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Entry Level Aircraft Mechanic Jobs in Reston, VA

M&J Engineering

Inspector Trainees

Rockville, MD

M&J is a leader in construction management and inspection, ITS, mechanical, electrical, wastewater ... In this entry-level role, you will receive training and guidance to learn how to perform ...

All JobsAircraft Mechanic JobsEntry Level Aircraft Mechanic JobsEntry Level Aircraft Mechanic Jobs in Reston, VA

Entry Level Aircraft Mechanic information

See Reston, VA salary details

$19

$33

$46

How much do entry level aircraft mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level aircraft mechanic in Reston, VA is $33.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.75 and $37.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level aircraft mechanic do?

As an entry-level aircraft mechanic, or an aviation maintenance technician (AMT), your responsibilities revolve around the maintenance and repair of an airplane. Your duties involve inspecting a plane before takeoff and after landing, checking hydraulics, exhaust systems, electronics, and landing gear, monitoring fluid levels, using hand tools and heavy equipment to make repairs, troubleshooting specific issues, performing post-maintenance tests, and documenting reports in a repair log. You also fix the engine when necessary. An entry-level aircraft mechanic may work on a variety of aircraft, but you must ensure that all of your routine and non-routine maintenance meets FAA regulations.

What typical career progression can an entry level aircraft mechanic expect within the aviation industry?

Entry Level Aircraft Mechanics often start by performing basic maintenance tasks under supervision, such as inspections, repairs, and parts replacements. With experience and additional certifications (like the FAA Airframe and Powerplant license), mechanics can advance to more complex troubleshooting, specialized systems work, or supervisory roles. Many mechanics eventually move into lead technician, inspector, or maintenance supervisor positions, and some transition into related fields like quality assurance or technical training. Advancement typically depends on gaining hands-on experience, pursuing ongoing education, and demonstrating reliability and teamwork.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level aircraft mechanic, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Aircraft Mechanic, you need a solid understanding of aircraft systems, mechanical aptitude, and typically a certification such as an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license or completion of an aviation maintenance program. Familiarity with maintenance manuals, diagnostic tools, and computerized maintenance tracking systems is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving skills help individuals excel in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure aircraft safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient maintenance operations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Aircraft Mechanic vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectEntry Level Aircraft MechanicAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsFAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license (entry-level)FAA A&P license often required; some roles may accept apprenticeships
Work EnvironmentAirports, hangars, maintenance facilitiesAirports, repair stations, maintenance shops
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, private operators, maintenance providersCommercial airlines, private aviation, military

Both roles involve aircraft inspection, repair, and maintenance, often requiring FAA certification. An Entry Level Aircraft Mechanic typically refers to someone starting in the field, performing basic tasks under supervision, while an Aircraft Maintenance Technician may have similar responsibilities but can also include more specialized or advanced tasks depending on experience. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Aircraft Maintenance Technician' may imply a broader scope of work or certification level.

How to become an entry level aircraft mechanic with no experience?

To become an entry-level aircraft mechanic, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school or program. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships and obtaining the FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification are essential steps to qualify for entry-level positions in the field.

What do entry level aircraft mechanics make?

Entry level aircraft mechanics typically earn between $40,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on location and employer. They often need certifications such as the FAA Airframe and Powerplant license and work in maintenance hangars or repair stations, gaining experience with tools and aircraft systems.
More about Entry Level Aircraft Mechanic jobs

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What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Entry Level Aircraft Mechanic jobs?

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Entry Level Aircraft Mechanic jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Aircraft Mechanic job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,840 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

DARPA - Tactical Technology Office (TTO) Entry-Level Engineer / Scientist

Amentum

Arlington, VA • On-site

$100 - $135/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

*** Please note, positions are contingent upon award ***

Amentum is a leading provider of engineering, scientific, and program management support services to some of the top agencies in the U.S. government, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the intelligence community.

The mission of DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office (TTO) is to reimagine every aspect of military hardware design, development, test, manufacture, and sustainment – with a focus on rapid, affordable, and scalable deployment – to create and prevent technological surprise. TTO’s goal is to demonstrate compelling hardware at the smallest scale that traces to disruptive capability, with designs that reduce risk and cost by managing complexity and that can be manufactured responsively and affordably. Additional information on TTO is available here: https://www.darpa.mil/about/offices/tto.

*** Please note, positions are contingent upon award ***

Amentum is seeking entry-level engineers to support the development and execution of technology demonstration programs in TTO. This position will provide support to Government Program Managers (PMs) as part of an interdisciplinary team. This is a full-time position with the requirement to work on-site at the client location (Ballston neighborhood of Arlington, VA). Some domestic travel (~20%) may be required.

Responsibilities May Include:
  • Providing Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) to DARPA in the execution of advanced technology, research, and prototype demonstration programs
  • Providing technical support to DARPA PMs, performers, integrated product teams (IPTs), and associated research and development communities across industry, academia, and government
  • Identifying and translating requirements into technology research and development objectives
  • Providing overarching support to program/s to include, as needed, attending biweekly calls for performers, attending major reviews, drafting programmatic documentation for DARPA and transition partners, attending transition partner meetings and internal DARPA team meetings
  • Supporting technical interchange meetings and design reviews
  • Supporting program experimentation and testing efforts, including preparation of experiment/test plans and coordination with performers, government agents, and test facilities
  • Contributing to program briefings and technical documentation and reports
Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering, scientific, or technical discipline
  • 1 year of relevant experience
  • Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance. Please note US citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  • A basic understanding of technologies related to systems/equipment support and test & evaluation for Department of War (DoW) programs
  • Demonstrated experience in a TTO relevant area, including systems engineering, aerospace and propulsion engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, physical and chemical science, material science, hypersonics and aerothermodynamics, advanced strategic systems, aircraft design, naval architecture and marine engineering, autonomy, unmanned systems, robotics, sensors and remote sensing, computational fluid dynamics, human-machine learning, AI/ML, and other relevant scientific areas (see TTO website linked above)
  • The demonstrated professionalism, maturity, sound judgement, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary for daily interactions with executive-level audiences in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work independently or in a team setting as circumstances dictate
  • Strong writing skills; highly organized with excellent attention to detail
Highly Desired Attributes:
  • Master’s degree in a relevant engineering, scientific, or technical discipline
  • Active Secret security clearance, with ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance. Please note US citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  • Familiarity with technology assessment for military or commercial system applications
  • DARPA or other ARPA agency (ARPA-H, IARPA, ARPA-E, etc.) experience
Compensation Details:

$100K-$135K depending on qualifications and experience

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
  • Educational reimbursement
  • Parental leave
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tax-saving options
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

09/03/2026 - 09/06/2026

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.

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