling engineer?

Air Refueling Engineers, also known as boom operators or in-flight refueling specialists, are professionals responsible for managing and operating the equipment used to transfer fuel from one aircraft to another while in flight. They ensure the safe and efficient connection between tanker and receiving aircraft, monitor fuel transfer systems, and communicate with pilots during the process. Their role is critical for extending the range and endurance of military and some specialized civilian aircraft by allowing them to refuel without landing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an air refueling engineer?

To thrive as an Air Refueling Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, systems integration, and fluid dynamics, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of military or civil aviation standards are essential, along with certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure being advantageous. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help in coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring safety. These competencies are crucial to design and implement reliable air refueling systems that meet stringent operational and safety requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by air refueling engineers during in-flight operations?

Air Refueling Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise coordination between tanker and receiver aircraft, adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. These professionals must remain highly alert and communicative to manage complex technical systems and troubleshoot equipment issues in real time. Effective teamwork with pilots, crew members, and ground personnel is essential to ensure successful and safe refueling missions.

What are popular job titles related to Air Refueling Engineer jobs?

For Air Refueling Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Air Refueling Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,622 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Principal Mechanical Engineer

West Milton, NY • On-site

$106K - $166K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support the design, maintenance, and optimization of mechanical systems such as HVAC, pressure systems, plumbing, and radiological ventilation.

  • Support efforts in planning, designing, overseeing maintenance and alterations of system equipment and facilities, and troubleshoot technical issues.

  • Manage facility equipment operations, maintenance, repair, and construction activities, and evaluate systems to improve reliability, performance, and efficiency.


Naval Nuclear Laboratory rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 50 rated military and defense


Job description

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today! Job Description Did you know that every U.S. Navy Sailor in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program is certified on an operating nuclear prototype before deployment to the fleet? The Naval Nuclear Laboratory's Kenneth A. Kesselring Site proudly supports the U.S. Navy by operating one of the nuclear prototype training sites to qualify Sailors and test new technologies. Over 50,000 Sailors have trained at Kesselring since the beginning of operations in 1955! About Us: Located in Ballston Spa, New York, the Kenneth A. Kesselring Site's Facilities Engineering organization is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing facility infrastructure critical to our mission. We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our team and contribute to our ongoing success. Role Overview: As a Mechanical Engineer with us, you will play a key role in supporting the design, maintenance program, and optimization of mechanical systems crucial to sustaining Navy training operations and a professional work environment for the approximately 2,000 people that call Kesselring home. Collaborating closely with on-site craft organizations, service subcontractors, and project managers, you will tackle diverse challenges, supporting both construction projects and ongoing site operations. Responsibilities: Provide expertise in engineering and operating mechanical building systems such as HVAC, pressure systems, plumbing, and radiological ventilation. Support efforts in planning, designing, and overseeing the maintenance and alteration of system equipment and facilities. Troubleshoot technical issues, develop specifications, and provide engineering solutions. Support project scoping, design reviews, construction oversight, and commissioning. Manage facility equipment operations, maintenance, repair, and construction activities. Evaluate current systems and propose engineering solutions to enhance reliability, performance, and efficiency. Coordinate with internal teams (Maintenance, Facility Operations, Security, Safety) and external vendors. Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience; or Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering, science field and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience; or Currently a Principal Reactor Training Engineer, Refueling Engineer, or Field (RPCO) Engineer at the Company. Preferred Skills Experience in engineering design, troubleshooting, or repair Knowledge of New York State Mechanical Code and ASHRAE Fundamentals Proficiency in developing engineering documents and reviewing technical drawings Familiarity with verification and acceptance testing for facilities projects Compensation and Benefits Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits Disability, Life & Accident Insurance 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan Personal & Medical Time Off Paid Parental Leave Flexible Work Schedules Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Wellness Program Visit us online to view all NNL benefits! Pay Range $106,200.00 - $166,000.00 annually Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S. Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards and vendor locations. For nearly 70 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world-class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel. All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce. All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law. Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana. Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law.

What Naval Nuclear Laboratory employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom