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Chief Aircraft Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stratolaunch

Carrier Aircraft Chief Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

Stratolaunch is seeking a Chief Engineer to be the technical owner of our growing fleet of launch platform aircraft, which includes the Spirit of Mojave, a 747-400, and Roc, the largest aircraft by ...

Aircraft Specialists INC

Chief Pilot

Sellersburg, IN · On-site

... Aircraft Management, and Part 135 Charter, we control the full client experience. Our charter ... We are seeking a Chief Pilot who can lead from the front -- operationally, culturally, and ...

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Chief Aircraft information

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$33K

$124.4K

$200.5K

How much do chief aircraft jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief aircraft in the United States is $124,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chief aircraft do?

A Chief Aircraft, often referred to as a Chief Aircraft Engineer or Chief of Aircraft Maintenance, is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repair, and overall airworthiness of an organization's aircraft fleet. They supervise a team of technicians, ensure compliance with aviation regulations, and coordinate maintenance schedules to minimize downtime. Additionally, they play a key role in safety management and often liaise with regulatory bodies to ensure all standards are met. Their leadership ensures that aircraft are safe, reliable, and ready for operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief aircraft engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Chief Aircraft Engineer, you need an in-depth understanding of aeronautical engineering, regulatory compliance, and extensive experience with aircraft maintenance and operations, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional certification such as a Part 66 Aircraft Maintenance License. Familiarity with maintenance management systems, CAD software, and adherence to aviation safety standards is crucial. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure the safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of aircraft operations while leading technical teams efficiently.

What are some common challenges faced by a chief aircraft engineer, and how can candidates prepare to handle them?

Chief Aircraft Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating multidisciplinary teams, managing tight maintenance schedules, and ensuring strict regulatory compliance. Candidates should be prepared to balance hands-on technical oversight with effective leadership and communication skills. Familiarity with industry regulations (such as FAA or EASA standards) and experience in crisis management are crucial for success in this role. Proactive problem-solving and the ability to work under pressure will help you navigate these challenges and lead your team effectively.

What is the difference between Chief Aircraft vs Aircraft Maintenance Manager?

AspectChief AircraftAircraft Maintenance Manager
CredentialsAircraft maintenance certifications, pilot licenses (if applicable)Aircraft maintenance certifications, management experience
Work EnvironmentAircraft operation, safety oversight, flight planningMaintenance facilities, repair shops, oversight of maintenance teams
Industry UsageAirlines, private aviation, corporate fleetsAirlines, maintenance companies, private operators

The Chief Aircraft typically oversees aircraft operations and safety, focusing on flight-related activities, while the Aircraft Maintenance Manager concentrates on maintenance, repairs, and ensuring aircraft airworthiness. Both roles require relevant certifications and are vital in aviation safety and operations, but they differ in daily responsibilities and focus areas.

How do you become a chief aircraft?

To become a chief aircraft, one typically needs extensive experience as a pilot or aircraft technician, along with relevant certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license or aircraft maintenance certifications. Leadership skills and knowledge of aviation safety standards are also essential, and many professionals gain experience through progressively senior roles in the aviation industry.

What cities are hiring for Chief Aircraft jobs?

Cities with the most Chief Aircraft job openings:

What states have the most Chief Aircraft jobs?

States with the most job openings for Chief Aircraft jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Chief Aircraft jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Chief Aircraft jobs are:

Chief Aircraft jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Aircraft job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 14% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $124,409 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Staff Engineer, Field Support - X-BAT Aircraft Systems (R5081)

Shield AI

Wichita, KS

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

The Field Support Engineer, X-BAT Aircraft Systems is a senior, customer-facing technical authority supporting Shield AI's X-BAT program, an AI-piloted VTOL fighter advancing runway-independent autonomous airpower for expeditionary, maritime, and contested environments. This role sustains readiness by resolving aircraft, mission system, avionics, propulsion, launch/recovery, ground support, and configuration issues across test, demonstration, deployment, and field operations.

The ideal candidate is a proven aircraft or UAS maintainer who can operate independently, communicate under pressure, and move technical issues from field discovery through disciplined closure using engineering data, product definition information, and structured support workflows.

