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Airplane Engineer Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Lead Interiors Engineer

Georgetown, DE · On-site

$94K - $124K/yr

At ALOFT AeroArchitects, we seek talented professionals in airplane maintenance, modification, and ... The Interiors Engineering Lead serves as the technical authority for cabin interior systems ...

Accomplish planned work in accordance with engineering drawings, manufacturer's specifications, Company Process Standards and Airplane Manuals. * Document all aircraft related actions in accordance ...

Avionics Technician

Georgetown, DE · On-site

$26.50 - $34.75/hr

Accomplish tasks using work methods and procedures, strictly in accordance with engineering drawings, manufacturer's specifications, Company Process Standards and Airplane Maintenance Manuals. * Read ...

Machinist

Georgetown, DE · On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

At ALOFT AeroArchitects, we're not just about working on airplanes; we're about crafting client ... Read and interpret sketches, engineering drawings, manuals, specifications, or sample part to ...

Accomplish tasks using work methods and procedures, strictly in accordance with engineering drawings, manufacturer's specifications, Process Standards and Airplane Maintenance Manuals. * Read ...

At ALOFT AeroArchitects, we seek talented professionals in airplane maintenance, modification, and ... Conduct make-versus-buy analysis in collaboration with Engineering and Production to support cost ...

At ALOFT AeroArchitects, we seek talented professionals in airplane maintenance, modification, and ... engineering drawings, Service Bulletins (SB), Airworthiness Directives (AD), Service Letters (SL ...

Tank Assembly Mechanic

Georgetown, DE · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

At ALOFT AeroArchitects, we seek talented professionals in airplane maintenance, modification, and ... Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex engineering drawings. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES ...

Electrical Assembler

Georgetown, DE · On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

At ALOFT AeroArchitects, we seek talented professionals in airplane maintenance, modification, and ... Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex engineering prints. * Knowledge of schematics ...

Airplane Engineer information

See Delaware salary details

$37

$58

$85

How much do airplane engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for airplane engineer in Delaware is $58.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.48 and $71.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges an Airplane Engineer faces when working on new aircraft designs?

Airplane Engineers often face the challenge of balancing innovative design with strict safety and regulatory standards. They must collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams—including aerodynamicists, materials specialists, and regulatory bodies—to ensure that every component meets performance, efficiency, and compliance requirements. Managing tight project timelines while troubleshooting unforeseen technical issues is common, and effective communication is crucial to coordinate changes and maintain project momentum. Staying up-to-date with advances in aviation technology also plays a key role in overcoming these challenges and delivering successful aircraft designs.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior aerospace engineers, including airplane engineers involved in aircraft design, development, and maintenance, can earn $300,000 or more annually with extensive experience, specialized skills, and often in leadership roles. High salaries are typically found in the aerospace industry, especially for those working on complex projects or in managerial positions, and may require advanced certifications and a strong technical background.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Airplane Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Airplane Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering principles, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and sometimes a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and industry standards such as FAA regulations is crucial in this role. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure the safe, innovative, and efficient design, maintenance, and improvement of aircraft systems.

What does an airplane engineer do?

An airplane engineer designs, maintains, and repairs aircraft systems and components to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. They often work with tools, diagnostic equipment, and follow technical manuals, requiring certifications such as an FAA Airframe and Powerplant license. Their work environment includes hangars, maintenance facilities, and aircraft testing areas.

How much does a plane engineer earn?

Aircraft engineers, also known as airplane or aeronautical engineers, typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of the aircraft, employer, and whether the engineer works in maintenance, design, or testing environments.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced aerospace or aircraft engineers, especially those in senior leadership roles or working for major aerospace companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually. Such compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, and typically requires advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience.

What is the difference between Airplane Engineer vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectAirplane EngineerAircraft Maintenance Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications like EASA Part-66 or FAA A&PFAA A&P certification or equivalent
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of aircraft systemsInspection, repair, and maintenance of aircraft
Employer & IndustryAircraft manufacturers, airlines, defense contractorsAirlines, maintenance facilities, repair stations

While both roles involve aircraft, Airplane Engineers focus on designing and developing aircraft systems, whereas Aircraft Maintenance Technicians perform inspections and repairs to ensure safety and compliance. Both require relevant certifications and work closely within the aviation industry, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Airplane Engineer jobs in Delaware? For Airplane Engineer jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Airplane Engineer jobs in Delaware look for? The top searched job categories for Airplane Engineer jobs in Delaware are:
Infographic showing various Airplane Engineer job openings in Delaware 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 $121,190 per year, or $58.3 per hour.
Lead Interiors Engineer

Lead Interiors Engineer

ALOFT AeroArchitects

Georgetown, DE • On-site

$94K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


ALOFT AeroArchitects rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 71 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Join the High-Flying Team at ALOFT AeroArchitects!

Ready to elevate your career? At ALOFT AeroArchitects, we seek talented professionals in airplane maintenance, modification, and completion. We craft exceptional client experiences by pushing the boundaries of luxury, performance, and safety.

Join our crew! If you're looking for a career where you can make a real impact and work on cutting-edge and luxury aircraft, look no further. Join us at ALOFT AeroArchitects and let's take aviation to new heights!

