1

Airplane Engineer Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

... an airplane with the low operating costs of a boat. Capable of 180 miles at 180 mph on today ... Role Overview As a Lead Vehicle Test Engineer, you'll own the planning and execution of REGENT ...

Senior Manager, Structures

North Kingstown, RI · On-site

$97K - $132K/yr

... an airplane with the low operating costs of a boat. Capable of 180 miles at 180 mph on today ... You'll join an existing team of capable engineers and become their functional home: setting ...

Electromechanical Techinican

North Kingstown, RI · On-site

$24 - $30.50/hr

... an airplane with the low operating costs of a boat. Capable of 180 miles at 180 mph on today ... Backed by leading investors and powered by a team of passionate, forward-thinking engineers ...

Posted today

next page

Showing results 1-20

Airplane Engineer information

See Rhode Island salary details

$36

$57

$83

How much do airplane engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for airplane engineer in Rhode Island is $57.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.47 and $69.66 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 Rhode Island?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Airplane Engineer job openings in Rhode Island 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 $118,581 per year, or $57 per hour.

Senior Fire Protection Engineer II

Summit Fire & Security

Providence, RI

$100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Summit Fire & Security rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 117 rated security


Job description

This position will be responsible for providing professional engineering services and direction of teams for projects involving building and facility fire protection planning, building and fire code consulting, sprinkler/suppression system design, fire alarm system design, fire risk analysis, hazardous materials assessment, and performance-based fire engineering both locally and nationally.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 

Engineering Consulting Functions: 

  • Technical quality control and assurance of work performed by engineering/consulting staff on projects.
  • Design and evaluation of fire suppression, fire alarm and smoke control systems, analysis of fire-rated separations, means of egress, and other fire life safety features in buildings.
  • Building code consulting and fire code consulting for the construction industry.
  • Classification and evaluation of hazardous materials.
  • Fire and explosion hazard analysis.
  • Performance based fire analysis and design.
  • Report writing and documentation.
  • On-site inspections and observations.
  • Review, approve, and affix PE seal to engineering drawings to certify compliance with regulations and industry standards.
  • Prepare and manage project budgets and scope, achieving planned gross margins and EBITDA.
  • Generate project revenue for three engineers/consultants from new client development, new project generation and existing client development.
  • Manage resources and staff on individual projects, including assistance with job set-up, monitoring of profitability and billings.
  • Establish relationships with the authorities having jurisdiction to assist our customers in presenting fire protection approaches to the authorities and achieving the desired results.
  • Participation in business development activities including development and tracking proposals.
  • Present Company qualifications to new and existing customers, with the intent of establishing clientele in the selected markets.
  • Collaboration with Summit Fire National Consulting team on larger projects and national accounts.
  • Assist Summit fire protection contracting business by performing analyses, calculations, code and standard reviews and other functions in support of design/build opportunities.
  • Attendance at regional conferences to promote the capabilities of the Summit Companies, including the preparation and presentation of selected papers and speeches at these conferences.
  • Participation in industry and professional organizations.
  • Other duties may be assigned.
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, preferably Fire Protection Engineering or Fire Protection Engineering Technology, required. 
  • Professional Engineering License, preferably in Fire Protection Engineering, required.
  • Current NCEES profile.
  • Current NFPA and SFPE memberships, preferred

Project and Growth Functions:

QUALIFICATIONS:

The qualifications listed below are representative of the elements required to perform the job successfully; however, in some cases, an equivalent combination of Education, Training, Certifications and Experience may meet the job qualifications. 

Education, Training, Certifications: 

Experience, Knowledge, Skill Requirements:

  • 15+ years of Experience in building code consulting, design of fire suppression and alarm systems, and fire protection engineering analysis, strongly preferred.
  • Experience in building code consulting, design of fire suppression and alarm systems, and fire protection engineering analysis.
  • Prior experience in preparing and managing project budgets of $100,000 USD and greater, and multi-phased projects, strongly preferred.
  • Experience on NFPA technical or SFPE technical committees preferred.

Communication Skills:

  • Must have the ability to effectively read, write and communicate in English with employees, customers.

Systems and Software Skills:

  • Ability to operate a computer and use Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint), required. 
  • Experience with computer hydraulic calculations, fire and smoke simulation, egress and pedestrian movement models or suppression system design programs, preferred
  • Bluebeam and AutoCAD or REVIT experience, preferred

Other Qualifications: 

  • Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record required. 
  • Must be able to comply with the Companies Drug and Alcohol policy and Background screening requirements, which may also include customer specific requirements based on contractual agreement.

PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job duties.

Physical Requirements: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand for long periods.  Employee will occasionally be required to fly in a passenger airplane, drive, bend, kneel, balance, lift <20lb, walk, stand, ascend/descend stairs, reach above and below shoulders, stoop, and twist.  Up to 50% travel may be required. 

Work Environment:

Employee will consistently be required to work indoors in an office or remote setting, work alone and with others. Employees will occasionally be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, as required by company safety policies. 

 

We are fully committed to equal opportunities for employment to all individuals regardless of race, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, and any other classification protected under the law. We are an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer.

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position, management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.

#LI-JC1

Are you interested in working for the nation's leading fire protection company and beginning a rewarding and satisfying career that helps save the lives of thousands each year? Do you want to be a part of a growing and expanding team of industry experts? If so, exploring career opportunities with Summit Fire National Consulting may be right for you!  

Summit Fire National Consulting, a subsidiary of SFP Holding, Inc. (Summit Companies), is a full-service company for active and passive fire detection, suppression, and security with a full suite of national capabilities that includes fire protection engineering and consulting, and fire protection system design, installation, testing, inspections, and maintenance. We serve customers across many verticals on a national scale. We're proud of our well-deserved reputation for quality work that's completed by our talented workforce at local branches.  Summit Fire National Consulting is a dynamic organization with endless growth opportunities spanning over 90 locations with coverage in all 50 states. 

Our company is consistently recognized for service excellence in the fire protection industry. Summit Fire National Consulting supports trade skills and workforce development.  Many members of our leadership team serve on NFPA code compliance committees, regional safety boards, and support technical education in local schools. Summit Fire National Consulting supports employees in their professional development by offering continued development, training, and education by encouraging NICET and other career-advancing certifications. We continually strive to be the Employer of Choice for highly motivated team members who want to succeed in a high-growth environment. We encourage initiative, independence, diversity, and personal career growth. 

Demonstrating the combination of experience, knowledge, and customer service is the key to our performance and helps us achieve our goal of providing the highest quality fire protection services possible to protect lives and property.

Benefits

Summit Fire National Consulting offers extensive training opportunities, career advancement, competitive pay, bonus opportunities, along with an industry leading and affordable benefits package for eligible employees. Our benefits package includes:
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance 
  • 401(k) Plan with Company Match 
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Long-Term Disability - Employer Paid
  • Short-Term Disability - Employer Paid
  • Additional Voluntary Ancillary Benefits such as Accident and Hospital Indemnity 
  • Life Insurance for Team Members and Dependents
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Referral Program
Our Core Values

PIPE
  • We are PASSIONATE about life safety
  • We have INTEGRITY (Do the right thing)
  • We work in PARTNERSHIP with our customers and community
  • We constantly strive for OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE (Do things right)

Summit Fire National Consulting participates in E-Verify & in alignment with our commitment to safety, we promote a drug-free workplace. Summit Fire National Consulting is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.  

What Summit Fire & Security employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom