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Airplane Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management or Business * Minimum of two (2) years ... Some travel by car and/or airplane may be required Work Environment Office: Quiet with some ambient ...

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management or Business * Minimum of two (2) years ... Some travel by car and/or airplane may be required Work Environment Office: Quiet with some ambient ...

The position serves as a technical authority and strategic partner across data engineering ... Ability and willingness to travel by car or airplane for meetings, conferences, or other business ...

The position serves as a technical authority and strategic partner across data engineering ... Ability and willingness to travel by car or airplane for meetings, conferences, or other business ...

... engineering, manufacturing, and installation to clients operating highly utilized, mission-critical ... Overnight Travel 40% to 60% by vehicle or airplane. Skills/Knowledge/Abilities: * Minimum 5 years ...

... engineering, manufacturing, and installation to clients operating highly utilized, mission-critical ... Overnight Travel 40% to 60% by vehicle or airplane. Skills/Knowledge/Abilities: * Minimum 5 years ...

We provide turnkey engineering and construction services designed to reduce our clients' energy and ... Significant amount (up to 50%) of local travel via car and some national travel via airplane is ...

We provide turnkey engineering and construction services designed to reduce our clients' energy and ... Significant amount (up to 50%) of local travel via car and some national travel via airplane is ...

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Airplane Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$32

$50

$74

How much do airplane engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for airplane engineer in Michigan is $50.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.62 and $62.02 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 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 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 cities in Michigan are hiring for Airplane Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Airplane Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Airplane Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,538 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Autonomous Resilient Communications (Embedded Robotics / Tactical Communications) Product Lead

Orb Aerospace

Lowell, MI • On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

US Citizen or Permanent Resident
In-Person
Starts Immediately
90-150K Base+ Options and Incentives
Join us in reindustrializing the Midwest and turning autonomous aircraft into on-demand infrastructure. Orb is a small mission-driven team where your initiative, creativity, and dedication will be used to reach every village on the planet with power, logistics, and communications.
Your Role at Orb:
Orb is building a rapidly deployable, on demand communications capability that's interoperable with autonomous platforms, sensors, and across agency lines. Orb Autonomous Resilient Communications provides Resilient Communications for every vehicle, vessel, aircraft, and facility. This global network will be the foundation for Orb aircraft and anyone else who needs resilience and interoperability.
Key Responsibilities
  • Product Lead: Development, Integration, Sales, Training, and Support of ARC Edge Products and Orb autonomous aircraft.
  • Product Engineering: Architect and update RF, Electrical, IT, and computer systems in a low SWAP setting.
  • Design, build, and test kits designed to be affordable, high-performance, universal comms.
  • Oversee product manufacturing and distribution. Integration: Support integration and interoperability between legacy C2 Networks and emerging Autonomous platforms & Sensors
  • Field Operations: capture operational limitations and direct hardware/software improvements during training, demonstration, and deployment
  • Partnership: Support Customer Service for ARC Edge products and interoperability with partner technologies to improve resilience, interoperability, and security of ARC Edge
  • Hire, organize, and deploy teams of operators on an annual basis.

Desired Skills and Qualifications:
  • Cracked embedded / electrical / network engineer who wants to build flying robots and deploy to the world's most remote places.
  • Proficient in C, Python and prefferably rust.
  • Background in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, with demonstrated experience with tactical communications, RF integration with remote/autonomous systems.
  • Demonstrated history of operating and improving tactical-level or platform-integrated communications capability.
  • Strong Understanding of communications system integration, signature management, and network security associated with remote/autonomous platforms operating on DoW networks.
  • Understanding and applying Software Defined Radio, Mesh, LPI/LPD/LPE, and SWaP concepts to accomplish missions in a contested environment.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple critical projects in a dynamic environment.
  • Willingness to take on additional duties as required.
  • Existing or prior DoW security clearance preferred.

$90,000 - $150,000 a year
+ Options and Incentives
If you're ready to build products that stand in the gap, and catalyze the good guys. We invite you to apply.
About Orb Aerospace: Orb was started with the mission to bring aviation to the 80% of the world that's never had it; turning autonomous aircraft into tools to decentralize infrastructure, connect continents, protect soldiers, provide for families, and run economies."Less like the flying taxis, more like the flying cowboys," Orb is at the intersection of manned and unmanned aviation, reindustrializing the Midwest, and building the- future we know is possible and want to live in.
About Node One: Node One is a small team of engineers and operators who have dedicated their lives to solving some of the world's hardest problems through a new kind of aviation - Orb's live-work-fly R&D HQ. Node One is all about reducing the cycle time to design, build, and fly aircraft from years to months and building the systems and platforms we'll use to reach every village on the planet.
We stand on the shoulders of giants. Their great work allows us to accomplish ours. If you've been a rocket/airplane nerd and have a passion for designing, building, and flying airframes, autopilots, power systems, and embedded systems, or you love to push a new product through new manufacturing methods to a new market, come join the team at Node One and make history.
Orb Employees Are:
High Agency and Biased Towards Action
Have a History of Self-Starting, Pacing, and Finishing Projects
Thrive with Autonomy to Design New Solutions to Partially Defined Problems
Are Curious and Continue Learning
Have Integrity and a Desire to Serve Others
Standard Benefits Package:
Orb provides a monthly flat rate towards medical, dental, and vision
$500 flat rate for individuals; $850 flat rate for married/family
Medical, Vision, Dental, Short/Long Term Disability, and Group/Voluntary Life Insurance
Opt-In 401K Options (Pre-Tax or Roth) with a 3% Employer Match
Perks:
Support in Getting your Pilots License and Ratings
Support for Continuing Education
Annual Customer Demos all over the World
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.