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Flight Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stratolaunch

Flight Sciences Engineer

Mojave, CA · Hybrid

As a Flight Science Engineer, you will contribute to a small hypersonic advanced design team, designing current and future Stratolaunch hypersonic vehicles. Your tasking may include conceptual design ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Sciences Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

As a Flight Science Engineer, you will contribute to a small hypersonic advanced design team, designing current and future Stratolaunch hypersonic vehicles. Your tasking may include conceptual design ...

Boeing

Flight Engineering Manager

Everett, WA

$153K - $207K/yr

Flight Engineering Manager Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA)is seeking a Flight Engineering Manager (Level K) to lead the Noise, Vibration & Emissions organization within ...

GE Aerospace

Flight Path Innovation Engineer

Summary The Flight Path Innovation Engineer will tackle the same core challenges facing both the global flight path design community and our navigation services team: delivering instrument procedures ...

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Flight Engineer information

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$46.5K

$118.5K

$260.5K

How much do flight engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight engineer in the United States is $118,512.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,000.00 and $115,000.00 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
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Flight Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,512 per year, or $57 per hour.
Flight Research Flight Test Engineer

Flight Research Flight Test Engineer

Joby Aviation

Concord, CA • On-site

$97K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a software-first autonomy approach. We build and deploy autonomy, perception, planning, and radar systems across conventional, electric, and hydrogen-electric aircraft in both CTOL and VTOL configurations.
Overview
Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for a Flight Test Flight Engineer to support its advanced development efforts. This role will primarily focus on the autonomy portfolio which includes the Cessna Caravan platform. Drawing on your experience flight testing large aircraft, the role will provide ownership of a wide range of development, testing, analysis, and reporting activities.
The ideal candidate will also hold FAA pilot certificates and will be able to operate large uncrewed aircraft.
Responsibilities
  • Work closely with discipline engineers, test pilots, maintenance, and leadership to establish and execute flight test programs of complex vehicles and systems
  • Develop expert level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test
  • Perform flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs, act as a crewmember during test execution and perform post flight data analysis
  • Works as a member of the flight crew including monitoring data in real time to assure the safety and proper conduct of flight tests
  • Reports on completed tests including reporting any observed deficiencies and findings of compliance with requirements or regulations
  • Advises the flight test pilot of nature of the data to inform real time decisions affecting safety, efficiency and effectiveness
  • Completes administrative work associated with testing including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management and test card creation
  • Assists with troubleshooting and root cause investigation of issues observed during flight testing
  • Develops flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary to operate the vehicles in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices
  • Other duties as assigned or required
  • At least 10% travel required to support short term participation in military exercises or other remote test campaigns

Required
  • Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training
  • Previous experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with colleagues across a wide range of technical disciplines
  • Strong technical and analytical skills
  • Must be able to work both independently and on a team and be able to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Read and speak English proficiently

This position must meet US export control compliance requirements, therefore a candidate must qualify as a "US Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15. "US Person" includes US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.
Desired
  • FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on the job experience
  • FAA private pilot or commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating
    • An ability to maintain an FAA Class II medical
  • Data analysis experience using Matlab, Python or similar
  • Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C
  • Experience with liquid hydrogen vehicles

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $97,000 - $167,000/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.
Additional Information
Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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