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Flight Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Senior Flight Test Engineer Orsa Technologies is seeking qualified candidates to provide Senior Engineer Operational Flight Test and Evaluation to Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One.

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Flight Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$43.3K

$110.4K

$242.8K

How much do flight engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight engineer in Arizona is $110,440.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $107,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flight Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical and aeronautical engineering principles, typically supported by an associate's or bachelor's degree and relevant licensure or certification. Familiarity with aircraft systems, diagnostic tools, and flight management computers is essential for managing in-flight operations and troubleshooting issues. Strong attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving skills help Flight Engineers work effectively with pilots and maintenance crews. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient aircraft operation and prompt resolution of technical challenges during flights.

How much money do flight engineers make?

Flight engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, airline, and location. They often work long hours and require certifications such as an FAA Airframe and Powerplant license or equivalent. Salaries can increase with seniority and specialized skills in aircraft systems and maintenance.

Is flight engineer still a job?

Yes, the flight engineer role still exists, primarily in certain types of aircraft such as military planes and some cargo or specialized aircraft. However, the position has become less common in commercial aviation due to automation and modern aircraft systems, with many responsibilities now handled by pilots and onboard technology. Certification and technical skills remain important for those pursuing this career.

How does a Flight Engineer collaborate with pilots and maintenance crews during a typical flight operation?

A Flight Engineer works closely with pilots in the cockpit to monitor and manage all aircraft systems, such as engines, fuel, and hydraulics, ensuring optimal performance and safety throughout the flight. They regularly communicate with maintenance crews before and after flights to discuss technical issues, prepare aircraft for departures, and log any discrepancies for follow-up repairs. This collaborative environment requires strong teamwork, technical expertise, and clear communication to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.

What do flight engineers do?

Flight engineers are responsible for monitoring and operating aircraft systems during flight, including engines, hydraulics, and electrical systems. They assist pilots with technical issues, perform pre-flight checks, and ensure safety protocols are followed, often working in the cockpit or engineering station. Certification and technical knowledge are essential for this role.

What are flight engineers?

Flight engineers are specialized crew members responsible for monitoring and operating complex aircraft systems during flights. They assist pilots by managing engines, fuel, electrical, and environmental controls, ensuring that the aircraft operates safely and efficiently. While modern aircraft often automate many of these tasks, flight engineers remain essential on older, multi-crew airplanes and in certain specialized aviation roles. They play a key role in troubleshooting issues and optimizing aircraft performance during flight.

What is the difference between Flight Engineer vs Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?

AspectFlight EngineerAircraft Maintenance Engineer
CredentialsFAA/AESA certifications, engineering degree often preferredAircraft Maintenance Engineer license, certifications in aircraft systems
Work EnvironmentOnboard aircraft during flights, in flight operationsMaintenance hangars, repair facilities, and on aircraft ground checks
Industry UsageCommercial and cargo airlines, military aviationAircraft maintenance companies, airline ground operations
Primary RoleMonitor aircraft systems during flight, assist pilotsInspect, repair, and maintain aircraft systems on the ground

While both roles involve aircraft systems, Flight Engineers focus on monitoring and supporting aircraft operations during flights, whereas Aircraft Maintenance Engineers handle ground-based inspections and repairs. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in aviation.

What Is a Flight Engineer?

As a flight engineer, it is your job to monitor an airplane’s instrument systems during flight. Your main duties are to regulate cabin pressure, communicate with dispatchers, oversee fuel use, and assist the pilot. The career requires aviation experience as well as a flight engineer (FE) license from the Federal Aviation Administration. Most commercial airlines require additional qualifications such as a bachelor’s degree in aviation. You must receive regular training throughout your career to keep your license.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

High-level aerospace and aviation engineering roles, such as senior flight engineers or aerospace project managers, can reach or exceed $500,000 annually with experience, bonuses, and specialized skills. These positions often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and work in high-stakes environments like commercial or military aviation. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and level of responsibility.
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Flight Engineer jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Flight Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Flight Engineer job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,440 per year, or $53.1 per hour.
GNC Engineer: Performance Analysis (GPI Program) - Secret - Level 3/4 (Chandler)

GNC Engineer: Performance Analysis (GPI Program) - Secret - Level 3/4 (Chandler)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Chandler, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 356 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

If forging a secure future excites you, look no further! Northrop Grumman's Space Sector provides an arena where your passion for innovation and quest for exploration are welcome. As a GNC Engineer - Level 3 or Level 4 your role at Chandler, AZ will be pivotal in supporting missions critical to national and global security. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

Ready to join forces with our visionary team?

The GPI Program designs, develops, and validates algorithms, software, and simulation tools that provide precision guidance, navigation, and control for aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, launch vehicles, and marine platforms throughout all mission phases-from powered ascent and coast to orbital insertion and interplanetary cruise. It processes sensor data statistically to feed realistic navigation models, formulates equations to achieve desired positions, orientations, or orbits, and creates control laws together with the necessary hardware and software specifications. Rigorous verification and testing ensure reliable performance during launch, staging events, and sustained operations in diverse environments.

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.

In this job, you will:

  • Design, develop, implement, verify, and test algorithms, software, and simulation tools that enable guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) for aircraft, spacecraft, submersibles, surface ships, missiles, launch vehicles, and upper stages throughout all mission phases (powered ascent, coast, flight, Earth orbit, interplanetary cruise, orbital insertion, and staging events).
  • Perform statistical processing of measured sensor data and integrate the results into algorithms that simulate physical reality for navigation functions.
  • Formulate and implement the equations required to achieve specific positions, orientations, or orbital trajectories as part of the guidance function.
  • Develop control laws and define hardware and software requirements for controldesign and analysis of aircraft, launch vehicles, and spacecraft.
  • Conduct comprehensive verification and testing, including unit, integration, hardwareintheloop (HIL), and flightrepresentative simulations, to ensure compliance with mission performance and safety standards.
  • Document all design decisions, test plans, results, and compliance evidence in accordance with aerospace software standards (e.g., DO178C, ECSS).
  • Collaborate with crossfunctional teams-systems engineering, flight operations, and hardware engineering-to align GNC solutions with overall vehicle architecture and mission objectives.
  • Other duties as assigned

If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!

This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.

This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or Level 4.

Basic Qualifications for Level 3:

  • Bachelor's degree with 5 years of professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 3 years of professional experience - OR - PhD with 1 year of professional experience. Will consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of degree.
  • Requires an active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope
  • Experience performing performance analysis on large data sets using dataanalytics and statisticalanalysis techniques.
  • Proficiency creating and maintaining analysis tools in C++, MATLAB, and Python.
  • Strong C++ development skills in a Linux environment.
  • Proficiency with MATLAB and Python toolchains.

Basic Qualifications for Level 4:

  • Bachelor's degree with 8 years of professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 6 years of professional experience- OR - PhD with 4 years of professional experience. Will consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of degree.
  • Requires an active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope
  • Experience performing performance analysis on large data sets using dataanalytics and statisticalanalysis techniques.
  • Proficiency creating and maintaining analysis tools in C++, MATLAB, and Python.
  • Strong C++ development skills in a Linux environment.
  • Proficiency with MATLAB and Python toolchains.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated experience in performance and rootcause analysis of hypersonic missile systems.
  • Handson experience developing, testing, or integrating GNC algorithms for hypersonic missiles.
  • Proficiency with highfidelity 6DoF simulation environments for vehicle dynamics and guidance analysis.
  • Familiarity with the AEGIS weapon system architecture and operational concepts.

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939