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Aviation Structural Mechanic Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Electra

Senior/Principal Airframe Stress Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$58.75 - $80.50/hr

We're a growing team of innovators working at the forefront of sustainable aviation-every hire ... Mechanics of materials * Structural stability and failure modes * Advanced proficiency performing ...

Dar Group

Program Director, Aviation

Washington, DC · On-site

Structural Engineering * Mechanical or Electrical Engineering * Architecture * Aviation Planning * Airport Program Management Most importantly, you will have successfully led the delivery of ...

Dar Group

Program Director, Aviation

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Structural Engineering * Mechanical or Electrical Engineering * Architecture * Aviation Planning * Airport Program Management Most importantly, you will have successfully led the delivery of ...

Dar Group

Program Director, Aviation

Washington, DC · On-site

Structural Engineering * Mechanical or Electrical Engineering * Architecture * Aviation Planning * Airport Program Management Most importantly, you will have successfully led the delivery of ...

Parsons Corporation

Mechanical Inspector

Linthicum, MD · On-site

$25 - $33/hr

Coordinate with electrical and structural inspectors to confirm proper integration of systems ... Knowledge of MAA, FAA, or other aviation agency standards preferred. What You'll Be Doing:

Parsons

Mechanical Inspector

Linthicum, MD · On-site

$25 - $33/hr

Coordinate with electrical and structural inspectors to confirm proper integration of systems ... Knowledge of MAA, FAA, or other aviation agency standards preferred. What You'll Be Doing:

Electra

Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA

$92K - $112K/yr

... Direct Aviation: quiet, point-to-point regional travel that gets people from where they are to ... In this role, you will support major structural design deliverables, collaborate deeply with ...

Burns

Senior Electrical Engineer-Aviation

Washington, DC · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Burns' full-service capabilities include mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, transportation ... Aviation Team For more than 50 years, we have built our reputation on outstanding client service.

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Aviation Structural Mechanic information

See Washington salary details

$19

$34

$53

How much do aviation structural mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for aviation structural mechanic in Washington is $34.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.12 and $41.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aviation structural mechanic?

Aviation Structural Mechanics are professionals responsible for maintaining, repairing, and inspecting the structural components of aircraft, such as the fuselage, wings, and landing gear. They ensure that all parts of the aircraft's structure are in good working condition and meet safety standards. Their duties often include troubleshooting structural problems, using technical manuals, and working with a variety of materials and tools. These mechanics play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and airworthiness of military or civilian aircraft.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an aviation structural mechanic?

To excel as an Aviation Structural Mechanic, you need strong knowledge of aircraft structures, repair techniques, and safety protocols, usually backed by a high school diploma or equivalent and formal technical training. Familiarity with specialized tools, blueprint reading, and aviation maintenance management systems, as well as certifications like Airframe and Powerplant (A&P), are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure aircraft integrity, regulatory compliance, and safe, efficient operations in a high-stakes environment.

What challenges do aviation structural mechanics face when working on aircraft maintenance and repairs?

Aviation Structural Mechanics often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, dealing with complex structural assemblies, and adhering to strict safety and quality standards. They may also need to troubleshoot unexpected issues with aircraft components, frequently requiring creative problem-solving under time constraints. Additionally, collaborating closely with other maintenance teams and adapting to rapidly changing priorities are key aspects of the role, ensuring aircraft are returned to service safely and efficiently.

What is the difference between Aviation Structural Mechanic vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectAviation Structural MechanicAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsFAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license, military certificationsFAA A&P license, industry certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, repair stations, aerospace facilitiesCommercial and private aircraft maintenance facilities
Job FocusAircraft structures, airframes, and related systemsOverall aircraft systems, including engines and avionics

Both roles require FAA A&P certification and involve aircraft repair and maintenance. However, Aviation Structural Mechanics primarily focus on aircraft structures and are often employed in military settings, while Aircraft Maintenance Technicians work across commercial and private sectors with a broader scope of aircraft systems.

