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Experimental Aircraft Mechanic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flight Operations Mechanic

Berkeley, MO · On-site

$27 - $35.50/hr

Inspector Aircraft, Mechanic Electrical and Electronics, and Mechanic Flight. Position ... experimental aircraft. Inspect and/or perform bench and flight line operational checkout and ...

Our dedicated team of experimental test pilots, engineers, mechanics, and technicians transforms ... We're currently seeking an Aircraft Mechanic to join our dynamic team. If you thrive in a fast ...

Flight Operations Mechanic

Mascoutah, IL · On-site

$27.75 - $36.25/hr

Inspector Aircraft, Mechanic Electrical and Electronics, and Mechanic Flight. Position ... experimental aircraft or major modification to experimental aircraft. • Inspect and/or perform ...

Our dedicated team of experimental test pilots, engineers, mechanics, and technicians transforms ... We're currently seeking an Aircraft Mechanic to join our dynamic team. If you thrive in a fast ...

Flight Operations Mechanic

Mascoutah, IL

$27.75 - $36.25/hr

Inspector Aircraft, Mechanic Electrical and Electronics, and Mechanic Flight. Position ... experimental aircraft. Inspect and/or perform bench and flight line operational checkout and ...

Aircraft Mechanic

Niagara Falls, NY · On-site

$33 - $38/hr

Our dedicated team of experimental test pilots, engineers, mechanics, and technicians transforms ... We're currently seeking an Aircraft Mechanic to join our dynamic team. If you thrive in a fast ...

Flight Operations Mechanic

Mascoutah, IL · On-site

$27.75 - $36.25/hr

Inspector Aircraft, Mechanic Electrical and Electronics, and Mechanic Flight. Position ... experimental aircraft. Inspect and/or perform bench and flight line operational checkout and ...

Flight Operations Mechanic

Berkeley, MO

$27 - $35.50/hr

Inspector Aircraft, Mechanic Electrical and Electronics, and Mechanic Flight. Position ... experimental aircraft. Inspect and/or perform bench and flight line operational checkout and ...

Sr. Aircraft Mechanic

Niagara Falls, NY · On-site

$27.50 - $36.25/hr

Our dedicated team of experimental test pilots, engineers, mechanics, and technicians transforms ... You'll oversee aircraft maintenance activities, perform complex troubleshooting and inspections ...

Our dedicated team of experimental test pilots, engineers, mechanics, and technicians transforms ... You'll oversee aircraft maintenance activities, perform complex troubleshooting and inspections ...

Aircraft Mechanic II

Tiffin, OH · On-site

$25.25 - $33.25/hr

... experimental propeller market with the acquisition of Whirlwind Propeller in 2024. Hartzell ... aircraft/marine mechanics preferred. Required Technical Competencies 1) Mechanical Aptitude ...

Aircraft Mechanic II

Tiffin, OH · On-site

$25.25 - $33.25/hr

... experimental propeller market with the acquisition of Whirlwind Propeller in 2024. Hartzell ... aircraft/marine mechanics preferred. Required Technical Competencies 1) Mechanical Aptitude ...

Aircraft Mechanic II

Tiffin, OH · On-site

$25.25 - $33.25/hr

... experimental propeller market with the acquisition of Whirlwind Propeller in 2024. Hartzell ... aircraft/marine mechanics preferred. Required Technical Competencies 1) Mechanical Aptitude ...

$27.25 - $35.75/hr

Support aircraft integration activities involving developmental, prototype, and experimental systems. * Assist structural and mechanical engineers with aircraft modifications, troubleshooting, and ...

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Experimental Aircraft Mechanic information

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How much do experimental aircraft mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for experimental aircraft mechanic in the United States is $32.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.64 and $36.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an experimental aircraft mechanic?

Experimental Aircraft Mechanics are specialized technicians who build, maintain, inspect, and repair aircraft that are classified as 'experimental.' These aircraft often include prototypes, homebuilt planes, or aircraft used for research and testing new technologies. Mechanics in this role follow unique guidelines, as experimental aircraft may not adhere to the same standards as certified aircraft. Their responsibilities range from assembly and modification to rigorous testing and troubleshooting, ensuring the aircraft operates safely and efficiently. This job often requires specialized training and a thorough understanding of both traditional and innovative aviation systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an experimental aircraft mechanic?

To thrive as an Experimental Aircraft Mechanic, you need a solid background in aviation maintenance, mechanical troubleshooting, and a relevant certification such as an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license. Familiarity with specialized diagnostic tools, blueprint reading, and experimental aircraft systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and clear communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure the safety, reliability, and innovation needed for successful experimental aircraft development and testing.

