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Aviation Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Civil Engineer (PE) - Aviation

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$87K - $115K/yr

Civil Engineer (PE) - Aviation Department: Transportation Employment Type: Full Time Location: Richmond, VA Compensation: $87,500 - $115,000 / year Description Talbert, Bright & Ellington, LLC. (TBE ...

TBE is seeking a Civil Engineer (PE) - Aviation to manage, lead, and perform civil engineering design for airport-related projects. The ideal candidate will have technical expertise in the design of ...

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Aviation Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$66.4K

$88K

$96.7K

How much do aviation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for aviation engineer in Virginia is $87,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,300.00 and $92,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an aviation engineer do?

As an aviation engineer, your responsibilities involve the design, development, testing, and maintenance of aircraft. You may work on flight systems, mechanical elements within the plane, airspace navigation systems, wing or body materials, or other aspects of airplanes or aviation. Your duties include testing the designs or developments that you create and making adjustments or corrections before assembly of the aircraft.

What are some common challenges faced by aviation engineers when working on new aircraft designs?

Aviation engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing safety, weight, and performance requirements when developing new aircraft designs. They must ensure that innovative solutions comply with strict regulatory standards while also meeting the demands for fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability. Additionally, aviation engineers collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including aerodynamicists, materials scientists, and manufacturing specialists, to address technical issues and integrate complex systems effectively. Managing timelines and budget constraints while maintaining high-quality standards is also a frequent aspect of the role.

What is the difference between Aviation Engineer vs Aerospace Technician?

AspectAviation EngineerAerospace Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, certificationsAssociate's degree or technical certification in aerospace technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test aircraft systems, often in offices or labsInspect, maintain, and repair aircraft, primarily in hangars or on the tarmac
Employer & IndustryAircraft manufacturers, airlines, defense contractorsAirlines, maintenance facilities, aerospace companies

In summary, Aviation Engineers focus on designing and developing aircraft systems, requiring higher education and engineering certifications. Aerospace Technicians primarily handle maintenance and repairs, working hands-on with aircraft. Both roles are essential in the aviation industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

Are aviation engineers in demand?

Aviation engineers are in demand due to ongoing advancements in aircraft technology and the need for maintenance, design, and safety improvements. The industry requires skilled professionals with knowledge of aerodynamics, materials, and engineering tools, and employment opportunities are expected to grow as air travel expands globally.

Do aviation engineers make a lot of money?

Aviation engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and specialization. According to industry data, the median annual wage for aerospace engineers was around $120,000, with higher earnings possible for those with advanced skills or managerial roles. Certifications and working in high-demand sectors can also influence earning potential.

How much do aviation engineers get paid?

Aviation engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, location, and specialization. Senior engineers or those working in high-demand areas can earn higher salaries, and certifications such as FAA licenses can influence compensation. The job often involves working in technical environments with a focus on aircraft design, maintenance, and safety standards.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Aviation Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Aviation Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Aviation Engineer jobs in VA?

For Aviation Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aviation Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,961 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Aviation Warfare Systems Engineer

KMS Solutions, LLC

Virginia Beach, VA โ€ข On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Aviation Warfare Systems Engineer


Company Overview:

KMS Solutions, LLC is a technical management / solutions company that specializes in engineering, analysis, and cyber security. Founded in 2005, KMS is a certified small business with nearly two decades of experience supporting the Department of Defense as well as many other departments and programs critical to our Nation’s security and well-being.


KMS is a three-time winner of the USA Today Top Workplaces recognizing quality workplace cultures across the United States who put their employees first. Additionally, we have received multiple Regional Top Workplace awards and Culture Excellence Awards for Compensation & Benefits, Innovation, Leadership, Purpose & Values and Work-Life Flexibility.


Position Summary

This position is in the PAE Maritime Carrier Engineering Team. The duty station will be on-site at the Tidewater area of Virginia. This position serves as an Aviation Warfare Systems Engineer, reporting to the Aviation Systems Engineering Manager (SEM), supporting the New Construction Aircraft Carrier Ship Design Managers (SDMs) and their Deputies.


Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

  • Provide technical support and assess risk for technical decisions for Ford Class SDMs and Aviation SEM.
  • Lead the Aviation Installation Coordination Team (ICT), serve as a member of the Warfare Systems ICT (WSICT) and provide communication and coordination between NAVAIR PARMS, SUPSHIP Newport News and the shipbuilder to resolve Aviation Warfare Systems technical matters.
  • Ensure components of Aviation Warfare System hardware and software configurations are properly installed and tested to support a successful delivery of the ship IAW the contract and any contract changes that occur through PSA. All ship integration issues discovered during installation and test in the Warfare System will be rapidly addressed by the ICT or a set of sub-teams within the ICT.
  • Identify technical issues to PARMs/ISEAs/SMEs and across SYSCOMs for resolution of installation, integration and test issues identified by the Joint Test Group (JTG).
  • Support an integrated test program through Obligation Work Limiting Date (OWLD).
  • Maximize “early” systems assessment and evaluation testing of the C5I T&E program in new construction.
  • Leverage test objectives wherever possible through the inclusion of post ship delivery test program managers.
  • Incorporate the ‘best practices’ from past programs to ensure the best possible approach.
  • Establish a forum for the government team and shipbuilder to coordinate the most effective plan to provide the correct resources (products and services) on time to support installation and test of the Warfare System that will support the Program Office’s cost and schedule requirements.
  • Assist in resolution of GFE/GFI questions identified during installation and test by the shipbuilder and SUPSHIPNN before or while executing the contract in a timely fashion.
  • Identify and coordinate government resources to support the test program.


Required Education and Experience

  • Possess an active or current Secret clearance.
  • Bachelor’s degree or former US Navy aviation LDO/CWO/CPO.
  • A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
  • Experience with USN Aviation Warfare Systems aboard aircraft carriers or large deck amphibious ships; OR
  • Worked with or at a shipyard, Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC), Supervisor of Shipbuilding Command (SUPSHIP), Regional Maintenance Center (RMC), and/or Type Commander (TYCOM) or similar organizations supporting construction, operation, maintenance, modernization, and/or repair of shipboard aviation warfare equipment.


Preferred Education and Experience

  • Experience working with NAVAIR and NAVSEA.
  • Experience working on CVN 78 and/or CVN 79.

Competencies

  • Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, to all levels of customer and company leadership including the ability to brief technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Capable of effectively working and problem solving in both independent and team environments.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
  • Thoroughness and attention to detail.


Additional Eligibility Requirements


Work Authorization/Security Clearance Requirement

  • This position requires the ability to obtain and/or maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens.
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout employment.


Other Duties:

Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.


Supervisory Responsibility:

  • None


Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time. Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs.


Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

The typical workday is eight hours in length. Some flexibility in hours is allowed, with concurrence from the supervisor. Attendance at mandatory meetings is required. Must be available during the core work hours as determined by the contract/location and must account for the required number of hours in a pay period to maintain Full-time status.


Telework:

  • Telework may be allowed up to 40%.
  • Subject to change based on business needs and customer requirements.


Travel:

  • Ability to travel CONUS; potential to travel OCONUS.
  • Travel up to 10% may be required.


Benefits and Additional Compensation:

KMS offers a competitive benefits packaging including medical, dental and vision insurances, flexible spending account, PTO, paid holidays, military leave, bereavement leave, 401k / retirement savings plan, professional development and tuition reimbursement, basic and voluntary life insurance / AD&D, short-term and long-term disability, voluntary AFLAC supplemental insurance products and employee assistance plan (EAP) program. Additionally, KMS offers employee referral bonuses and a discretionary annual bonus.


AAP/EEO Statement:

KMS Solutions is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and maintains an Affirmative Action Program. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws. Applicants or employees needing a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources.


KMS Solutions is a drug free workplace.


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