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Aircraft Electrical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Engineer, Senior

Dayton, OH · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Electrical Engineer - Senior Location: Wright-Patterson AFB, OH (or customer location as assigned ... This position supports aircraft modernization, airworthiness certification, Open Systems Safety ...

Work is primarily performed in an office environment, with occasional on-aircraft involvement for testing, validation, or troubleshooting support. The Avionics Electrical Engineer is responsible for ...

Our growing family of aircraft is designed to make air travel more sustainable while fundamentally ... Natilus is seeking an Avionics and Electrical Engineer to join our team in San Diego, CA. In this ...

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Aircraft Electrical Engineer information

See salary details

$48.5K

$80.8K

$119K

How much do aircraft electrical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft electrical engineer in the United States is $80,789.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $95,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can aircraft electrical engineers work on aircraft?

Yes, aircraft electrical engineers work directly on aircraft, focusing on designing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems and components. They often work in hangars, maintenance facilities, or on the aircraft themselves, using tools and diagnostic equipment, and may require certifications such as an FAA Airframe and Powerplant license.

What are some of the main challenges aircraft electrical engineers face when working on new aircraft designs?

Aircraft Electrical Engineers often encounter challenges related to integrating complex electrical systems within tight weight, space, and safety constraints. Ensuring compliance with stringent aviation standards while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—such as avionics, structural, and systems engineers—can require innovative problem-solving and strong communication skills. Additionally, adapting to rapidly evolving technologies and troubleshooting during prototype testing are common aspects that make the role dynamic and rewarding.

What is the difference between Aircraft Electrical Engineer vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectAircraft Electrical EngineerAircraft Maintenance Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in aerospace or electrical engineering, certifications like FAA A&P or EASA Part-66FAA A&P certification, technical training, and hands-on experience
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, testing, and troubleshooting of electrical systems in labs or officesOn-aircraft maintenance, inspections, repairs, and troubleshooting in hangars or on-site
Industry UsagePrimarily in design, engineering, and development sectors of aerospace companiesOperational maintenance and repair within airlines, maintenance facilities, or repair stations

While both roles involve working with aircraft electrical systems, Aircraft Electrical Engineers focus on designing and developing electrical systems, whereas Aircraft Maintenance Technicians perform hands-on repairs and maintenance on aircraft in operational settings.

What does an aircraft electrical engineer do?

An Aircraft Electrical Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining the electrical systems and components of aircraft. This includes working on power generation systems, wiring, lighting, avionics, and other electronic instrumentation critical to aircraft operation and safety. They ensure that all electrical systems comply with aviation regulations and standards, and collaborate with other engineers to integrate these systems into new or existing aircraft designs. Their work is essential for the safe and efficient performance of both commercial and military aircraft.

How much does an aircraft electrical engineer make?

The average salary for an aircraft electrical engineer in the United States ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior engineers or those working for major aerospace companies can earn higher salaries, and the role often requires knowledge of aircraft systems, electrical troubleshooting, and relevant certifications.

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

To thrive as an Aircraft Electrical Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, avionics, and aerospace systems, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and, in some regions, professional certification. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB or Simulink, and familiarity with aviation regulations such as FAA or EASA standards are essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative design, testing, and maintenance of aircraft electrical systems.
More about Aircraft Electrical Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Aircraft Electrical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,789 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Electrical Engineer, Senior