What are some common challenges faced by experimental aircraft mechanics when working on prototype aircraft?

Experimental Aircraft Mechanics often encounter unique challenges such as working with non-standardized or newly designed components, which may not have established maintenance procedures. They must adapt quickly to evolving engineering changes and frequently collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot unforeseen issues. Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills are essential, as their work directly impacts the safety and performance of prototype aircraft. Additionally, flexibility is important, since tasks may shift rapidly based on the project's development stage.

What is the difference between Experimental Aircraft Mechanic vs Certified Aircraft Mechanic?

AspectExperimental Aircraft MechanicCertified Aircraft Mechanic
CertificationsFAA Repairman Certificate for Experimental AircraftFAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate
Work EnvironmentPrimarily working on custom, homebuilt, or experimental aircraftMaintaining certified, commercial, or airline aircraft
Employer & Industry UsageAircraft builders, hobbyists, small manufacturersCommercial airlines, maintenance facilities, corporate fleets
Work ScopeModifications, repairs, and inspections on experimental aircraftRoutine maintenance, repairs, and inspections on certified aircraft

Experimental Aircraft Mechanics focus on custom and homebuilt aircraft, often working on projects that are not certified by the FAA. Certified Aircraft Mechanics hold FAA A&P certificates, working on commercial and certified aircraft. While both roles require aviation maintenance skills, their certifications, work environments, and aircraft types differ significantly.

More about Experimental Aircraft Mechanic jobs

What cities are hiring for Experimental Aircraft Mechanic jobs?

Cities with the most Experimental Aircraft Mechanic job openings:

What states have the most Experimental Aircraft Mechanic jobs?

States with the most job openings for Experimental Aircraft Mechanic jobs include:

Infographic showing various Experimental Aircraft Mechanic job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,131 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Experimental Aircraft Engineer III

Leonardo Helicopters

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Experimental Aircraft Engineer III

Department: Engineering

Reports to: Sr. Manager, AW609 Prototype Aircraft Management

Location(s): Philadelphia, PA, USA, with travel to suppliers based in Europe and to support off-site test activity.

1. Summary of Position: (Brief description of overall responsibilities and function)


Responsible for ensuring that flight test and operations team has prototype aircraft in the proper configuration and status for executing necessary tests per engineering test objectives. Serves as liaison between experimental/maintenance operations and AW609 engineering, including responsibility for conformity of the prototype configuration as required for test purposes.

2. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (Specifically describe the essential duties and responsibilities with estimated percentage of time that is spent on each).

Duties and Responsibilities:

% of Time


1

Flight documentation (Eos, limitation documents, ETI master Log, FTP master log and Flight Safety inspection) preparation and process control, including the Independent Technical Verification roles engagement, to allow flight clearance.

20


2

Responsibility for preparing and executing short and medium A/C plans, interacting and coordinating: FTEs, SI/PE, engineering TLs/CPs, instrumentations/data acquisitions and Experimental Operations)

20


3

Creates Maintenance and Inspection documentation definition (M&I Plan) that complies with directives from the FAA and the company.

20


4

Controls flight test instrumentation requirements including top level EO and installation design to meet flight test objectives.

20


5

Supports Exp. Quality in verifying consistency of physical A/C with approved flight documentations necessary to permit the flight and facilitates the disposition of NI's, squawks, and design deviations.

20


TOTAL:

100%


  1. Qualifications for Position:

A. Education

BS degree in Engineering or equivalent technical experience

B. Experience

  • Five years of experience in an experimental flight test environment.
  • Five years of technical experience involved in design, test, and analysis of rotorcraft systems and components.
  • Five years of experience performing Project Management duties.
  • Two years of experience participating in transport-category certification programs.
  • Two years of experience in a leadership position in an aircraft development program.
  • Experience as a licensed A&P Mechanic desired.


C. Competencies & Attributes

1.

Strong understanding of quality control/quality assurance processes in an experimental

flight test environment.

2.

Practical experience with FAA/EASA certification processes.

3.

Strong analytical and design skills. Proven experience to create plans, communicate them, and

execute them efficiently across a diverse and complex organization.

4.

Strong communication and presentation skills, ability to effectively communicate to all

levels of the organization, ability to negotiate win-win solutions in the presence of conflict and

ambiguity, and ability to be a persuasive advocate to internal and external customers.

5.

High integrity and technical expertise as necessary to be in the approval process for experimental flight test safety.


Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disability