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Flight Engineer Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Flight Software Engineer II

Seattle, WA · On-site

$123K - $173K/yr

As a Flight Software Engineer II, you will play a critical role in designing, developing, testing, and deploying embedded flight software for spacecraft systems supporting a broad mission portfolio ...

Flight Software Engineer II

Seattle, WA · On-site

$123K - $173K/yr

As a Flight Software Engineer II, you will play a critical role in designing, developing, testing, and deploying embedded flight software for spacecraft systems supporting a broad mission portfolio ...

Performing aircraft tactical duties as a flight engineer, loadmaster and/or reel operator * Executing handling duties related to the launch and recovery of Naval aircraft * Interpreting data shown on ...

Performing aircraft tactical duties as a flight engineer, loadmaster and/or reel operator * Executing handling duties related to the launch and recovery of Naval aircraft * Interpreting data shown on ...

Performing aircraft tactical duties as a flight engineer, loadmaster and/or reel operator * Executing handling duties related to the launch and recovery of Naval aircraft * Interpreting data shown on ...

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Flight Engineer information

See Renton, WA salary details

$52.5K

$133.8K

$294.2K

How much do flight engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight engineer in Renton, WA is $133,829.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,300.00 and $129,900.00 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Flight Engineer jobs in Renton, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Engineer jobs in Renton, WA are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Flight Engineer jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Flight Engineer job openings:
Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starlink)

Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA

$145K - $175K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, FLIGHT SOFTWARE (STARLINK)

As an engineer on the Starlink flight software team, you will design, develop and test software that is used to control SpaceX flight and ground systems. You will be responsible for both components that fly on robotic vehicles in space, and the ground systems that orchestrate the world’s largest satellite constellation. You will engage with other SpaceX software and hardware engineers to discover the needs of the mission and code highly reliable software that turns the mission into a reality. You will be responsible for the complete life cycle of the software you create, from development to testing to operation during a continuous mission.

Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here – rather, we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving problems and want to make an impact on an ambitious and inspiring mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop highly reliable autonomous software systems, and the full suite of testing needed to ensure their resilience, fault tolerance, and correctness

  • Design software for both vehicles flying in space, and the ground systems that support them

  • Build prototypes and analyze system metrics to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints

  • Own all aspects of software development, including design, testing, release, and flight operations

  • Provide strong technical leadership, focus on continuous improvement

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline OR 2+ years of experience in software development

  • Development experience in C/C++, Python, or other similar programming languages

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Interested candidates who meet the basic qualifications should consider applying. The following preferred skills and experience are helpful for this role, but candidates with only some of them are able to be successful on our team. Learning on the job is critical success at SpaceX, and a core part of the excitement of working on a flight software team.

  • Strong software design and development skills

  • Experience designing fault tolerant, distributed, or real-time systems

  • Cross-context test design skills, ranging from simple unit tests through to integrated hardware-in-the-loop regression and exploratory tests

  • Thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networks

  • Knowledge of physics, math, and electronics

  • Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and performance testing

  • Familiarity with Linux programming

  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements

  • Ability to work independently or in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively in a solution-oriented manner

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Software Engineer, Flight Software/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year

Software Engineer, Flight Software/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here (https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987) .

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.


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