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Airplane Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Ascent Aerospace

Project Manager

Macomb, MI · On-site

We work with our customers to develop their project and see it through, from process engineering to ... airplanes, helicopters, rockets) for major aircraft OEM's and their sub-tier suppliers. Typical ...

ascentaerospace

Project Manager

Macomb, MI · On-site

We work with our customers to develop their project and see it through, from process engineering to ... airplanes, helicopters, rockets) for major aircraft OEM's and their sub-tier suppliers. Typical ...

Intertek

Industry Relations Manager

Kentwood, MI · Remote

... engineering, operations, marketing) * Ability to travel at least 50% of the time, local and international travel * Physical dexterity/mobility to travel via car, airplane and perform all clerical ...

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All JobsAirplane Engineer JobsAirplane Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Airplane Engineer information

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$32

$50

$74

How much do airplane engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 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.

How much do airplane engineers earn?

Airplane engineers, also known as aircraft maintenance engineers or aviation mechanics, typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior or specialized engineers with additional certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in large or busy maintenance facilities.

How much money do airplane engineers make?

Airplane engineers, also known as aerospace or aircraft maintenance engineers, typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior engineers or those working in specialized fields can earn higher salaries, especially with additional licenses and skills in aircraft systems and troubleshooting.

What does an airplane engineer do?

An airplane engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft systems and components to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. They often work with technical drawings, use specialized tools, and require certifications such as an FAA license, working in maintenance or manufacturing environments. Their responsibilities include troubleshooting issues, performing inspections, and implementing repairs or upgrades.

What are popular job titles related to Airplane Engineer jobs in Michigan?

For Airplane Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Airplane Engineer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Airplane Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Airplane Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Airplane Engineer job openings:

Airplane Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airplane Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,538 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Head of Finance - Civilian and Defense Operations

Orb Aerospace

Lowell, MI

$80K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

US Citizen or Permanent Resident 
In-Person 
Starts Immediately 
 
Join us in building the Worlds's Humanitarian Air Force. Orb is turning autonomous aircraft into infrastructure. We're 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 needs a key player to assist on the operations side of finance, DoD contracts, partner relations, customer engagement and more. Scale a hardware business with us and learn to run a business with a world class team from the inside out.  
 
If you're ready to take ownership, embrace complexity, and thrive in a role where your work truly matters, we'd love to hear from you.
 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Financial Leadership & Strategy
  • Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and cash-flow management.
  • Develop long-term financial models to support growth strategy, capital planning, and program execution.
  • Partner with the CEO and CFO on runway management, capital allocation, and board/investor communications.
  • Support fundraising activities including diligence materials, financial models, and investor reporting.
 
  • Accounting, Reporting & Compliance
  • Oversee accounting operations, financial close, and GAAP-compliant reporting.
  • Manage external accounting firms, auditors, and tax advisors.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable regulations (e.g., government cost allowability, audit readiness, internal controls).
 
  • Contracts & Commercial Management
  • Own the full contract lifecycle including review, negotiation, execution, and administration.
  • Support commercial, government, and strategic partnership contracts (e.g., NDAs, MSAs, SOWs, purchase orders, and government-funded agreements).
  • Partner with business development and legal counsel to evaluate contract terms, financial exposure, and risk.
  • Track contract performance, milestones, invoicing, and revenue recognition.
  • Ensure alignment between contract obligations and financial forecasts.
 
  • Operational Finance & Program Support
  • Establish systems and processes for purchasing, vendor management, and program cost tracking.
  • Monitor program margins, cost performance, and contract profitability.
  • Support pricing strategy and proposal development for new customer and government opportunities.
 
  • Team & Infrastructure Building
  • Build scalable finance and contracts processes as the company grows.
  • Hire and mentor finance and contracts team members over time.
  • Implement financial systems and tools appropriate for a regulated aerospace environment.
  • Represent the Orb brand, service to others through aviation, to customers and stakeholders.  
What You'll Need:
  • Resilience, critical thinking, communication and a commitment to transparency.   
  • Exceptional organizational and project management abilities with a focus on execution. 
  • Advanced in Microsoft suite
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Secret Security Clearance. 
  • A genuine curiosity and desire for continuous learning and professional growth. 
  • Unwavering integrity and a commitment to serving others with empathy and purpose. 
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a knack for translating ideas into action.
$80,000 - $135,000 a year
+ Additional options and incentives
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'vebeen a rocket/airplane nerdand 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.
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