SUMMARY

This position manages and supports the Interiors Engineering activities required for the design, installation, substantiation, integration, and FAA certification of aircraft interior completion projects. The Interiors Engineering Lead serves as the technical authority for cabin interior systems including monuments, furnishings, seating, lighting, cabin layouts, and associated structural and systems integration. The employee in this role leads a collaborative engineering team, provides liaison engineering support during aircraft completion activities, and manages multiple projects under minimal supervision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead and manage all aspects of aircraft interior completion engineering projects, including scope, schedule, cost, technical performance, certification compliance, and resource allocation.
  • Serve as the technical authority for aircraft interior systems including monuments, galleys, lavatories, partitions, seating systems, cabinetry, upholstery, soft goods, and cabin furnishings.
  • Serve as subject matter expert for integration of aircraft systems into cabin interior furnishings and liner systems.
  • Oversee development and approval of engineering deliverables including drawings, compliance reports, substantiation reports, engineering orders, and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA).
  • Develop, maintain, and execute comprehensive project plans that define engineering schedules, resource allocations, certification milestones, budget objectives, and recovery strategies to address schedule deviations, budget impacts, and unforeseen program challenges.
  • Support cross-functional engineering activities involving Interiors, Electrical, Mechanical, Stress, Certification, Manufacturing, and Program Management teams.
  • Manage technical interfaces with suppliers and subcontractors, ensuring deliverables meet project requirements, quality standards, certification objectives, and schedule commitments.
  • Manage and ensure execution of strategic goals; continually and actively seek opportunities to drive continuous improvement and business excellence.
  • Integrate technical, safety, regulatory, customer, manufacturing, and cost considerations into aircraft interior designs.
  • Identify project risks and opportunities; anticipate and resolve complex technical and programmatic issues in a creative and effective manner.
  • Lead the presentation and review of interior design solutions during customer and internal design reviews, including Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), Critical Design Reviews (CDR), Certification Reviews, and Production Reviews.
  • Implement and maintain engineering objectives and initiatives.
  • Effectively delegate tasking to ensure tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.
  • Lead development of compliance data packages supporting FAA requirements for:
  • Flammability compliance
  • Heat release and smoke density requirements
  • Direct view compliance
  • Occupant safety
  • Emergency egress
  • Head Injury Criteria (HIC)
  • Dynamic seating requirements
  • Structural substantiation of monuments and furnishings
  • Cabin safety and systems integration
  • Support the coordination between engineering representatives and subject FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) and ODA Unit Members.
  • Support Sales and Business Development teams in proposal preparation, project estimation, customer presentations, and technical evaluations.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain standardized processes and procedures that improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and overall performance of Interiors Engineering operations.
  • Provide technical and functional leadership to the Interiors Engineering team, including mentoring, coaching, performance management, competency development, and workforce planning.
  • Ensure that engineering efforts are carried out in compliance with accepted engineering standards or practices, regulatory standards, department standards and company procedures.
  • Coordinate support from external engineering partners by developing requests for quotation (RFQs), soliciting and evaluating proposals, negotiating terms, managing assigned work scopes, and ensuring deliverables are completed in accordance with project schedules.
  • Ensure personnel training requirements are complied with in a timely manner; improve training where practical to upgrade skills of existing personnel.
  • Perform regular reviews of employees and set yearly department and individual goals.
  • Maintain and record accurate time accounting records in CIMA; verify subordinates’ reporting.
  • Complete initial / recurrent training requirements in a timely manner.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead, manage and directly supervise all assigned staff members.
  • Manage and coordinate the work plan for the assigned staff; set departmental goals; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor workflow; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
  • Be accountable for departmental labor budgets and the activities, workflow, work schedules, attendance, and compliance with safety standards and policies for all assigned staff.
  • Participate in candidate selection; provide training, motivation and evaluation of assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; review work output; coach employees to correct deficiencies; promote career development; initiate disciplinary and termination procedures.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The individual employed in this position is expected to dress appropriately (determined by area in which their work is performed), report to work on time, have excellent work habits, and have a cooperative and positive attitude in the work setting; exhibits respect and professionalism when interacting with customers, and all employees; must adhere to company policies, procedures and safety standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or similar from four-year college or university or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 8-12 years practical work experience in a directly related job role.
  • Minimum 5 years supporting aircraft interior completion programs, aircraft modifications, or Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) development.
  • Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams supporting VIP, VVIP, or business aircraft completion programs.
  • Extensive knowledge of aircraft interior systems, monument design, seating installations, cabin layouts, and interior integration.
  • Experience with FAA certification processes and regulations applicable to transport-category aircraft.
  • Ability to build positive relationships and to maintain cross-functional partnerships.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Effective analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Effective computer skills; Microsoft Office software and other company and discipline specific software applications.
  • Experience with Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, and SolidWorks CAD systems preferred.
  • Must be detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task.
  • Ability and willingness to work extended hours, when needed.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

  • Read, write and understand the English language.
  • Ability to read, write, analyze and interpret complex contracts, legal documents, technical documents, engineering drawings, regulations, procedures and manuals.
  • Write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
  • Effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients or customers.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

  • FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) designation preferred.
  • Ability to obtain DER authority in applicable technical disciplines preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Standard safety precautions are required in all areas where hazardous conditions exist.

TRAVEL

  • Occasional travel may be required; the employee filling this position must be willing to travel on short notice and possibly for extended periods.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The following work environment and characteristics described are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

  • Standard office environment.
  • Occasional exposure to noise, smells, dust and fumes typically associated in an industrial manufacturing / aviation environment.
  • Occasional, general proximity to several industrial hazards including electrical, mechanical and chemical.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All employees have a responsibility to cooperate in promoting and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and to encourage the health and safety of all other team members.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and is subject to change as needed.



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