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Flight Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Full-Stack Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

... and flight data, stitched into a unified low-latency picture of every active shipment. We ... An engineer who finds regulated industries tedious won't do their best work here. * You're honest ...

Full-Stack Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

... and flight data, stitched into a unified low-latency picture of every active shipment. We ... An engineer who finds regulated industries tedious won't do their best work here. * You're honest ...

As an Engineer - Interiors, you will provide engineering support for aircraft cabin systems ... flight entertainment (IFE), cabin equipment, and connectivity systems * Review Service Bulletins ...

Showing results 41-60

Flight Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$47.9K

$122.1K

$268.4K

How much do flight engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight engineer in Chicago, IL is $122,085.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,900.00 and $118,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Flight Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Flight Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Flight Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,085 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

Space Sr. Principal Engineer Systems

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top 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.

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. Our employees are not only part of history, but they're also making history.

The Mission and Payload Programs organization within the Northrop Grumman Space Systems pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

Our Systems Engineering Integration & Test (SEIT) organization within Space Superiority Division provides complex subsystems and defense electronics. This position can be hired as a Sr Principal Systems Engineer (level 4) based on their qualifications in one or more of the following 3 disciplines: (1) Systems Design (2) Modeling & Simulation, and (3) Integration & Test.

This position is part of the Space Sectors' Eastern Region SEIT Engineering Organization located at Rolling Meadows, IL.

Systems Design Tasking can include:

SEIT Lead & Cost Account Management

Creating and refining Model Based System Engineering products (System behavioral models, Use Case realizations, State Machines, etc.)

Generation and update of specifications in DOORS, including requirements traceability and dxl script development

Capability assessments to predict requirement compliance

Functional algorithm development

Risk assessment and burn down of mitigation steps

Generating and reporting system Technical Performance Measures

Presenting analysis that shapes the system design and obtaining end-customer buy-in

Interface development and documentation

Modeling & Simulation Tasking can include:

Software development of physics-based in-house models and algorithms

Perform analysis and trades of product line architectures using analytical models and mission level simulations

Functional algorithm development

Authoring technical documentation such as white papers, proposal technical volumes, program milestone briefings (i.e. SRR, PDR, CDR,...), systems engineering design documentation

Presenting technical analysis to multiple stakeholders

Creating and refining Model Based Systems Engineering Products (System behavioral models, Use Case realizations, State Machines, etc.)

Integration & Test Tasking can include:

SEIT Lead & Cost Account Management

Systems: sensors/antennas, transmitters/receivers, optics, and associated lab equipment

Full life cycle experience developing, integrating, and deploying space systems

Experience with real-time signal processing

Knowledge of MATLAB, Python, or other scripting languages

Working knowledge of Robot Framework, or other test automation frameworks

Working knowledge of DOORS and ClearCase/ClearQuest

Experience creating and executing integration & test and design verification test plans and procedures

Experience performing system verification and validation

Agile development experience a plus

Supporting Systems Integration Labs (SIL) testing

Ability and willingness to travel

Basic Qualifications:

Sr Principal Systems Engineer: BS + 8 years of experience; MS + 6 years of experience; PhD + 3 years of experience

BS and/or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics or related technical degree.

Educational background or experience with signal processing and algorithm development

Proficient with MATLAB or Python object-oriented programing languages

U.S. citizen with ability to obtain U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at time of application

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrate history of strong organization and coordination skills (working with cross-functional teams).

Knowledge of the space domain (e.g. orbital mechanics, remote sensing, etc.)

Strong RF domain background (link budget, waveform modulation schemes, transceiver technologies, antennas)

Integration and test experience; familiarity with signal generators and spectral analyzers

Active TS/SCI with adjudicated polygraph is preferred

Primary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00The 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