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Aviation Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Summary This is a full-time, regular position to assist with comprehensive airport related engineering and design of airport improvement projects and other airport and aviation related projects such ...

Summary This is a full-time, regular position to assist with comprehensive airport related engineering and design of airport improvement projects and other airport and aviation related projects such ...

Aviation Civil Engineer

Seatac, WA ยท On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking an Aviation Engineer for our SeaTac office to support airport infrastructure projects in the Northwest Mountain region and across the U.S. More specifically, we have ...

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Aviation Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$76.2K

$101K

$111K

How much do aviation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for aviation engineer in Seattle, WA is $100,966.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,900.00 and $106,400.00 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.
Infographic showing various Aviation Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,966 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Aviation Design Engineer (Mid Level)

DOWL

Bellevue, WA โ€ข On-site

$90K - $136K/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Why DOWL?
DOWL is a top-ranked, multi-disciplined consulting firm with over 60 years of experience in civil engineering and related services. Our in-house expertise spans Civil and Land Development, Construction-Related Services, Transportation and Structures, and Water and Environmental Services. At DOWL, youโ€™re valued.ย  We support your growth, offer great benefits, and foster a culture of integrity, professionalism, and teamwork.

Aviation (infrastructure)

Join our team and take your career to new heights in the exciting world of aviation infrastructure. Our aviation project capabilities span the full spectrum; from securing funding and early-stage planning for existing airports to the construction of brand-new facilities. We proudly serve a diverse range of clients, including municipal and general aviation airports, small to medium hub airports, airlines, and airport tenants. With a comprehensive suite of planning, design, and construction services, we deliver seamless, cost-effective project coordination that drives real impact in the communities we serve. Be part of a team thatโ€™s shaping the future of air travel, one project at a time.

DOWL provides a comprehensive benefits package to support the health and financial well-being of our full-time employees and their families.DOWL offers aย High Deductibleย Health Planย withย a Health Savings Account (HSA)ย (including employer contribution).ย ย Other benefits includeย ย flexible spending account, dental, vision,ย lifeย and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, dependent care account, employeeย assistanceย program, a 401(k) plan with discretionary employer contributions for matching, profit sharing, student debtย repayment, paidย time off, paid holidays. Paid Time Off (PTO) accrues atย a minimum ofย 16 daysย per year andย accruals beingย on first day of employment. Employees also receive nine paid holidays throughout the calendar year. For more details and eligibility please visitย Careers - DOWL.

The salary range for this position is $90,895.77 - $136,343.66.

In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position.

Summary

This is a full-time, regular position to assist with comprehensive airport related engineering and design of airport improvement projects and other airport and aviation related projects such as airport layout plans, airport master plans, aviation system plans, and airport environmental assessments at airports ranging from small general aviation to commercial international airports. Work includes design, plan production, AutoCAD Civil 3D design, research, analysis, technical writing, public involvement assistance, and associated design services primarily for airport projects, but sometimes also for other transportation and community planning and design projects. All airport design and planning efforts must be completed in accordance with applicable FAA regulations, requirements, orders, and advisory circulars.

Job Responsibilities and Duties

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Software
  • Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) - Proficient
  • Market Sector Software (AutoCAD Civil 3D, AviPlan, FAARFIELD 2.0, ADIP/AGIS preferred) - Developing
Technical Expertise
  • Intermediate understanding of technical fundamentals
  • Performs moderately complex design tasks independently
  • Effectively divides projects into individual tasks
  • Leads technical effort on small projects
  • Performs quality control on basic deliverables
Teamwork

Team player who is able to follow on large, complex projects and lead a small team on simple tasks. Anticipates the needs of other technical disciplines and takes responsibility for results.

Project Delivery

Produces the following independently:

  • Engineer's design report
  • Construction quantity calculations and cost estimates
  • Project plans
  • Project specifications
  • Construction safety and phasing plans
  • Airport Layout Plan development
  • Other technical reports, memos, and design documents
Understanding Budget and Schedule

Strong understanding of scopes, schedules, and budgets. Demonstrates ability to predict and deliver individual tasks within a set level of effort. Consistently meets budget and schedule expectations on projects.

Industry Standards and Regulations

Proficiently select from and employ the following design codes:

  • FAA advisory circulars
  • FAA orders and engineering briefs
  • State-specific standard specifications
Client Interaction

Frequent client communications. Resolves issues on small projects. Attends client meetings. Consistently uses situationally appropriate communication tools (e.g., email versus phone versus in-person).

Other

Other duties as assigned.

Level of Work/Accountability

Performs moderate to advanced levels of technical work on larger and more complex projects as assigned. Operates with a moderate level of autonomy. Work is reviewed by others. May assist with some project management tasks.

Supervisory Duties

None

Education and/or Experience
  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering required
  • Years of experience required: 4 years
  • Years of experience required with advanced degree: 3 years
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
  • PE required
  • Driving is an essential job function or a valid driverโ€™s license is required to support legitimate business purposes
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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Position may include periodic site visits and inspection work on project sites.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


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About DOWL

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Professional, scientific, and technical services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Anchorage, AK, US

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