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Flight Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Optical Engineer IV

Campus, IL · On-site

$125K - $162K/yr

Our product line ranges from quantum technology and flight systems, imaging spectrometers ... Our engineers apply leadership and expertise to the development of advanced ground and space-based ...

TSMG

B2 Licensed Aircraft Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a B2 Licensed Aircraft Engineer, you will work alongside a dedicated team of engineers and ... Conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections of electrical and avionics systems to ensure ...

TSMG

B2 Licensed Aircraft Engineer

Chicago, IL

As a B2 Licensed Aircraft Engineer, you will work alongside a dedicated team of engineers and ... Conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections of electrical and avionics systems to ensure ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFlight Engineer JobsFlight Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Flight Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$45.1K

$114.8K

$252.4K

How much do flight engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight engineer in Illinois is $114,842.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,100.00 and $111,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a flight engineer?

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 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 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 do flight engineers do?

Flight engineers are responsible for monitoring and operating aircraft systems during flights, 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.
More about Flight Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Flight Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

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For Flight Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Flight Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Internship, 74% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $114,842 per year, or $55.2 per hour.

Staff Engineer, Quality Assurance (R5358)

Shield AI

Mundelein, IL

$110K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

Shield AI is seeking a Quality Engineer to support the development, inspection, execution, and continuous improvement of the X-BAT program. This fast-paced role is responsible for ensuring weapons system hardware, assemblies, suppliers, manufacturing processes, test processes, and final products meet engineering requirements and quality standards.

You will work closely with test operations, manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, program management, and suppliers to identify quality risks, resolve nonconformances, improve processes, and deliver reliable mission critical operations.

What you'll do:
  • Support quality planning, inspections, readiness, and acceptance activities for the weapons system and subsystems
  • Review engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, inspection plans, and acceptance criteria
  • Develop and maintain quality documentation, including inspection plans, control plans, first article inspections, nonconformance reports, corrective actions, and quality records
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action efforts for manufacturing defects, supplier issues, test failures, process/procedure failures, and any other quality concerns
  • Support material review board activities, disposition of nonconforming material, and implementation of containment actions
  • Work with manufacturing and engineering teams to build, process capability, and product reliability
  • Analyze quality data, defect trends, performance, and escape rates to identify improvement opportunities
  • Participate in supplier quality activities, including issue resolution, corrective actions, and quality flow-down requirements
  • Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace, defense, customer, and internal quality requirements
  • Promote a culture of safety, compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement
Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in science, Engineering, Technology, and Math (STEM), Quality Engineering or related field, or similar experience levels supporting developmental test operations.
  • 5-10 years of experience with developmental and/or operational ground and flight test, unmanned/manned aircraft systems, aircraft integration, or aerospace systems engineering
  • Experience in quality engineering, ground and flight test execution, maintenance, manufacturing engineering, supplier quality, production support, or aerospace hardware
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, bills of materials, work instructions, and inspection requirements
  • Proven experience with nonconformance management, root cause analysis, corrective action, trend analysis, and quality documentation
  • Familiarity with inspection methods, measurement tools, and manufacturing processes used in aerospace or complex hardware integration and development test environments
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, test operations, supply chain, and program leadership
  • Maintains liaison with manufacturing, engineering, material management, suppliers to resolve quality problems
  • Detail-oriented approach with a strong commitment to product quality and process discipline
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced ground and flight test environment
  • Willingness to travel and work outdoors at test ranges and other program requirements
  • Overtime and weekend coverage as required
Preferred qualifications:
  • 10+ years of experience with developmental and/or operational ground and flight test, unmanned aircraft systems, aircraft integration, or aerospace systems engineering
  • Knowledge of AS9100, ISO9001, FAA, DoW, and other aerospace and defense quality standards
  • Experience with first acritical inspections
  • Experience supporting protype aircraft, weapon systems, or mission critical aerospace systems
  • Familiarity with configuration management, drawing release processes, and engineering change processes
  • Experience using quality tools such as 8D, 5 Why’s, Fishbone diagrams, FMEA, control plans, or process capability analysis
  • Certified Quality Engineer, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or related certification
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.