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Flight Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer III

Campus, IL · On-site

$125K - $162K/yr

Our product line ranges from quantum technology and flight systems, imaging spectrometers ... The 364C Optical Engineering Group specializes in designing and developing optical systems for ...

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$110 - $130/hr

... for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems ... Support electrical engineering evaluation of newly developed products. * Software experience in ...

... for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems ... Summary Astronics Structural Analysis Engineers ensure our products and installations are ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

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

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

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Flight Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Flight Engineer job openings:

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.

Software Engineer II (Applications)

Astronics

Waukegan, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Astronics rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly Telefonix PDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems. Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality.

The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago's Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award. Summary Develop information systems by designing, developing, and installing software solutions. Local 100% onsite position primarily in Waukegan, IL.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities The essential duties and responsibilities include the following, other duties as assigned. Will develop software solutions by studying information needs; conferring with users; studying systems flow, data usage, and work processes; investigating problem areas and following the software development lifecycle. Formulate, design, develop, document, test, and maintain primarily acceptance test, functional test, and/or firmware programming software, using industry best practices and standard design frameworks as appropriate.

Analyze product requirements and design, consulting with hardware engineers and other engineering staff to determine necessary areas of test coverage and pass/fail criteria. Support factory manufacturing and customers in troubleshooting and root causing issues related to the test and/or programming software. The candidate must be "hands-on," detail oriented, and willing to roll up his/her sleeves to ensure a successful program.

Responsible for implementing and complying with all ethical and legal compliance requirements. Other duties & functions may be assigned to this position as needed. Working knowledge of ISO/9001/14000/13485 and AS9100 processes.

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Required: BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, and/or Electrical Engineering from an accredited four-year college or university program.

Detail oriented, proactive team player and methodical self-starter able to complete projects in a timely manner. Strong familiarity with different Linux operating systems (Ubuntu, Yocto, Debian, Raspberry Pi, for example), and can configure and troubleshoot network, video, and other devices by installing, or possibly customizing kernel modules. Ability to write Python, Bash and C/C++ code as needed for custom test or firmware programming software development.

Front and back end database experience such as SQLite and MySQL. Java or C# experience a plus. Arduino experience a plus.

Strong familiarity with Configuration Management, Revision Control, Defect/Change Tracking systems and software such as Github, Subversion, and JIRA, plus an interest in using and contributing to these systems. Possible experience with the development of application software for networked media sharing systems, advanced web pages, web software development languages/frameworks, streaming video, etc. that would be directly used in an In-Flight Entertainment system.

Strong verbal and written communication skills. Competencies To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions. Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Able to parse large amounts of data and distinguish the pieces with a large impact; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures; Employs logic when solving problems.

Technical Skills - Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others; Builds knowledge base from research and experience. Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things; Takes responsibility and ownership for mistakes. Oral Communication - Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings.

Teamwork - Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit. Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works in an ethical manner and with integrity; Upholds organizational values. Organizational Support - Disciplined in thought and action; Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values.

Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives; Strives to increase productivity. Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments. Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions. Adaptability - Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Communicates conflicting work/personal needs in a timely manner.

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Follows up on assigned tasks; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals. Astronics CSC offers a competitive benefit package which is available to full-time employees. Part-time employees may be eligible on a pro-rated basis for the benefits listed.

Stay Healthy - Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity. Save for the Future - 401K, Profit Sharing & Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Astronics Corporation Profit Sharing/ 401(k) Plan is a "safe harbor" plan . Under the plan, Astronics has committed to contribute 3% of your eligible wages, with the ability to do an annual discretionary adder on top.

Find Balance - Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program Time for You - Generous Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave Professional Growth - Tuition Reimbursement Program An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a drug test and background check, and applicants who do not successfully pass both the drug test and background check will not be considered for employment. The salary range specified is applicable to positions within the State of Illinois and reflects various factors considered in compensation decisions. These factors include, but are not limited to, individual skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and the specific needs of our business and organization.

At Astronics CSC, it is uncommon for new hires to receive an offer at or near the top end of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are made based on the unique facts and circumstances of each candidate. The current estimated yearly salary range for this position is $69,000 to $75,000 per year.

In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus. Astronics offers a competitive salary, along with opportunities for career growth.


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