1

Airplane Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Airplane Engineer information

See salary details

$37

$58

$85

How much do airplane engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for airplane engineer in the United States is $58.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.43 and $71.15 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 does an Airplane Engineer do?

An Airplane Engineer, also known as an aerospace engineer, is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and overseeing the production of aircraft and related systems. They apply principles of aerodynamics, materials science, and structural analysis to ensure airplanes are safe, efficient, and meet regulatory standards. Airplane engineers may specialize in various areas, such as structural design, propulsion systems, avionics, or flight testing. Their work is critical in both the creation of new aircraft and the improvement or maintenance of existing models.

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.

More about Airplane Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Airplane Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Airplane Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Airplane Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Airplane Engineer jobs include:
Lead Design Engineer - Mechanical Flight Controls

Lead Design Engineer - Mechanical Flight Controls

Boeing

Seal Beach, CA

$114K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted yesterday


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 585 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 516 rated manufacturers


Job description

Lead Design Engineer - Mechanical Flight Controls

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) is seeking a Lead Design Engineer (Level 5) specializing in Mechanical Flight Controls to join our Out-of-Production (OoP) Mechanical (Mech) Systems Design Engineering (DE) team based in Seal Beach, CA.

This role is integral to our commitment to safety and compliance with FAA regulations. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of design principles, aircraft performance, and regulatory requirements, ensuring that our aircraft meet the highest safety standards.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Works with the OoP Chief Program Engineer (CPE) office as the Responsible Engineer on Continued Operational Safety Program (COSP) and Safety Related Problem (SRP) projects.

  • Supports to BCA Production, BGS Modifications, BGS Boeing Converted Freighter program and Engineering changes for OoP aircraft.

  • Supports BGS Spares (ELRs, SDTs and Interchangeabilities).

  • Provides design solutions to the Service Engineering team for BCS and other fleet issues with design solutions.

  • Willing and able to travel 10% of the time domestically and internationally.

General tasks:

  • Performs new detail design, as well as participate in troubleshooting and resolution of in-service issues. Support the development and documentation of Airplane components such as / gearboxes, cable system components, pilot controls (i.e. column, wheel, rudder pedals, switches, etc.), torque tubes, linkages, ball-screws, various sensor types, etc.,

  • Opportunities for mechanical engineering engagement in Flight Controls and Mechanical Systems include work in Primary Flight Controls (e.g. pilot controls, elevators, horizontal stabilizer, rudder, ailerons, and spoilers/speed-brakes), High Lift Systems (i.e. leading edge flaps or slats, and trailing edge flaps).

  • Works to ensure world-class Mechanical Systems by collaborating with other organizations such as Aerodynamics Performance and Stability & Control, Structures, Flight Deck Crew Operations, Pilots, Electrical Systems, Systems Stress, Customer Services & Airline Customers, Factory and Flight Line Operations, Supplier Management, Airplane Safety and many others.

  • Requirements definition, conducting various types of analysis, use of CAD/CAM systems such as CATIA, and math modeling with tools such as Simulink and EASY5.

  • Conducts or participates in design reviews as a SMEs, formulates path forward with findings and prepares technical presentations for executive review boards of potential safety items

  • Engages in supplier coordination, define verification methods such as component, system-level and airplane-level testing, and participate in that testing.

  • Participates in activities related to certification of Boeing products with regulatory agencies.

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options (Seal Beach, CA).

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement.

  • 14+ years of experience in related engineering roles (Mechanical Flight Controls within the aerospace industry, specifically in commercial airplane programs).

  • 5+ years of experience using CATIA V5, ENOVIA, and/or DELMIA.

  • 5+ years of experience with commercial aircraft program.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • 20+ years of experience in Mechanical Flight Controls or related engineering roles within the aerospace industry, specifically in commercial airplane programs with credentials to recognize candidate as a SME and industry expert.

  • Current Organization Designation Authorization Engineering Unit Member (ODA E-UM), Boeing Designated Expert (BDE), or designation by the FAA as a Designated Engineering Representative (DER).

  • Advanced degree in Engineering or a related field.

  • Good verbal and written communication skills.

  • Experience presenting to senior leadership.

  • Strong collaborative skills to deal with multiple team functions.

  • Experience reviewing/approving Service Bulletins.

  • Willingness to expand into technical areas without prior experience.

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process to all job descriptions moving forward.

Drug Free Workplace:
Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Union:

This is a non-union represented position.

Pay & Benefits:
At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage, and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range: $182,750 - $247,250

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

Safety Sensitive:

Security Clearance:

This position does not require a Security Clearance.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

Stay safe from recruitment fraud! The only way to apply for a position at Boeing is via our Careers website. Learn how to protect yourself from recruitment fraud - Recruitment Fraud Warning

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

EEO is the law

Boeing EEO Policy

Request an Accommodation

Applicant Privacy


Boeing Participates in E - Verify

  • E-Verify (English)
  • E-Verify (Spanish)

Right to Work Statement

  • Right to Work(English)
  • Right to Work(Spanish)

What Boeing employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom