Aviation Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities
We are seeking highly qualified Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across multiple levels (I-V) to support systems engineering, aviation, engineering, analytical, and technical programs within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or related federal initiatives. SMEs will apply advanced knowledge in systems engineering principles, methodologies, and lifecycle management to design, develop, integrate, and sustain complex systems that meet mission and organizational requirements.
SMEs will participate in multidisciplinary teams, utilizing systems thinking, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), simulation, laboratory testing, and analytical tools to ensure that system architectures, components, and interfaces function cohesively and effectively.
They will provide guidance in technical planning, requirements management, system integration, process improvement, and performance evaluation, supporting program success across all phases of the system lifecycle.
Required Qualifications
Key Responsibilities (All Levels)

• Apply advanced systems engineering principles to oversee the entire lifecycle of complex systems-from concept development and design to implementation, operation, and decommissioning.
• Analyze stakeholder needs and define system requirements, ensuring alignment with mission objectives, regulatory standards, and technical feasibility.
• Develop and manage system architectures, designs, and specifications, integrating hardware, software, processes, and people to achieve desired outcomes.
• Conduct systems analysis and technical trade studies to optimize system performance, cost, risk, and schedule.
• Employ systems engineering methodologies, including model-based systems engineering (MBSE), configuration management, requirements traceability, and risk management, to enhance system reliability, maintainability, and scalability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams-including engineers, project managers, analysts, designers, and customers-to translate user needs into system solutions and ensure alignment throughout development.
• Plan, execute, and oversee verification and validation (V&V) activities, including test planning, system simulation, and performance evaluation, to confirm system functionality and compliance with requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and assistance to engineering teams during system design, development, integration, and testing activities.
• Support technical planning and process improvement, leveraging systems engineering best practices to enhance program execution and organizational effectiveness.
• Document and review system requirements, designs, analyses, and test results, ensuring accuracy, traceability, and compliance with program and FAA standards.
• Assist in resolving complex technical issues and challenges, providing expert judgment to guide decision-making and risk mitigation.
• Mentor junior staff and provide training on systems engineering principles and tools, fostering professional growth and technical excellence within the organization.

Qualifications for all Levels:

• U.S. citizen or green card permanent resident (3+ years U.S. residency)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a FAA Suitability/Public Trust Clearance
• Experience with FAA and the environment.

Level I
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related field and 4+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent aviation-related experience with 6+ years.

D.C. Salary Range: $71,800 - $112,150
Level II
Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related field and 8+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent aviation-related experience with 12+ years.

D.C. Salary Range: $78,900 - $123,300
Level III
Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in engineering, science, or related field and 10+ years of experience; or Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of experience.

D.C. Salary Range: $95,500 - $149,200
Level IV
Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in engineering, science, or related field and 13+ years of experience; or Bachelor's degree with 17+ years of experience.

D.C. Salary Range: $127,100 - $198,575
Level V
Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree in psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, engineering, science, or related technical/analytical field and 10+ years of experience; or Master's degree with 12+ years, or Bachelor's degree with 17+ years of experience.

D.C. Salary Range: $153,800 - $240,350
Desired Qualifications
Desired Expertise

• Demonstrated experience in systems engineering, system design, integration, requirements management, and verification and validation.
• Proficiency with systems engineering tools and methodologies (e.g., Cameo/MagicDraw, DOORS, MATLAB/Simulink, SysML, MBSE frameworks).
• Strong understanding of system lifecycle management, configuration control, and technical risk assessment.
• Ability to coordinate across multidisciplinary teams and translate complex system concepts into actionable technical and programmatic decisions.
• Experience supporting federal or aviation-related programs preferred.

Level I

• Experience with technical problem-solving, system integration, or engineering team support in aviation-related programs.

Level II

• Demonstrated experience leading small technical teams, performing process improvement, and applying engineering/scientific tools to complex problems.

Level III

• Experience in advanced technical planning, integration of complex systems, and use of data analysis and test facilities for problem resolution.

Level IV

• Proven record of technical leadership, mentorship of junior SMEs, and contributions to program or organizational strategy.
• Experience with large-scale program integration, advanced modeling, simulation, or laboratory testing.

Level V

• Expertise in psychological, organizational, technical, or analytical domains applied to aviation, engineering, or large-scale program environments.

• Demonstrated leadership in multidisciplinary teams, system-of-systems problem solving, and organizational planning.
• Experience applying human factors, industrial/organizational psychology, or advanced analytics to improve performance, safety, and process outcomes.

**THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT ON AWARD AND POSITION AVAILABILITY**
Overview
Overview
Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI and Noblis MSD, take on some of the nation's toughest challenges, delivering advanced solutions to our customers' most critical missions. We bring together leading scientific, engineering, and management expertise in a culture grounded in objectivity and collaboration, ensuring our work creates lasting impact across federal missions.
We work with a broad range of government agencies in the defense, intelligence, and federal civilian sectors. Learn more and find opportunities at careers.noblis.org
Why Work at Noblis
At Noblis, we share a passion for excellence and innovation, and we create an environment where people can do meaningful work while maintaining the balance that keeps them energized and fulfilled. We seek out individuals with a natural curiosity and desire to collaborate and learn. We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we consistently seek exceptionally skilled, mission-driven professionals who care deeply about doing work that enriches lives and makes our nation safer.
Noblis has earned numerous workplace awards for our culture, our commitment to employee well-being, and our dedication to meaningful, impactful work. We also maintain a drug-free workplace.
Remote/hybrid status is subject to change based on Noblis and/or government requirements.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, pregnancy/childbirth and related medical conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us.
EEO is the Law | E-Verify | Right to Work
Total Rewards
At Noblis we recognize and reward your contributions, provide you with growth opportunities, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Benefits page on our Careers site.
Compensation at Noblis is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The projected compensation range for this position is based on full time status. For part time or on-call staff, compensation is proportionately adjusted based on hours worked. While monetary compensation is important, it's just one component of Noblis' total compensation package.
Posted Salary Range
USD $71,800.00 - USD $240,350.00 /Yr.