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Aircraft Performance Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineer V

Poway, CA · On-site

$105K - $189K/yr

Predict and validate aircraft performance by developing and maintaining analytical Modeling and ... May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education. * Completion of relevant ...

This role develops engineering analyses, technical reports, and substantiation necessary to evaluate aircraft performance, stability, controllability, structural loading, aeroelastic characteristics ...

Sales Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

This role is responsible for translating engineering outputs - including aircraft performance, fuel and energy burn, operating cost, noise footprint, and takeoff and landing capability - into fast ...

This role is responsible for translating engineering outputs - including aircraft performance, fuel and energy burn, operating cost, noise footprint, and takeoff and landing capability - intofast ...

Sales Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

This role is responsible for translating engineering outputs - including aircraft performance, fuel and energy burn, operating cost, noise footprint, and takeoff and landing capability - into fast ...

Showing results 21-40

Aircraft Performance Engineer information

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$48.5K

$80.8K

$119K

How much do aircraft performance engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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 cities are hiring for Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Aircraft Performance Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs? The top employers for Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs are:
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Infographic showing various Aircraft Performance Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,789 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Director of Performance and Operations Engineering

National Air Cargo Group Inc

Orlando, FL

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


National Airlines rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 26 rated airlines


Job description

Description

National Airlines, based in Orlando, FL, operates passenger charter service as well as customized military and commercial air cargo carriages worldwide. National Airlines specializes in over-sized, time sensitive, and special handling requirements, utilizing 747-400 and A-330 aircraft to accomplish its missions.


Job Title: Performance & Operations Engineering

Location: Orlando, FL

Department: Flight Operations

Reports To: VP of Flight Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt


Summary: The Director of Performance & Operations Engineering develops and administers various engineering tasks for the Flight Operations Department. The Operations & Performance Engineer oversees the Weight and Balance, Fuel Bias, and other company required engineering processes as well as supports the Maintenance and Quality Control Departments in various engineering tasks. This position reports to the Vice President of Flight Operations.


Essential Functions:

  • Manages engineering and development of all Company aircraft Weight and Balance Systems. Weight and Balance Program development may be delegated to other qualified personnel, but the Operations Engineer retains the responsibility and authority for the oversight and accuracy of the programs.
  • Manages engineering of and/or interface with Airport Analysis Vendors regarding the regulatory compliance and accuracy of the airport analysis system and data for all Company aircraft. Production of Airport Analysis Data may be delegated to a qualified vendor, but the Operations Engineer retains the responsibility and authority for the oversight and accuracy of the vendor's calculation methodology and data.
  • Fuel Bias Program development and tracking for accuracy, including tracking of degradation in, and revisions to the Specific Range in the Flight Planning System and aircraft FMS databases to reflect accurate values for each aircraft tail.
  • Curtailed Envelope development and calculations
  • Engineering of and interfacing with Flight Planning System vendors regarding the regulatory compliance and accuracy of the flight planning data (takeoff, enroute and airport performance) used by the Company.
  • Develops Fuel Conservation Guidelines, procedures, and processes, ensuring each is included in appropriate training programs. 
  • Optimizes payloads and continually analyzes opportunities to increase payloads while maintaining appropriate safety margins. 
  • Participates in industry events related to Aircraft Performance (certification and operations), aircraft Weight and Balance issues, and Technical Flight Symposiums
  • Monitors original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and Vendor Notices and Data Releases. This shall include, but is not limited to Airworthiness Directives, AFM, MEL, Weight, and Balance Manual revisions.
  • Coordinates both required internal Company manual revisions, and external system revisions related to the above documents, with the responsible individual/entity.
  • Responsible to report facts and findings to the Vice President of Flight Operations
  • Coordinates with the Maintenance department and or the CP to ensure the most accurate, efficient and reliable operating procedures are implemented and utilized.
  • Assists with day-to-day operational technical problem solving.
  • Helps to support the Maintenance and Quality Control Departments in various engineering tasks as directed by the Vice President of Flight Operations


Supervisory Responsibility: Yes 


Qualifications & Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in an aeronautical science or engineering discipline required.
  • Master's degree in engineering preferred.
  • Preferred 2 years of experience in Flight Operations engineering.
  • Willing to attend industry events for Aircraft performance, Weight, and Balance, Technical Flight Symposiums.
  • Ability to monitor Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) as well as Vendor Data Releases
  • Proven experience with manual revisions and related documents.
  • Preferred experience with Weight and Balance Systems and managing control calculations.
  • Preferred prior experience with Fuel Bias tracking in the Flight planning process.


Competencies:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work with all levels of the organization and maintain a working relationship with other departments in various engineering tasks.
  • Great problem-solving skills.
  • Time management and organizational skills.
  • Ability to create and facilitate training programs.


Travel Requirements:

  • 0-15% travel is required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.


National Air Cargo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, Protected Veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, termination, promotions or other conditions of employment or career development. We take affirmative steps to hire and advance females, racial minorities, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. We offer Reasonable Accommodations where necessary to candidates for employment and to our qualified employees with disabilities.


National Airlines also expects all our employees to support and promote our Safety Management System (SMS) Safety Policy and Safety Objectives. Employees at all levels of the organization are encouraged to report safety concerns or hazards without fear of reprisal.


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