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Airplane Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Carter Machinery

CONTROL SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Mechanicsville, VA · On-site

$79K - $101K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Control Systems Engineer Location: Richmond, Virginia Starting Compensation Range: $79,000 - $101 ... Frequent travel is required - overnight or out town via car or airplane * Promote a positive ...

Carter Machinery

CONTROL SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Mechanicsville, VA

$79K - $101K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Control Systems Engineer Location: Richmond, Virginia Starting Compensation Range: $79,000 - $101 ... Frequent travel is required - overnight or out town via car or airplane * Promote a positive ...

Aery Aviation LLC

King Air 350 SIC

Newport News, VA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Possess a valid FAA Commercial Airplane and Airplane Airman Certificate. * Multiengine Land and ... engineering, certification, and production associated with aircraft modifications. Our team has ...

Aery Aviation LLC

King Air 350 PIC (AUS)

Newport News, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Possess a valid FAA Commercial Airplane and Airplane Airman Certificate. * Multiengine Land and ... engineering, certification, and production associated with aircraft modifications. Our team has ...

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All JobsAirplane Engineer JobsAirplane Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Airplane Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$36

$57

$84

How much do airplane engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for airplane engineer in Virginia is $57.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.05 and $70.53 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Airplane Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Airplane Engineer job openings:

Airplane Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airplane Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,047 per year, or $57.7 per hour.

Multi-Disciplinary Engineer

Estes Aerospace

Vienna, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

At a startup, roles can change quickly. Want to apply, but don't see a job that's quite the right fit for your skills? Apply to this one! We're always looking for enthusiastic and talented individuals to join the team.
What You'll Do
  • Design, build, analyze, and fly rockets and airplanes
  • Have fun doing it
What We're Looking For
  • Makers, builders, rocketeers, engineers, and creative people to solve the hardest problems in aerospace.

Estes Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and verification of information provided by the applicant. Background checks are conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, and criminal history will be considered only to the extent relevant to the position and permitted by law.

This position is subject to ITAR requirements and can only be filled by individuals who are U.S. Persons, as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, 22 C.F.R. § 120.62

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