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$48.5K

$80.8K

$119K

How much do aircraft performance engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft performance 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.

What are some typical challenges faced by Aircraft Performance Engineers in their daily work?

Aircraft Performance Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing competing performance requirements, analyzing vast amounts of flight test and simulation data, and meeting strict regulatory and safety standards. The role requires troubleshooting performance issues that may arise during the aircraft design, testing, or operational phases, often working closely with design, flight test, and certification teams to resolve complex problems. Additionally, adapting to evolving technologies and staying updated with the latest industry regulations are ongoing aspects of the job. Overcoming these challenges successfully is crucial for developing safe, reliable, and high-performing aircraft.

What does an Aircraft Performance Engineer do?

An Aircraft Performance Engineer is responsible for analyzing and optimizing an aircraft's performance characteristics, such as takeoff, climb, cruise, and landing. They use aerodynamic principles, simulation tools, and regulatory guidelines to ensure the aircraft meets efficiency, safety, and operational requirements. Their work influences fuel consumption, payload capacity, and regulatory compliance. They collaborate with design teams, pilots, and airline operators to enhance aircraft performance under various flight conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Aircraft Performance Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aircraft Performance Engineer, you need a solid understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics, and a related engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation software such as MATLAB, Python, and specialized aerodynamic analysis tools, as well as knowledge of regulatory standards like FAA or EASA guidelines, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate performance calculations, regulatory compliance, and seamless integration of aircraft systems, directly contributing to safe and efficient aircraft operations.

More about Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Aircraft Performance Engineer job openings:
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Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aircraft Performance Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,789 per year, or $38.8 per hour.
Aerospace Engineer-Aircraft Performance

Aerospace Engineer-Aircraft Performance

Department of Transportation

Washington, DC

$95K/yr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

428th of 693 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Serves as an Aerospace Engineer specializing in aircraft performance and handling qualities within Aircraft Certification. The Aerospace Engineer will plan and accomplish highly complex and challenging projects/programs and other work activities under the minimaldirection of a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced engineer.Qualifications:

To view the complete OPM qualification standard for the Group Coverage Qualification Standard for General Engineer, Series 801, please refer to:

General Engineering Series 0801

Basic Requirements: Degree in Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelors degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.

To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-I, FG/GS 13. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
Specialized Experience is: Experience applying engineering concepts, principles and practices to address aircraft performance and handling qualities issues.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

Interview: If the Agency decides to interview any qualified employee on the selection list, then all on the list who are qualified must be interviewed. If the selection list is shortened to a best qualified list through a comparative process, then the best qualified list shall be considered to be the selection list.

Selection may be made from this announcement or from ACT-AVS-26-AIR-99420.

Education:This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcripts(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcement to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. You may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS or fax it to fax number provided in the announcement (please include announcement number on each page).
Failure to do so will result in loss of consideration.
Schools must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation may be verified at the following website: www.ed.gov/accreditation.
Foreign education must be evaluated by a private professional organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials or an accredited U.S. educational institution in terms of equivalence to a degree acquired at an American college or university. A copy of the evaluation results must be included, otherwise your foreign education will not be considered.
Employment Type: OTHER

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