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Flight Performance Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

... for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems ... performance requirements of overall system. Provide pre-sales support and contribute to the ...

Advanced Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$103K - $155K/yr

... high-performance systems that process large volumes of data. This role combines deep technical ... Drive reliability improvements, including pre-flight capacity checks, error classification, and ...

Full-Stack Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

Observability, incident response, performance tuning, and the scalable patterns that hold as volume ... flight data, customer ERPs. Most don't have clean APIs. Some claim a shipment is delivered while ...

Full-Stack Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

Observability, incident response, performance tuning, and the scalable patterns that hold as volume ... flight data, customer ERPs. Most don't have clean APIs. Some claim a shipment is delivered while ...

Showing results 21-40

Flight Performance Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$61

$101

How much do flight performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight performance engineer in Chicago, IL is $61.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50.77 and $70.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight performance engineer?

Flight Performance Engineers are specialized professionals responsible for analyzing and optimizing the performance of aircraft during all phases of flight. They assess factors such as fuel efficiency, payload, climb rates, and range to ensure aircraft operate safely and efficiently. Their work involves using advanced software models, interpreting flight test data, and collaborating with design and operations teams to improve aircraft performance and meet regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Flight Performance Engineer vs Flight Test Engineer?

AspectFlight Performance EngineerFlight Test Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in aerospace, mechanical, or related engineering; often certifications in aeronauticsBachelor's in aerospace, mechanical, or related engineering; certifications in testing or aviation
Work EnvironmentAircraft performance analysis, in-flight data monitoring, and optimizationDesign, plan, and execute flight tests, analyze test data
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, aircraft manufacturers, aerospace companiesAircraft manufacturers, aerospace testing facilities, defense contractors

While both roles involve aircraft and aeronautics, Flight Performance Engineers focus on analyzing and optimizing aircraft performance during flights, whereas Flight Test Engineers design and conduct flight tests to validate aircraft systems. Both roles require similar technical backgrounds but differ in daily tasks and objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight performance engineer?

To thrive as a Flight Performance Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in simulation software (such as MATLAB, Simulink, or flight performance analysis tools) and knowledge of regulatory standards are essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set exceptional candidates apart in this field. These skills are critical for ensuring accurate performance calculations, regulatory compliance, and effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to guarantee safe and efficient aircraft operations.

What are some common challenges faced by flight performance engineers when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Flight Performance Engineers frequently work with teams from avionics, propulsion, aerodynamics, and operations. A common challenge is translating complex performance data into actionable insights that are understandable to colleagues from different technical backgrounds. Additionally, aligning performance requirements with design and regulatory constraints often requires strong communication and negotiation skills. Successful Flight Performance Engineers proactively foster open dialogue and use data visualization or simulation tools to bridge knowledge gaps and ensure all stakeholders are aligned on project goals.
What job categories do people searching Flight Performance Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Performance Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Flight Performance Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,787 per year, or $61.9 per hour.

Sr. Engineer, Software (FW)

Astronics

Waukegan, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Astronics rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly Telefonix PDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems. Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality.

The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago's Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award. This position is designated as onsite. The selected candidate must be willing and able to report to the Waukegan, IL location during scheduled work hours.

Summary Formulate, architect, design, develop, document, integrate, test, and maintain software for embedded Linux targets (applications, drivers, kernel, hardware abstraction layer/APIs/services to provide to 3rd party developers, etc.) or other microprocessor targets using industry best practices and standard design frameworks as appropriate. Essential Duties and Responsibilities The essential duties and responsibilities include the following, other duties as assigned. Analyze software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints

Customization, deployment, and maintenance of Linux BSP distributions or microprocessor firmware on different hardware platforms. Interact with Linux kernel and integrate new device drivers. Improve and maintain existing software components.

Implement, perform, and document software unit, design verification, and validation test of the developed products. Review and provide input to and advice on hardware designs. Assist with the hardware board, bring up and troubleshooting.

Consult with hardware engineers and other engineering staff to evaluate interface between hardware and software, and operational and performance requirements of overall system. Provide pre-sales support and contribute to the creation of proposals. Conduct code analysis, requirements analysis, and software reviews.

Coordinate the transfer to production and support factory manufacturing and customers in troubleshooting and root causing issues related to the firmware and/or programming software. The candidate must be "hands-on," detail oriented, team-oriented, autonomous, and willing to roll up his/her sleeves to ensure a successful program. As a senior technical software engineering role, the candidate is expected to exhibit a moderate level of independence, technical leadership/strategy, and interactions with other disciplines and management.

Responsible for implementing and complying with all ethical and legal compliance requirements. Other duties & functions may be assigned to this position as needed. Working knowledge of ISO/9001/14000/DO-178C and AS9100 processes.

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Education and/or Experience Required: BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, and/or Electrical Engineering from an accredited four-year college or university program.

10+ years of work experience in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, and/or Electrical Engineering related positions. Detail oriented, proactive team player and methodical self-starter able to complete projects in a timely manner. Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Has knowledge of and experience with microprocessor firmware or Linux kernel and device-driver development. Strong familiarity with different microprocessor firmware or Linux operating systems (Ubuntu, Yocto Poky, Debian, Alma for example), including BSP creation/support, and can configure and troubleshoot network, video, and other devices by installing, or possibly customizing kernel modules. Ability to write effective and reusable C/C++, Bash, or Python code as needed for firmware, APIs, services, custom test software, or firmware programming software development according to industry best practices.

Strong familiarity with Configuration Management, Revision Control, Defect/Change Tracking systems and software such as Github, Subversion, and JIRA, plus an interest in using and contributing to these systems. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, software documentation, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from peers, groups of managers, clients, and customers.

Competencies To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: Customer Service - Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments. Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions. Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Able to read and interpret written information.

Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed. Judgment - Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions. Maintains Confidentiality.

Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals. Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks. Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Adaptability - Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent. Dependability - Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.

Astronics CSC offers a competitive benefit package which is available to full-time employees. Part-time employees may be eligible on a pro-rated basis for the benefits listed. Stay Healthy - Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity.

Save for the Future - 401K, Profit Sharing & Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Astronics Corporation Profit Sharing/ 401(k) Plan is a "safe harbor" plan. Under the plan, Astronics has committed to contribute 3% of your eligible wages, with the ability to do an annual discretionary adder on top. Find Balance - Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program Time for You - Generous Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave Professional Growth - Tuition Reimbursement Program An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a drug test and background check, and applicants who do not successfully pass both the drug test and background check will not be considered for employment.

The salary range specified is applicable to positions within the State of Illinois and reflects various factors considered in compensation decisions. These factors include, but are not limited to, individual skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and the specific needs of our business and organization. At Astronics CSC, it is uncommon for new hires to receive an offer at or near the top end of the range for their role.

Compensation decisions are made based on the unique facts and circumstances of each candidate. The current estimated yearly salary range for this position is $125,000 to $145,000 per year. In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus.

Astronics offers a competitive salary, along with opportunities for career growth.


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