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Contractual Aircraft Reliability Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reliability Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110K - $138K/yr

... performance against contractual or regulatory requirements. * Reliability & Failure ‐Mode ... Monitor component and part performance on a monthly basis for business jet and commercial aircraft ...

... contractual commitments. Your responsibilities will include: Lead Failure Mode, Effects, and ... real aircraft and spacecraft, this is the role for you. Apply now and help us keep the skies-and ...

... contractual commitments. Your responsibilities will include: Lead Failure Mode, Effects, and ... real aircraft and spacecraft, this is the role for you. Apply now and help us keep the skies-and ...

Senior Reliability Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and ... Lead reliability engineering efforts across the program lifecycle, including design, testing ...

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Contractual Aircraft Reliability Engineer information

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$118K

$141K

How much do contractual aircraft reliability engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for contractual aircraft reliability engineer in the United States is $117,973.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $129,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contractual Aircraft Reliability Engineer vs Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?

AspectContractual Aircraft Reliability EngineerAircraft Maintenance Engineer
CredentialsRelevant engineering certifications, reliability-specific trainingAircraft maintenance licenses, certifications
Work EnvironmentProject-based, consulting, or contractual roles in airlines or OEMsOn-site maintenance, repair, and inspection at airports or hangars
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, OEMs, consulting firmsAirlines, maintenance organizations, MROs

The Contractual Aircraft Reliability Engineer focuses on analyzing aircraft reliability, performing data-driven assessments, and improving maintenance strategies on a contractual basis. In contrast, the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer handles hands-on maintenance, repairs, and inspections. While both roles require aviation certifications, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly, with the reliability engineer emphasizing analysis and planning, and the maintenance engineer focusing on physical aircraft upkeep.

More about Contractual Aircraft Reliability Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contractual Aircraft Reliability Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Contractual Aircraft Reliability Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aircraft Reliability Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Aircraft Reliability Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Contractual Aircraft Reliability Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contractual Aircraft Reliability Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contractual Aircraft Reliability Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contractual Aircraft Reliability Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Contractual Aircraft Reliability Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,973 per year, or $56.7 per hour.
Manager-Reliability & Maintainability Engineering

Manager-Reliability & Maintainability Engineering

Cirrus Aircraft

Duluth, MN • On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Cirrus Aircraft rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

The Manager or Reliability &
Maintainability (R&M) leads a highimpact team responsible for driving
aircraft reliability, maintainability, and operational readiness across the
full product lifecyclefrom concept and design through certification, entryintoservice,
and inservice support. This leader sets the vision and roadmap for R&M
excellence, delivering measurable improvements in dispatch reliability and
ensuring bestinclass performance for CFR (FAR) Part 135 operations.
In this role, the manager oversees
reliability data analysis, root cause investigations, reliability testing, and
continuous improvement initiatives to achieve the highest levels of safety,
reliability, and maintainability. They own the strategy and governance for
MMEL/MEL development and maintenance, and partner closely with design
engineering, supply chain, quality, and field support to enhance system
performance and reduce maintenance burden. The ideal candidate brings a strong
background in reliability engineering and aircraft maintenance and excels at
leading cross-functional teams to deliver robust, operatorfocused solutions.
  • Lead, develop, and mentor a multidisciplinary Reliability & Maintainability (R&M) team.
  • Define and execute the R&M strategy, roadmap, and standards across all programs.
  • Own the Reliability Program Plan (RPP), including RAMS, FMEA/FMECA, MSG 3, RCM, ZSA, and LORA deliverables.
  • Write maintainability and serviceability requirements for new programs, ensuring they are integrated into design reviews.
  • Lead team to develop and implement aircraft reliability and maintainability programs to monitor, analyze, and predict aircraft performance.
  • Lead reliability data analysis, trend identification, and pattern recognition to highlight areas of concern.
  • Lead the creation of dashboards, automated reporting, and predictive analytics to preempt AOG events and improve fleet health.
  • Develop and maintain R&M metrics, KPIs, and leading indicators to track performance and drive corrective actions.
  • Provide R&M requirements and technical guidance for Cirrus IQ or similar data sourcing, analysis, and visualization platforms.
  • Lead team in support of customer programs (e.g., Jetstream or piston aircraft support programs) with data, analysis, and guidance.
  • Provide technical support and guidance for operator specific MEL development.
  • Establish deferral management practices, risk assessments, and governance for MEL-related operational decisions.
  • Ensure maintainability and serviceability considerations are embedded in early design phases.
  • Participate in design reviews to verify R&M requirements, ease of maintenance, accessibility, and supportability goals.
  • Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, operations, and quality teams to align reliability objectives with product architecture.
  • Partner with Part 135 operators to tailor reliability and maintenance programs to operational needs.
  • Optimize maintenance intervals, task cards, and inspection programs using MSG 3/RCM methodologies.
  • Align reliability initiatives with SMS and operational safety controls.
  • Lead team in collaboration with Technical Publications/Technical Media to ensure troubleshooting, AMM, and diagnostic documentation is clear and effective.

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
  • 8+ years of experience in aircraft reliability engineering, maintainability engineering, or a related field.
  • 4+ years of experience in leadership role
  • Expertise with FMEA/FMECA, FRACAS, MSG-3, RCM, ZSA.
  • Experience supporting CFR (FAR) Part 135 operations.
  • Experience with data analysis, root cause analysis, reliability testing, and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and lead teams through change.

Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:

  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options
  • Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: FSA and HSA offerings with company contributions to HSA
  • Well-being: Calm Health, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness incentives through medical provider
  • 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting at 1 year of service
  • PTO: Various PTO plans starting at 100 hours accrued within the first year
  • Additional Time off Benefits: Paid holidays, 2 weeks of Paid Parental leave, paid time for funeral leave and jury duty
  • Career Development: Tuition reimbursement program and professional growth opportunities
  • Exclusive Discounts: Cirrus Store, partner and marketplace discounts available
  • Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations

These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!
Salary Range: USD $150,650.61/Yr. - USD $225,975.91/Yr.

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