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Flight Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Astrion

Flight Software Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$105K - $155K/yr

Overview Flight Software Engineer LOCATION: Hybrid (Kirtland AFB, NM), Remote U.S. eligible JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: U.S. Citizenship, DoD Secret Clearance TRAVEL: 10% (if remote)   Astrion ...

Electra Aero, Inc.

Flight Test Engineer

Manassas, VA

$90K - $170K/yr

Flight Test Engineer About Electra: At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation by developing hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft designed to transform regional air ...

Electra

Flight Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$90K - $170K/yr

Flight Test Engineer About Electra: At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands ...

Electra

Flight Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$90K - $170K/yr

Flight Test Engineer About Electra: At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation by developing hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft designed to transform regional air ...

Electra

Principal Flight Controls Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$151K - $183K/yr

The Role Electra.aero is seeking a Principal Flight Controls Engineer to serve as a senior technical authority and flight controls certification subject-matter expert for the EL9 Ultra Short Takeoff ...

Electra

Principal Flight Controls Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$139K - $168K/yr

The Role Electra.aero is seeking a Principal Flight Controls Engineer to serve as a senior technical authority and flight controls certification subject-matter expert for the EL9 Ultra Short Takeoff ...

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All JobsFlight Engineer JobsFlight Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Flight Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$48.4K

$123.3K

$271K

How much do flight engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight engineer in Reston, VA is $123,295.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,800.00 and $119,600.00 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 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 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior aerospace or flight engineers working for major airlines, defense contractors, or in the aerospace industry can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and additional compensation such as bonuses or profit sharing. These roles often require advanced certifications, a strong technical background, and sometimes leadership responsibilities.

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 engineers make $500,000?

In the field of engineering, certain specialized roles such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, and software engineers in high-paying industries can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes professional certifications or advanced degrees.

Is there a demand for flight engineers?

Flight engineers are in demand for commercial and military aircraft, especially as experienced personnel retire and new aircraft require specialized technical skills. The role often requires certifications and technical training, and employment prospects depend on the aviation industry's growth and airline needs.
More about Flight Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Flight Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Flight Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Flight Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Flight Engineer job openings:
Flight Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,295 per year, or $59.3 per hour.

Flight Software Engineer

Astrion

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$105K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Overview

Flight Software Engineer

LOCATION: Hybrid (Kirtland AFB, NM), Remote U.S. eligible

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: U.S. Citizenship, DoD Secret Clearance

TRAVEL: 10% (if remote)

 

Astrion is seeking a Flight Software Engineer to support small satellite flight software development for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Kirtland Air Force Base.

This engineer will contribute to the design, development, and testing of satellite bus software supporting experimental and research missions. The role is ideal for a mid- to senior-level software engineer with experience developing embedded or flight software for spacecraft or other real-time systems.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

Education:

Bachelor of Science in one of the following or a related technical field:

  • Software Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering

Experience:

  • Minimum 5+ years of professional software development experience
  • Experience developing embedded or flight software in C or C++
  • Experience with satellite bus or payload software development
  • Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems and interfaces (power, communications, command and data handling, ADCS, etc.)
  • Experience working with real-time operating systems
  • Experience with hardware/software integration or low-level driver development
  • Experience with scripting languages such as Python, Perl, or similar

Core Competencies:

  • Strong problem-solving and debugging skills
  • Ability to produce secure, maintainable, high-quality code
  • Comfortable working in small, agile engineering teams
  • Effective communicator with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Self-directed and adaptable in a research and development environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

  • Experience with the VxWorks real-time operating system
  • Experience with other embedded real-time systems such as RTEMS
  • Master’s degree in a relevant technical field

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Design, develop, test, and maintain embedded flight software for small satellite bus systems
  • Execute tasking from the satellite Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) lead
  • Coordinate with other flight software engineers and subsystem teams
  • Implement best practices for code quality, maintainability, and cybersecurity
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation, including interface specifications and user guides
  • Participate in unit testing, code reviews, and system validation