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Aircraft Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Aircraft Worker

Prescott, AZ

$22.25 - $29.25/hr

Perform basic mechanical and maintenance support tasks under direct supervision. * Clean aircraft components and work areas. * Remove, prepare, and install aircraft panels and components. * Assist ...

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Aircraft Director information

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$21.5K

$100K

$214K

How much do aircraft director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft director in the United States is $99,983.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aircraft director?

Aircraft Directors are ground personnel responsible for guiding aircraft during ground operations, particularly while taxiing on airport ramps and aprons. They use standardized hand signals or wands to communicate with pilots, ensuring safe movement and positioning of airplanes to avoid collisions or accidents. Their role is critical for maintaining safety and efficiency in busy airport environments, especially during arrivals, departures, and gate changes.

What are some typical challenges an aircraft director faces when coordinating aircraft movements on the ground?

Aircraft Directors often work in fast-paced environments where they must manage multiple aircraft movements simultaneously while ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. One common challenge is maintaining clear communication with pilots, ground crew, and air traffic control, especially during periods of high traffic or adverse weather. Additionally, Aircraft Directors must be adept at quickly adapting to changes, such as last-minute gate assignments or unexpected maintenance issues, all while minimizing delays and ensuring efficient operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aircraft director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aircraft Director, you need in-depth knowledge of air traffic control procedures, aviation safety regulations, and strong spatial awareness, often supported by specialized aviation training or military experience. Familiarity with radar systems, radio communication tools, and flight scheduling software is typically required. Leadership, decisive problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient aircraft movement and coordination, minimizing risks and maximizing operational effectiveness in high-pressure environments.

What is the difference between Aircraft Director vs Aircraft Scheduler?

AspectAircraft DirectorAircraft Scheduler
CredentialsFAA certifications, aviation experienceFAA certifications, aviation experience
Work EnvironmentAirlines, private aviation, airportsAirlines, private aviation, airports
Employer & IndustryAirlines, charter companies, corporate flight departmentsAirlines, charter companies, aviation operations
Primary FocusOverseeing aircraft operations and safetyScheduling and planning aircraft usage

The Aircraft Director and Aircraft Scheduler roles both require aviation certifications and operate within similar environments like airlines and private aviation. The Aircraft Director focuses on overseeing aircraft operations, safety, and compliance, while the Aircraft Scheduler specializes in planning and coordinating aircraft usage to optimize schedules. Both roles are essential in aviation operations but serve different functions within the industry.

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Aircraft Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aircraft Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,983 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Advanced Design Aircraft Concepts Leader

Cirrus Aircraft

Duluth, MN • On-site

$161K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Cirrus Aircraft rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Overview
The Director - AD&D Aircraft Concepts is adynamic engineering leader responsible for aircraft concepts within theAdvanced Design and Development (AD&D) organization. This position leads asmall team in the design, analysis, build, and test of aircraft, major modifications, and emerging powerplants and mechanical systems by rapidly iterating ot evaluate feasilbity, performance, and future producte potential. Thisrequires strong technical expertise in aircraft design, aerodynamics,performance, structures, and systems integration, as well as the ability tomake timely decisions in a fast-paced development environment. This position servesas a key leader for early-stage product exploration within AD&D. The ideal candidate is someone who loves flying,intuitively understands what makes a good airplane, is drawn to creativelysolving hard problems, and is motivated to make things real.
Responsibilities
  • Develop, lead, and manage a small team of multidisciplinary engineers.
  • Lead aircraft conceptual design, aircraft modification designs, and new powerplants and mechanical systems evaluations.
  • Execute aircraft sizing studies, mission definition, performance analyses, and range/payload optimization.
  • Execute airframe design including configuration layout, structural design, materials, weight estimation, and manufacturability considerations.
  • Execute powerplant and mechanical system design including installation geometry, cooling, airflow management, routing, vibration, and system integration.
  • Conduct weight, cost, and reliability assessments for feasibility and down select decisions.
  • Execute the design, build, and test of wind tunnel models and first-flight-ready proof of concept aircraft .
  • Collaborate and coordinate closely with other teams, including but not Advanced Systems, Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial Design, Experimental Manufacturing, Flight Test, Customer Experience, and Platform Leadership Teams.
  • Communicate complex technical concepts, risks, findings, and recommendations to leadership and cross-functional partners.
  • Provide product strategy and guidance, including input on technical and product road maps, marketing requirements and objectives, and design requirements and objectives
  • Complete assigned tasks on time and budget.
  • Communicate effectively and efficiently to diverse audiences.
  • Travel up to 25% may be required.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
  • 5+ years direct management experience leading teams of 10 or more engineering staff.
  • 10+ years of experience in aircraft design, build, and test.
  • Pilot certificate (private or higher preferred).
  • Hands-on experience working on multiple aircraft (building, testing, maintaining, etc.).
  • Strong understanding of aerodynamics, aircraft performance, propulsion/powerplants, and flight control systems.
  • Strong understanding of prototype fabrication methods and early flight test processes.
  • Proficiency with CAD tools and ability to read and interpret CFD results and aircraft performance reports.
  • Proven ability to lead early-phase development from clean-sheet concepts through prototype build and testing.
  • Ability to make rapid, sound engineering decisions with limited data.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams.
  • Knowledge of FAA regulations, guidance materials, and safety of flight and airworthiness requirements and processes.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with fluency in English.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience building homebuilt, experimental, or one-off prototype aircraft.
  • Experience planning and executing wind-tunnel tests and analyzing aerodynamic data.
  • Experience supporting flight-test operations or performing flight-test engineering tasks.
  • Experience with advanced propulsion concepts, and unconventional powerplant installations.
  • Experience with complex requirements sets, systems development assurance processes, and systems safety analysis methods.
  • Proficiency with PTC CREO/Windchill, MathWorks tools (e.g., Matlab, Simulink), Atlassian tools (e.g., Jira), and programming languages (e.g., Python or C++).
  • Experience performing multidisciplinary trade studies and influencing configuration downselect decisions.
  • Familiarity with FAA certification frameworks (Part 23, Part 27, ACs, and industry consensus standards).
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate, negotiate, and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization, from the shop floor to the C-suite

Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options
  • Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: FSA and HSA offerings with company contributions to HSA
  • Well-being: Calm Health, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness incentives through medical provider
  • 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting at 1 year of service
  • PTO: Various PTO plans starting at 100 hours accrued within the first year
  • Additional Time off Benefits: Paid holidays, 2 weeks of Paid Parental leave, paid time for funeral leave and jury duty
  • Career Development: Tuition reimbursement program and professional growth opportunities
  • Exclusive Discounts: Cirrus Store, partner and marketplace discounts available
  • Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations

These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!
Pay Range
Salary Range: USD $161,097.50/Yr. - USD $257,405.55/Yr.

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