What you'll do:

X-BAT Aircraft & Field Technical Support

  • Serve as the technical interface for X-BAT aircraft systems, mission equipment, launch/recovery equipment, ground support equipment, and fielded configurations
  • Diagnose avionics, mission system, propulsion, electrical, datalink/communications, software/configuration, autonomy-supporting subsystem, and system-level discrepancies
  • Use logs, fault codes, BIT data, schematics, drawings, technical manuals, product-definition data, and maintainer/operator debriefs to isolate root cause and recommend corrective actions
  • Assess technical risk, restore readiness safely, and document recurring issues for escalation, trend analysis, and product improvement

Customer, Test & Operational Support

  • Provide mission-focused support to operators, maintainers, Field Service Representatives, customer leadership, and internal stakeholders during tests, demonstrations, training, deployments, and fielding activities
  • Communicate issue status, risk, ownership, and next steps clearly while maintaining traceable case and action status in support and engineering workflow systems such as Salesforce, Jira, or comparable platforms
  • Travel or deploy as required to support CONUS/OCONUS, maritime, austere, or non-standard schedule operations

Engineering & Fleet Readiness

  • Partner with Engineering, Product, Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics, and Program teams to investigate field issues and validate corrective actions
  • Use model-based design data, aircraft configuration information, and CAD/product-definition tools, including Siemens NX where applicable, to support troubleshooting and technical dispositions
  • Improve troubleshooting guides, maintenance procedures, service bulletins, training materials, and knowledge-base content while monitoring trends and configuration changes
What success looks like:
  • X-BAT aircraft and system-level issues are resolved quickly, safely, and with minimal operational disruption
  • Customers and maintainers view Field Support as responsive, technically credible, and mission-aligned
  • Engineering receives actionable field data that reduces recurring issues and improves product supportability
Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in STEM, aerospace, engineering, aviation technology, aviation maintenance, aviation management, or related technical discipline and 8+ years of directly applicable experience; OR master's degree and 6+ years; OR associate/technical certification and 10+ years; OR high school diploma/GED and 12+ years in lieu of degree
  • Hands-on aircraft/UAS maintenance or sustainment experience such as military avionics technician, aircraft crew chief, aircraft/UAS maintainer, A&P mechanic, Field Service Engineer/Representative, depot technician, or flight-line troubleshooter
  • Advanced troubleshooting and fault isolation across aircraft, avionics, mission systems, electrical/mechanical, propulsion, ground support equipment, or system-level issues
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, technical manuals, maintenance procedures, fault-isolation data, configuration documentation, and product definition information
  • Strong customer-facing communication skills and ability to make sound technical judgments in high-tempo, ambiguous, developmental, or austere environments
  • Ability to document, prioritize, and drive technical issues through closure using structured case management, corrective action, or engineering issue-tracking workflows
  • Ability to travel domestically/internationally, deploy with customers, support non-standard schedules, pass required screenings, and obtain and maintain Secret DoD clearance and customer/program access as required
Preferred qualifications:
  • Military aviation maintenance experience supporting fighter aircraft, Group 3-5 UAS, autonomous aircraft, ISR aircraft, developmental flight test, or other advanced military aviation systems
  • Experience with VTOL aircraft, launch/recovery systems, avionics/mission systems, CNI/datalinks, GPS/INS, flight controls/autopilot, electrical power, propulsion, payloads, ground control systems, or ground support equipment
  • Working familiarity with Siemens NX or comparable CAD/product-definition environments used to review assemblies, interfaces, configuration details, drawings, and technical dispositions
  • Experience managing technical support actions, customer cases, corrective actions, or engineering investigations through Salesforce, Jira, or comparable CRM and issue-management platforms
  • Prior Field Support Engineer, Field Service Representative, military customer support, depot, deployed sustainment, or new aircraft fielding experience
  • FAA A&P, FAA Part 107, pilot rating, NCATT/AET, FCC, military aviation maintenance qualification, or active DoD clearance/program access
$90,000 - $130,000 a year
#LI-JM1
#LC

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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