Diaconia

Dayton, OH • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Electrical Engineer - Senior
Location: Wright-Patterson AFB, OH (or customer location as assigned)
** This position is posted for future opportunities and is not an active opening at this time. **
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly qualified Senior Electrical Engineer to provide engineering and technical support for United States Air Force acquisition, modernization, sustainment, and life cycle management programs. The selected candidate will support the development, integration, testing, certification, and sustainment of complex aircraft electrical and avionics systems while ensuring compliance with DoD, Air Force, and industry engineering standards.
The Electrical Engineer will work closely with Government Program Managers, Chief Engineers, Systems Engineers, Logistics, Test, Cybersecurity, and contractor teams throughout the acquisition lifecycle. This position supports aircraft modernization, airworthiness certification, Open Systems Safety & Security Engineering (OSS&E), systems engineering, avionics integration, and mission system development from requirements generation through fielding and sustainment.
Key Responsibilities
Systems Engineering & Technical Support
  • Apply DoD, Air Force, and systems engineering principles to improve performance, reliability, maintainability, and sustainability of current and future weapon systems.
  • Support engineering activities across the full acquisition lifecycle including concept development, design, integration, testing, production, fielding, sustainment, and modernization.
  • Translate operational user requirements into system, subsystem, and equipment requirements.
  • Perform engineering analyses, trade studies, technical assessments, and technology evaluations supporting acquisition decisions.
  • Support development of engineering strategies that balance cost, schedule, technical performance, and operational effectiveness.
Airworthiness & Safety Engineering
  • Support implementation of MIL-HDBK-516C Airworthiness Certification Criteria.
  • Assist with Air Force airworthiness certification activities for aircraft systems and subsystems.
  • Support Mechanical Systems Integrity Program (MECSIP) activities.
  • Maintain and evaluate Critical Safety Item (CSI) programs.
  • Assist with flight authorization packages and Air Force airworthiness documentation.
  • Support implementation of AFPD 62-6 USAF Airworthiness policies and associated Air Force Instructions.
Electrical & Avionics Engineering
  • Provide technical expertise supporting:
    • Aircraft electrical power systems
    • Avionics architecture
    • Electrical subsystem integration
    • Aircraft mission systems
    • Hardware and software integration
    • Modeling and simulation
    • Verification and validation
    • Test and evaluation
    • Airworthiness certification
  • Support avionics integration activities throughout system development and sustainment.
  • Assist in development, review, and maintenance of avionics engineering documentation.
  • Evaluate electrical and avionics modifications for technical feasibility and operational impact.
CNS/ATM & Spectrum Management
  • Support Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) compliance.
  • Develop and maintain CNS/ATM compliance matrices.
  • Support aircraft certification activities related to CNS/ATM requirements.
  • Support spectrum management planning and certification.
  • Assist with AIMS requirements development, testing, certification, and implementation.
Systems Engineering Documentation
Develop, review, and support engineering documentation including:
  • Initial Capabilities Documents (ICD)
  • Capability Development Documents (CDD)
  • Capability Production Documents (CPD)
  • Concepts of Operations (CONOPS)
  • System Requirements Documents (SRD)
  • System Specifications
  • Systems Engineering Plans (SEP)
  • Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMP)
  • Program Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Evaluations (PESHE)
  • Requests for Proposal (RFP)
  • Technology Readiness Assessments (TRA)
  • Manufacturing Readiness Assessments (MRA)
  • Information Assurance Strategies (IAS)
  • Security Classification Guides (SCG)
  • Technology Transition Plans (TTP)
  • Technical Data Rights Strategies
  • Data Management Strategies
  • Spectrum Supportability documentation
  • CBRN Survivability Assessments
Acquisition Engineering Support
  • Support acquisition milestone planning and execution.
  • Participate in:
    • System Requirements Reviews (SRR)
    • Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR)
    • Critical Design Reviews (CDR)
    • Test Readiness Reviews (TRR)
    • Technical Interchange Meetings (TIM)
    • Technical Coordination Meetings (TCM)
    • Functional Configuration Audits (FCA)
    • Physical Configuration Audits (PCA)
    • Production Readiness Reviews (PRR)
    • Program Management Reviews (PMR)
  • Prepare technical documentation and executive briefings supporting milestone approvals.
Configuration & Risk Management
  • Support configuration management, technical baseline management, and data management activities.
  • Review and evaluate:
    • Engineering Change Proposals (ECP)
    • Contractor Change Proposals (CCP)
    • Advance Change Study Notices (ACSN)
    • FAA Bulletins
    • DMSMS assessments
    • Risk assessments
  • Support interface control working groups and engineering review boards.
Test & Evaluation
  • Support system integration, laboratory testing, developmental testing, and operational testing.
  • Analyze hardware and software deficiencies.
  • Recommend corrective actions and engineering solutions.
  • Assist with verification and validation activities.
Open Systems Safety & Security Engineering (OSS&E)
  • Support implementation of Life Cycle Systems Engineering (LCSE) processes.
  • Assist in maintaining OSS&E compliance throughout the system lifecycle.
  • Conduct engineering risk assessments and safety analyses.
  • Support mishap investigations and corrective action development.
  • Track OSS&E metrics and baseline documentation.
Engineering Planning & Program Support
  • Develop engineering cost estimates.
  • Support development of:
    • Integrated Master Plans (IMP)
    • Integrated Master Schedules (IMS)
    • Systems Engineering Detailed Schedules (SEDS)
  • Participate in source selections as an engineering advisor.
  • Support executive briefings and technical decision packages.
Continuous Process Improvement
  • Participate in Value Stream Mapping initiatives.
  • Support Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century (AFSO21) activities.
  • Recommend process improvements to increase engineering efficiency and program effectiveness.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or closely related engineering discipline.
  • Minimum of 10 years of engineering experience supporting DoD or Air Force acquisition programs.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting aircraft electrical systems and avionics integration.
  • Working knowledge of DoD systems engineering processes and acquisition lifecycle management.
  • Experience supporting technical reviews, design reviews, and engineering documentation.
  • Knowledge of airworthiness certification processes.
  • Experience with MIL-HDBK-516C and Air Force engineering guidance.
  • Ability to analyze complex engineering problems and develop technical recommendations.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional Engineer (PE) registration.
  • DAWIA or Defense Acquisition Workforce certification.
  • Experience supporting Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) programs.
  • Experience with OSS&E and Life Cycle Systems Engineering (LCSE).
  • Knowledge of:
    • AIMS
    • CNS/ATM
    • Spectrum certification
    • Aircraft electrical power systems
    • Mission systems integration
    • Modeling and simulation
    • FAA airworthiness processes
  • Experience supporting military aircraft modernization programs.
Security Clearance
  • Active Secret Security Clearance required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain all required security clearances and program access.
Desired Competencies
  • Aircraft Electrical Engineering
  • Avionics Integration
  • Systems Engineering
  • Airworthiness Certification
  • OSS&E
  • MIL-HDBK-516C
  • MECSIP
  • CNS/ATM
  • Spectrum Management
  • Requirements Development
  • Acquisition Engineering
  • Configuration Management
  • Risk Management
  • Test & Evaluation
  • Engineering Change Management
  • DoD Acquisition Lifecycle
  • Technical Leadership
  • Cross-functional Collaboration
  • Process Improvement
  • Executive-Level Technical Communication

Requirements
Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • BS/MS degree in an ABET-accredited engineering discipline (http://www.abet.org).
  • Advanced Degree (Master of Arts (MA) / Master of Science (MS)) and twelve (12) years of experience in the respective technical / professional discipline being performed, five (5) years of which must be in the DoD
  • OR, BA/BS degree, and fifteen (15) years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline being performed, five (5) of which must be in the DoD
  • Apply an understanding of DoD, AF, and common engineering/scientific principles, processes, and procedures to improve performance and sustainability of existing and future AF and joint service weapon systems.
  • Independently demonstrate proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Skype/Lync), Adobe Acrobat, and applications for access to the world wide web including Microsoft Internet Explorer.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the required level. U.S. Citizenship.

Salary Description
$90,000 - $110,000 Depending on Experience