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Flight Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Adelphi, MD · On-site

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 ...

U.S. Navy

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Annandale, VA · On-site

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 ...

U.S. Navy

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Rockville, MD · On-site

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 ...

U.S. Navy

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

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 ...

Aurora Flight Sciences

Structures Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$92K - $164K/yr

Structures Engineer Position Overview At Aurora Flight Sciences, we design, build, and fly advanced aircraft and enabling technologies from concept to reality. We are searching for a talented and ...

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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 26, 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.
Senior RPO Flight Dynamics Engineer

Senior RPO Flight Dynamics Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace's strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The divisionleveragesa broad array of engineering disciplines against awide-rangingand dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.

The RPO Analysis and Integration Department (RAID) is one of EED's premier orbital engagement and rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) modeling and analysis groups. We deliver impactful mission-level modeling, simulation and integration support to a variety of military and civil customers to enable the key missions that will service and protect critical space infrastructure.We are looking for aSenior RPO Flight Dynamics Engineer(Engineering Specialist- Flight Mechanics)tojoin the RAID team.The selected candidate will provideexpertisefor a wide range of customer flightmechanics needs, supporting analysis, research, and development requests.This role combines technical depth withstrong communicationabilities to influence stakeholders and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. As the department's local technical representative,you'lllead analysis efforts, mentor junior staff, andfacilitateintegrated solutions for our customers' hardest problems.

Work Model

This is afull-timeposition based inEl Segundo, CA,Chantilly, VA,or Colorado Springs, COoffering an in-person work model that combines 4 or more regular onsite workdays per week and remote flexibility as business needs allow.

WhatYou'llBe Doing

  • Develop Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), exploreTactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), and incorporate complexoperational constraints into the design and maturation of space systemsthat support RPO objectives.

  • Support evaluation of contested space mission applications to assess system vulnerabilities and contribute tothedevelopment of operational concepts.

  • Leveragebroad technical experience and personnel network to address large and sophisticated tasks.

  • Leadmultidisciplinary teams to translate customer mission requirements into technical solutions and analysis products.

  • Performand leadflight dynamicsresearch and development to cultivate andmaintaina healthy and modern internal tool basethat supports customer deliverables.

  • CombineAI/ML/RL techniques with flight mechanics modelingtoassess complex analysis and decision-making trade spaces.

  • Occasional travel to support customer efforts.

What You Need to be Successful-Engineering Specialist - Flight Mechanics

MinimumRequirements:

  • BSdegreefroman accredited college/university programin engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field.

  • Eightor moreyears ofprofessional,technical work experiencein one or more of the following subjects: space mission analysis and design, astrodynamics, trajectorysimulationand performance optimization of spacecraft conducting RPO, orbit determination,state estimation, relative navigation,algorithm design, software development, mathematical modeling.

  • Proficiencywith one or more of the following programming languages/tools: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB.

  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.

  • The ability tooperateindependently, often in the presence of ambiguity, and still deliver highquality,innovative,andspecializedend products to a range of customers.

  • Willing to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities (approx. 10%).

  • This position requires ability to obtain andmaintaina security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship isrequiredto obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

  • Active Top Secret/SCI clearance

  • MS or PhDdegreefroman accredited college/university programin engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field.

  • Experience in modeling RPO or satellite formation flight

  • Experience in advanced mathematical topics, such as optimization theory, game theory, statistical estimation, and numerical analysis

  • Experience in modern software development, integration, and testing practices

  • Significant contribution to a substantial technical analytical or development project through its successful completion

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$129,000.00 - $193,500.00Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailatpeoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

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