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Aircraft Systems Engineering Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Troubleshoot and repair aircraft systems, including hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical components ... Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, and engineering drawings. * Excellent ...

Troubleshoot and repair aircraft systems, including hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical components ... Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, and engineering drawings. * Excellent ...

Showing results 21-40

Aircraft Systems Engineering information

See Texas salary details

$40.5K

$129.3K

$212K

How much do aircraft systems engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft systems engineering in Texas is $129,291.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,500.00 and $147,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Aircraft Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering principles, systems integration, and typically a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, systems modeling tools (like MATLAB/Simulink), and certifications such as FAA/EASA regulations are commonly required. Effective problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong teamwork and communication skills set outstanding professionals apart in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative development and maintenance of complex aircraft systems.

What are some typical challenges faced by aircraft systems engineers when integrating new technologies into existing aircraft platforms?

Aircraft Systems Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new technologies, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy systems, meeting rigorous safety and regulatory standards, and managing tight project timelines. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including avionics, software, and maintenance personnel—is essential to address these complexities. Effective communication and a thorough understanding of both new and existing systems are crucial for successful integration and to minimize risks associated with system modifications.

What do aircraft systems engineers do?

Aircraft systems engineers design, develop, and test the various electronic and mechanical systems that ensure an aircraft's safe and efficient operation. They analyze system requirements, create technical specifications, and collaborate with other engineering teams using tools like CAD and simulation software. Their work often involves troubleshooting, maintenance planning, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

What is aircraft systems engineering?

Aircraft Systems Engineering is a specialized field focused on designing, integrating, and maintaining the complex systems that allow aircraft to operate safely and efficiently. This includes avionics, propulsion, hydraulics, electrical, and environmental control systems. Engineers in this field work to ensure that all subsystems function together seamlessly, meet regulatory requirements, and can be maintained throughout the aircraft's lifecycle. Their work is crucial for both commercial and military aviation, helping to improve performance, safety, and reliability.

What is the difference between Aircraft Systems Engineering vs Aircraft Maintenance Engineering?

AspectAircraft Systems EngineeringAircraft Maintenance Engineering
Primary FocusDesign, development, and integration of aircraft systemsInspection, repair, and maintenance of aircraft systems
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in systems designDiploma or license in aircraft maintenance
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, engineering firms, manufacturing plantsAirports, maintenance hangars, repair stations
Industry UsageAircraft manufacturers, aerospace companiesAirlines, maintenance service providers

Aircraft Systems Engineering focuses on designing and developing aircraft systems, while Aircraft Maintenance Engineering involves maintaining and repairing those systems. Both roles are essential in the aviation industry but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

What job categories do people searching Aircraft Systems Engineering jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Aircraft Systems Engineering jobs in Texas are:

Infographic showing various Aircraft Systems Engineering job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $129,291 per year, or $62.2 per hour.

Senior Staff Systems Engineer (R4738)

Shield AI

Dallas, TX • On-site

$170K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
As a Senior Staff Systems Engineer on Shield AI's next gen UAS program, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and integrating cutting-edge autonomous aircraft systems for national defense. You will lead the technical execution of system architecture, ensuring seamless integration of avionics, autonomy, propulsion, sensor payloads, and mission-critical systems.
This position requires a deep understanding of aerospace systems engineering, autonomy, and complex system integration. You will work cross-functionally with teams in hardware, software, autonomy, flight operations, and manufacturing to develop a scalable, mission-ready platform capable of operating in contested environments.
Your expertise will be critical in defining system requirements and architectures through model-based systems engineering, conducting trade studies, ensuring compliance with military and aviation standards, and supporting the aircraft through flight testing and operational deployment.
What You'll Do:
  • Perform System Architecture & Design: Develop and refine the system architecture for the next gen UAS, ensuring seamless integration of avionics, autonomy, propulsion, sensor payloads, and mission systems.
  • Define and document system-level behavior, including modes, states, transitions, and fault responses
  • Support safety analyses (FHA, FMEA, FTA) by defining behavior under fault conditions
  • Define and Manage System Requirements: Establish top-level requirements, decompose them into subsystems, and maintain traceability across the development lifecycle.
  • Autonomy & AI Integration: Work closely with autonomy and software teams to integrate AI-driven flight control, decision-making, and mission execution capabilities.
  • Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE): Utilize SysML, DOORS, or other MBSE tools to create digital system models, conduct trade studies, and optimize system performance.
  • Risk Management & Trade Studies: Conduct trade studies to evaluate design alternatives, assess technical risks, and ensure the best engineering solutions for mission effectiveness.
  • Stakeholder & Customer Engagement: Work closely with DoD stakeholders, industry partners, and government agencies to align system capabilities with operational requirements.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with hardware, autonomy, software, propulsion, and flight operations teams to drive seamless system integration and rapid development cycles.

Required Qualifications:
  • 10+ years of experience in systems engineering for aerospace, defense, or autonomous aircraft systems.
  • Demonstrated experience defining system behavior logic and operational modes
  • Deep expertise in system architecture, avionics integration, and autonomy-driven flight systems.
  • Proficiency in MBSE, DOORS, SysML, CAMEO, or similar system modeling tools for complex systems design and analysis.
  • Experience with Group 4 or Group 5 UAS, military aircraft, or autonomous airborne platforms.
  • Strong background in flight testing, system integration, and performance validation.
  • Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, MIL-STDs, FAA airworthiness certification, and airborne system safety standards.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive complex projects to successful completion.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile development environment with shifting priorities.
  • Worked on developmental program from clean sheet to first flight
  • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience developing AI-driven autonomy for unmanned aircraft.
  • Expertise in ISR, EW, and advanced sensor integration for airborne platforms.
  • Familiarity with modular open system architectures (MOSA) and Government Reference Architectures (GRA) for defense applications.
  • Prior experience working with defense primes, DoD stakeholders, or government R&D programs.
  • Active Secret or Top Secret clearance (or ability to obtain one).

$170,000 - $250,000 a year
#LI-JM2
#LE
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.