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Flight Performance Engineer Jobs in Lusby, MD (NOW HIRING)

Saalex

PNT/GPS Engineer

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

... performance. * Engineering Analysis and Review * Assists in the technical review of engineering documentation. Under the guidance of senior engineers, supports the evaluation of Flight Clearances ...

Saalex

PNT/GPS Engineer

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

... performance. * Engineering Analysis and Review * Assists in the technical review of engineering documentation. Under the guidance of senior engineers, supports the evaluation of Flight Clearances ...

Saalex

PNT/GPS Engineer

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

... performance. * Engineering Analysis and Review * Assists in the technical review of engineering documentation. Under the guidance of senior engineers, supports the evaluation of Flight Clearances ...

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All JobsFlight Performance Engineer JobsFlight Performance Engineer Jobs in Lusby, MD

Flight Performance Engineer information

See Lusby, MD salary details

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How much do flight performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight performance engineer in Lusby, MD is $60.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.23 and $67.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior flight performance engineers or aerospace engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in the aerospace industry. High compensation often reflects leadership roles, complex project responsibilities, or working for major aerospace companies with demanding schedules and technical expertise.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior aerospace or flight performance engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often working in the aerospace or defense industries can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. Such high compensation typically requires specialized expertise, leadership roles, or working for major corporations in high-demand sectors.

Is there a demand for Flight Engineers?

The demand for Flight Engineers has decreased significantly with advancements in aircraft automation and modern aircraft design, leading to fewer openings in the field. However, opportunities may still exist in specialized roles, older aircraft maintenance, or in regions with limited automation, requiring relevant certifications and experience. Overall, the role is becoming less common in the aviation industry.

What are Flight Performance Engineers?

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, and why are they important?

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 do aircraft performance engineers do?

Aircraft performance engineers analyze and optimize the performance of aircraft, including fuel efficiency, speed, and handling characteristics. They use flight data, simulations, and engineering tools to ensure aircraft meet safety and efficiency standards, often working closely with design teams and pilots. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of aerodynamics and aircraft systems are essential for this role.
Flight Performance Engineer jobs near you
Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Engineer

Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Engineer

Saalex

Lexington Park, MD • On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Greenfield Engineering, a Saalex Company is seeking PNT/GPS Engineer in Lexington Park, MD to support the Mission Systems Group and related military avionics programs. The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience with avionics navigation and communication systems, a strong background in global positioning systems, inertial navigation and flight planning. This position is a key contributor to mission effectiveness and safety of flight across the Naval Aviation enterprise. The role directly supports the successful fielding of robust, reliable, and precise navigation capabilities by providing the hands-on engineering analysis and technical support necessary for the development, integration, testing, and fielding of advanced navigation.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $140k-$175k annually (depending on experience)


Work Location: Full-time onsite

Position Overview:

The Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Engineer applies systems engineering principles to support the integration of advanced navigation capabilities required for aircraft to operate in modernized civil and military airspace environments worldwide. The incumbent serves as a contributing technical team member, providing Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) engineering support across Navy and Marine Corps platforms.

The position is responsible for working within a team of engineers to assist in the formulation of technical direction, technical planning, and the development of specifications. The incumbent applies technical expertise in the areas of aircraft integration for Performance Based Navigation (PBN), Area Navigation (RNAV), Required Navigation Performance (RNP), and Flight Management System (FMS) architectures.

Work is performed under the administrative and general policy supervision of the Core Avionics Engineering Division Director and Position, Navigation, and Timing Branch Head. The incumbent acts as a practicing engineer and technical contributor, providing engineering analysis, recommendations, and guidance to support platform-level Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) and senior navigation engineers.

Key Impact of the Position:

This position is a key contributor to ensuring that Naval Aviation platforms maintain global reach and interoperability within modernized civil and military airspace. By providing hands-on engineering analysis and technical support, the incumbent ensures that PBN integration and certification efforts are successfully executed, directly enabling mission effectiveness, safety of flight, and compliance with global airspace mandates.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

  • System Integration and Engineering Support
    • Provides engineering support for the aircraft integration and sustainment of PBN capabilities, including Area Navigation (RNAV), Required Navigation Performance (RNP), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) approach capabilities (e.g., LPV, LNAV/VNAV), and modern Flight Management Systems (FMS). Provides technical analysis and design review support to multiple aircraft program offices executing these integration efforts.
  • Technical Planning and Execution
    • Contributes to technology advancement in the area of PBN capabilities to ensure military aircraft can successfully navigate Next Generation (NextGen) and international airspace structures. Assists in the execution of technical plans and research and development efforts in the area of future civil airspace navigation technologies.
  • Collaboration and Technical Coordination
    • Collaborates effectively with external groups and across NAWCAD/NAVAIR. Works as part of the technical team to coordinate with program offices and support the evaluation of evolving civil aviation mandates and data-link requirements to ensure DoD aircraft compliance.
  • Certification, Verification, and Technical Review
    • Assists in the development of Engineering Data Requirements Agreement Plan (EDRAP) inputs and supports the review of flight clearances for the integration of PBN and related avionics technologies. Works with senior engineers to review PBN-related designs, appendices, and architectures to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with established requirements.
  • Other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

Required:

  • Knowledge of systems engineering principles related to avionics and navigation systems.
  • Working familiarity with Performance Based Navigation (PBN), RNAV, RNP, WAAS/SBAS, and Flight Management Systems (FMS).
  • Understanding of civil aviation mandates, FAA regulations, and international airspace requirements (ICAO).
  • Ability to contribute to technical efforts across diverse engineering disciplines and program offices.
  • Ability to analyze technical data and assist in the review of engineering documentation.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively as part of a technical team.
  • Experience or academic coursework related to the design, integration, or testing of navigation systems, with exposure to PBN, FMS, or civil airspace integration.
  • Demonstrated ability to apply engineering principles to solve technical problems.
  • A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline.

Security Clearance:

  • Active Secret clearance required to start. Must be eligible to obtain Top Secret / SCI clearance. Requirements to obtain a clearance include US Citizenship, security investigation, etc.

Education:

  • A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline.

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Training & Development
  • Wellness Resources
  • Stock Option Plan

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