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Flight Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Icarus

Flight Operations Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

The Flight Operations Engineer takes our aircraft from the hangar to the sky and back, and owns the technical depth behind every flight. You set up the test site, prepare the aircraft, run preflight ...

Icarus

Flight Operations Engineer

El Segundo, CA

The Flight Operations Engineer takes our aircraft from the hangar to the sky and back, and owns the technical depth behind every flight. You set up the test site, prepare the aircraft, run preflight ...

Elroy Air

Flight Sciences Engineer

Byron, CA · Hybrid

As a Flight Sciences Engineer at Elroy Air, you will own performance analysis, flight dynamics, and configuration trades across our hybrid-electric lift+cruise VTOL program. You will be the ...

Icarus

Flight Operations Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

The Flight Operations Engineer takes our aircraft from the hangar to the sky and back, and owns the technical depth behind every flight. You set up the test site, prepare the aircraft, run preflight ...

Elroy Air

Flight Sciences Engineer

Byron, CA · Hybrid

$203K - $280K/yr

As a Flight Sciences Engineer at Elroy Air, you will own performance analysis, flight dynamics, and configuration trades across our hybrid-electric lift+cruise VTOL program. You will be the ...

Elroy Air

Flight Sciences Engineer

Byron, CA · On-site

As a Flight Sciences Engineer at Elroy Air, you will own performance analysis, flight dynamics, and configuration trades across our hybrid-electric lift+cruise VTOL program. You will be the ...

Ace Partners

Founding Flight Software Engineer

Gardena, CA · On-site

$160K - $250K/yr

Founding Flight Software Engineer Location: Torrance, CA (on-site only -- no remote/hybrid) Compensation: $160,000-$250,000 + equity + benefits Industry: Aerospace / National Security Space About the ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Sciences Engineer

Mojave, CA · Hybrid

As a Flight Science Engineer, you will contribute to a small hypersonic advanced design team, designing current and future Stratolaunch hypersonic vehicles. Your tasking may include conceptual design ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Sciences Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

As a Flight Science Engineer, you will contribute to a small hypersonic advanced design team, designing current and future Stratolaunch hypersonic vehicles. Your tasking may include conceptual design ...

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Flight Engineer information

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$45.9K

$117K

$257.1K

How much do flight engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight engineer in California is $116,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,800.00 and $113,500.00 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.
More about Flight Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Flight Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Engineer jobs in California? For Flight Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Flight Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Flight Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Engineer jobs in CA? For Flight Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Flight Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,961 per year, or $56.2 per hour.
UAS Flight Engineer - Skunk Works - Level 3

UAS Flight Engineer - Skunk Works - Level 3

Lockheed Martin

Palmdale, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago

Lockheed Martin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 388 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 61 rated aerospace companies

Job description

We are Lockheed Martin
You will be the Ground Station Flight Engineer. The Flight Engineer team is responsible for ground station maintenance and operation of flight simulators. As a crew member, you will actively participate in test events and assist other crew members with accomplishing test requirements. You will assist with troubleshooting, fault isolation, diagnostics, and fault resolution.
What You Will Be Doing
As the Ground Station Flight Engineer, you will be a Specialized System Engineer that acts as a system expert. You will perform computer administration functions to include software installations and upgrades, user account and hardware maintenance. As a ground station Flight Engineer, you will be an integral crew member responsible for pre & post flight operations.
Your responsibilities will include:
Perform real-time troubleshooting of complex hardware/software anomalies with analysis and evaluation of asset under test.
Execute readiness tests to verify system under test functionality.
Perform pre and post system checkouts and ensures asset readiness for test.
Ensures all paperwork and configuration management tracking is correct prior to test.
Formulate and issue test documentation to perform maintenance tasks and maintains configuration control.
** Must be a US Citizen. This position is located at a facility that requires special access. **
aeroflightops aerosystems

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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912

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