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Aircraft Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Merlin Labs

Manager, Aircraft Avionics Systems

Boston, MA · On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Are you a creative and experienced engineering professional who is passionate about developing systems at the forefront of technology? Do you believe you can build better aircraft systems using agile ...

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All JobsAircraft Engineer JobsAircraft Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Aircraft Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$52.7K

$87.8K

$129.3K

How much do aircraft engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft engineer in Boston, MA is $87,769.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,200.00 and $103,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aircraft engineer?

An aircraft engineer designs new airplanes or oversees the production of existing aircraft designs. As an aircraft engineer, your duties revolve around using physical, mathematical, and engineering principles to address flight problems and how to improve aircraft design. You work to increase fuel efficiency, speed, and safety features of a plane, as well as create comfortable interior features. You often work as part of a large team, overseeing the design, budgeting, and production of new aircraft. Some aircraft engineers work at airports, managing the daily maintenance and safety checks of planes.

What are some common challenges faced by aircraft engineers during routine maintenance checks?

Aircraft Engineers often encounter challenges such as tight maintenance schedules, ensuring compliance with strict safety regulations, and troubleshooting unexpected technical issues. Coordinating with other team members, such as technicians and inspectors, is essential to ensure that all work is completed accurately and on time. Being detail-oriented and adaptable is crucial, as engineers must frequently update documentation and respond quickly to any issues that arise to minimize aircraft downtime.

What is the difference between Aircraft Engineer vs Aircraft Technician?

AspectAircraft EngineerAircraft Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications like EASA Part-66Technical diploma or certification, often EASA Part-66 B1/B2
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and oversight of aircraft systems, often in offices or labsMaintenance, repair, and inspection on aircraft, primarily in hangars or on-site
Employer & IndustryAircraft manufacturers, airlines, aerospace companiesAirlines, maintenance organizations, repair stations

Aircraft Engineers focus on designing, developing, and certifying aircraft systems, while Aircraft Technicians handle maintenance, repairs, and inspections. Both roles require relevant certifications and work closely within the aerospace industry, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

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

To thrive as an Aircraft Engineer, you need a strong background in aeronautical engineering, mathematics, and physics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and, in many cases, a professional engineering license. Familiarity with CAD software, aircraft maintenance systems, and regulatory compliance tools such as those from the FAA or EASA is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this field. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of aircraft design, maintenance, and operations.
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For Aircraft Engineer jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Aircraft Engineer jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Aircraft Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

Aircraft Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aircraft Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,769 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Manager, Aircraft Avionics Systems

Merlin Labs

Boston, MA • On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

About Merlin:
Merlin is a venture backed aerospace startup building a non-human pilot to enable both reduced crew and uncrewed flight. Backed by some of the world's leading investors, Merlin is scaling alongside our customers to begin leveraging autonomy today to solve some of aviation's biggest challenges.

About You:
Are you a creative and experienced engineering professional who is passionate about developing systems at the forefront of technology? Do you believe you can build better aircraft systems using agile and robust development methods? Would you like to own a significant percentage of key aspects for a new product? If so, you might be a good fit for the team in an Avionics Systems Management role here at Merlin Labs.
Responsibilities:
  • Manage, mentor, and grow a high-performing aircraft engineering team with focus on avionics systems.
  • Lead, coordinate, and guide Merlin aircraft modifications.
  • Oversee the design and integration of critical systems, including flight management, navigation, communication, and flight control systems.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with internal Merlin and external integration teams to develop and manage technical requirements, schedules, and quality assurance for Merlin's products.
  • Review and approve releasing engineering design data, engineering orders and other related documentation for maintenance and field use.
  • Create and manage project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure program milestones are met on time and within cost.
  • Prepare and release electrical design and fabrication drawings, test plans and reports, and associated aircraft installation and certification documents.
  • Work closely with certification authorities (e.g., FAA, CAANZ) to ensure systems meet safety and reliability standards required for airworthiness.
  • Partner with external vendors to manage technical requirements, schedules, and quality assurance for outsourced components.
  • Set and uphold high standards for design reviews, documentation, and risk reduction strategies.
  • Manage and coordinate aircraft surveys and provide on-site technical assistance for engineering teams and design evaluations.
  • Provide guidance and instruction to the maintenance team on new modifications and testing.
  • This position may require up to 50% travel, sometimes with short notice, to both domestic and international locations to support aircraft and system integration.
Qualifications:
  • BS in Electronics, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, or related field and 10+ years of progressive experience with at least 2-4 years in a leadership or management role. 
  • Hands-on experience with aircraft avionics systems, electrical systems, and systems integration.
  • Working knowledge of integrating various components onto aircraft in accordance with FAA guidance and regulations.
  • Outstanding organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
Nice to Have:
  • Specific experience with aircraft avionics, communications, and power distribution and management systems.
  • Working knowledge and understanding of the qualification and regulatory requirements for commercial and military aircraft.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
$180,000 - $240,000 a year

The compensation range provided is a good-faith estimate based on a wide range of factors, inclusive of base salary only. The actual offer will be determined by a variety of factors including the candidate's qualifications, skills, experience, education, and training. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Merlin's total compensation package. Additionally, Merlin offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees.

This position is based on-site at Merlin HQ in Boston, MA.

Once you're here, you'll enjoy a variety of on-site perks designed to make your workday enjoyable and convenient. These include catered lunches featuring a rotating menu of delicious options, an assortment of snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day, and a selection of beverages, including coffee, tea, and other drinks, to keep you refreshed.

Our goal is to create an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally

Merlin Labs offers an innovative, entrepreneurial, and team-focused startup environment. We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health, dental, life, unlimited vacation, and 401k with match) and work/life integration. Being part of the Merlin team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to achieve our mission.

Merlin Labs is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military service or obligation or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All job offers are contingent upon the candidate passing background and reference checks.

At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or consider candidates who require visa transfers. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future. 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: [email protected]

Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.
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