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Flight Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Scout Space

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$127.40K - $168K/yr

As a Senior Flight Software Engineer , you will lead the development of Scout's flight software systems for imaging payloads which perform image capture, processing, and data exploitation on orbit ...

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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 2, 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 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 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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,295 per year, or $59.3 per hour.
Senior Flight Controls & GNC Engineer, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Remote)

Senior Flight Controls & GNC Engineer, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Remote)

Technology Service Corporation (TSC)

Arlington, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

TSC is seeking a Senior Flight Controls & GNC Engineer (Remote) to serve as the lead focal point for Flight Controls Systems in our Airborne ISR Division. This position is crucial to the success of the product line's overall safety and performance.
As a key leader in the Airborne ISR Division, this position is crucial to the overall return on investment for TSC's commitment to technological research and development for the AISR domain. This position will work closely with the front-line Operators, Technical Leads, Program Managers, Operations Managers, and the Division Manager to maximize technology transfer to the market through continuous iterations of development, test, fielding, customer engagement, and sustainment of solutions. Travel required up to 40% and will vary depending upon home-basing location.
As the Senior Flight Controls & GNC Engineer, you can anticipate some of your day-to-day responsibilities to include:
  • Serving as the lead singular focal point for flight control automation. Required to translate information at both the technical level and overall business use case, while leading and executing multiple parallel technological initiatives at any given time.
  • Hiring, developing, supervising, managing and executing within a technical team focused on Flight Controls and GNC Automation encompassing multiple fixed wing platforms.
  • Key cross functional stakeholder for the execution of experimental learning experiences in a HIL/SIL, ground and flight test.
  • Lead, manage or conduct various types of data analysis in support of time sensitive developmental or operational efforts, funneling documented results back into risk management and safety workflows for additional review, procedural or safety bulletins, product support and future technological development projects.
  • Lead, manage, or support the development, planning or execution for a variety of test related activities required for internal and customer driven projects, processes, or gate reviews.

Required Qualifications
  • BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Aerospace, Controls engineering or other relevant discipline, plus a minimum five years of direct experience with fixed wing UAS Flight Controls and GNC implementation.
  • US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.
  • Demonstrated experience in technical project teams, managing risk, and the pace to reach viable technical solutions.
  • Practical experience with development or operational improvement of fixed wing UAS technology.
  • Hands-on experience in software development for flight controls and in guidance, navigation and control for fixed wing systems.
  • Ability to comprehend automation challenges or gaps, and guide solutions-based collaborations.
  • Ability to execute operations of hardware-in-the-loop simulators, conducting testing and troubleshooting of HW/SW interfaces. Familiarity with software configuration management tools, version control systems, defect tracking tools, and workflows with peer review required.
  • Ability to lead, manage, or individually contribute and execute tasks assigned.

Preferred Qualifications
  • The ideal candidate has more than ten years of directly relevant experience in the Required Qualifications and thrives working amongst a team with other highly technical engineers and business-oriented innovators.

TSC Benefits:
TSC offers a stable work environment, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefit package; including ESOP participation, 401k Plan, Flexible Work Schedules, Tuition Reimbursement, Co-Sponsored Health Plan, Paid Leave and much more.
Applying to TSC:
Only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Employment at TSC is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check, security investigation, and a drug screening.
This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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