How much does an aviation structural mechanic make?

An aviation structural mechanic typically earns between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They work on maintaining and repairing aircraft structures, often requiring specialized skills and security clearances.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Aviation Structural Mechanic jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Aviation Structural Mechanic job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Aviation Structural Mechanic jobs in WA?

For Aviation Structural Mechanic jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Aviation Structural Mechanic jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aviation Structural Mechanic job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,875 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Senior Loads & Dynamics Engineer - Vibrations & Acoustics

Manassas, VA • Hybrid

Electra
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Electraexternal

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

About Electra

At Electra, we're building the EL9 — a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands of new operating locations and enables what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, point-to-point regional travel that gets people from where they are to where they want to go, without the congestion of major airports or the noise of conventional aviation.

A global company, headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and Safran, has filed for FAA Part 23 type certification, and carries 2,000+ intent to purchase from operators worldwide. We're a team of ~100 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by late 2029 or 2030. Every hire matters at this stage — and this role is no exception.

The Role

Electra is seeking a Senior Loads & Dynamics Engineer specializing in vibrations and acoustics to lead the development, analysis, and validation of structural loads and dynamic environments for our nine-passenger EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft. You will own critical loads, vibration, and acoustic analyses across all phases of aircraft development, from concept through certification.

What You'll Do

  • Lead the development of static, dynamic, vibration, and acoustic loads for airframe structures, propulsion systems, and installed equipment.
  • Own loads and dynamics tasks from conceptual definition through detailed analysis and certification.
  • Manage contractors developing loads, flutter, and acoustic data to support overall program objectives.
  • Define vibration and acoustic environments (random, sine, shock, and acoustic spectra) for structural sizing, stress analysis, and equipment qualification.
  • Perform and support coupled loads analyses (CLA), modal analyses, and frequency response assessments.
  • Collaborate closely with airframe design, stress, propulsion, systems, and test teams to ensure accurate translation of loads into structural and system requirements.
  • Support ground and flight test activities, including vibration and acoustic testing, data reduction, and test-to-analysis correlation.
  • Contribute to the development of structural dynamic models (finite element-based) in support of loads, vibration, and acoustic analysis.
  • Prepare and present at internal technical reviews.
  • Interface with suppliers to define vibration and acoustic requirements for externally sourced components and systems.
  • Continuously improve Electra's loads, dynamics, and vibroacoustic analysis methods, tools, and processes.

What You Bring

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
  • 8+ years of experience in aircraft loads, structural dynamics, vibrations, or acoustics engineering.
  • Strong understanding of aircraft loads development, structural dynamics, vibration, and acoustic fundamentals.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and applying static and dynamic load cases for structural sizing and certification.
  • Proficiency with finite element-based analysis tools (e.g., NASTRAN, FEMAP, HyperMesh, Patran, or similar).
  • Experience defining and interpreting random vibration, sine vibration, shock, and acoustic environments.
  • Familiarity with FAA Part 23 or Part 25 structural and dynamic certification requirements.
  • Ability to clearly communicate technical results through formal reports, presentations, and cross-functional discussions.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple analysis efforts in a fast-paced development environment.

Bonus Points

  • Experience supporting flight test or ground test for vibration and acoustic qualification.
  • Background in hybrid-electric, eSTOL/eVTOL, or advanced aircraft development programs.
  • Experience with test analysis correlation and model validation.
  • Familiarity with MIL-STD or RTCA vibration and acoustic standards.
  • Experience working directly with suppliers on dynamic environment definition and issue resolution.
  • Private pilot license or a strong passion for aviation is a plus.

This range reflects the anticipated hiring range across all eligible locations; actual compensation is determined based on your relevant experience, skills, and geographic location. Total compensation includes performance bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Compensation Range
$130,000—$160,000 USD

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and equity
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance
  • Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays
  • Paid winter break
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting
  • Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters
  • Free on-site parking

Electra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This position may be subject to ITAR requirements.

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