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Aircraft Performance Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Airspace Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$115K - $144K/yr

This role requires a deep understanding of the intersection of aircraft performance, airspace ... The Senior Airspace Engineer will develop thought-leadership materials through close collaboration ...

This role requires a deep understanding of the intersection of aircraft performance, airspace ... The Senior Airspace Engineer will develop thought-leadership materials through close collaboration ...

Senior Airspace Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$115K - $144K/yr

This role requires a deep understanding of the intersection of aircraft performance, airspace ... The Senior Airspace Engineer will develop thought-leadership materials through close collaboration ...

(DoD SkillBridge), Aircraft Maintenance C

Waco, TX · On-site

$27.75 - $36/hr

Collaborate with engineering teams and provide feedback on aircraft performance and any issues encountered. * Ensure that all tools, materials, and equipment are calibrated correctly and maintained ...

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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 Jun 28, 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.

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:
What states have the most Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Aircraft Performance Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,789 per year, or $38.8 per hour.
Aero & Thermodynamics - Early Career

Aero & Thermodynamics - Early Career

Lockheed Martin

Marietta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 386 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description


At Lockheed Martin we keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work. With our employees as our priority, we provide career opportunities designed to propel development and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. This is a place for engineers, scientists, and problem-solvers who are ready to engage deeply, think critically, and build with purpose. You will not just launch a career. You will be part of something bigger. This is where the best are built.
You will be a Performance Engineer - Level 1 for the Flight Sciences group which is responsible for advancing aerodynamics, thermodynamics, performance, stability & controls, and acoustics within Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
What You Will Be Doing:
As a Performance Engineer - Level 1 you will be responsible for delivering high impact vehicle performance engineering to primarily support Air Mobility & Maritime Missions (AMMM). There may be opportunity to support Advanced Development Programs (ADP) via stretch assignments.
Your responsibilities will include:
Develop and maintain aerodynamic databases to inform aircraft design decisions.
Create mission profiles and construct flight envelopes for new and modified aircraft concepts.
Support wind tunnel testing and flight test campaigns, providing technical analysis and reports.
Collaborate with cross functional teams, producing clear technical documentation and communicating results to customers and program leadership.
What's In It For You:
We are committed to supporting your work life balance and overall well being, offering flexible scheduling options. Learn more about Lockheed Martin's comprehensive benefits package here. Do you want to be part of a company culture that empowers employees to think big, lead with a growth mindset, and make the impossible a reality? We provide the resources and give you the flexibility to enable inspiration and focus - if you have the passion and courage to pursue ambitious goals, work hard, and have fun doing what you love then we want to build a better tomorrow with you.
Who You Are:
You are a self starter with exceptional communication and technical writing skills. You thrive in a dynamic environment, engage as a collaborative team player, and build strong working relationships across disciplines. Your analytical mindset and attention to detail enable you to tackle complex stability and controls challenges and drive innovative solutions.
Further Information About This Opportunity
MUST BE A U.S. CITIZEN - This position is located at a facility that requires special access.
Basic Qualifications
• Bachelor's Engineering Degree (Aerospace or Mechanical)
• Familiarity with aircraft performance.
• Familiarity with at least one coding language (MATLAB, VBA, Python)
Desired skills
• Experience with running aerodynamics / performance analyses to inform aircraft design cycles
• Experience with wind tunnel test support
• Willing and able to support extended and off shift work schedules
• Willing to travel to support off-site testing (flight test, wind tunnel)
• Ability to effectively document and accurately convey technical data
• Demonstrates interpersonal skills to interface with multifunctional teams
• Microsoft Office Skills
EEO
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
*
Join us at Lockheed Martin, where your mission is ours. Our customers tackle the hardest missions. Those that demand extraordinary amounts of courage, resilience and precision. They're dangerous. Critical. Sometimes they even provide an opportunity to change the world and save lives. Those are the missions we care about.
As a leading technology innovation company, Lockheed Martin's vast team works with partners around the world to bring proven performance to our customers' toughest challenges. Lockheed Martin has employees based in many states throughout the U.S., and Internationally, with business locations in many nations and territories.
Other Important Information
By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Work Schedule Information
Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
National Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $57,500 - $101,430. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
(Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Premium Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $66,200 - $114,655. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
This position is incentive plan eligible.

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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912