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Freelance Aircraft Wheel Brake Jobs in Renton, WA

Freelance Aircraft Wheel Brake information

See Renton, WA salary details

$18

$32

$43

How much do freelance aircraft wheel brake jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance aircraft wheel brake in Renton, WA is $32.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.41 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance aircraft wheel brake technician do?

A Freelance Aircraft Wheel Brake specialist is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, repairing, and sometimes overhauling aircraft wheel brake systems. They ensure that brakes function properly and safely according to aviation standards and regulations. Working on a freelance basis, they may contract with various airlines, maintenance organizations, or private aircraft owners to provide their expertise. Their work is crucial for ensuring aircraft safety during landing and ground operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance aircraft wheel brake technician?

To thrive as a Freelance Aircraft Wheel Brake Technician, you need expertise in aircraft brake systems, relevant aviation maintenance certifications (such as FAA A&P), and a solid understanding of safety protocols. Familiarity with specialized diagnostic tools, maintenance manuals, and regulatory compliance software is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you work independently and liaise with clients. These skills ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable service in a highly technical and safety-critical field.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance aircraft wheel brake technicians, and how can they be managed?

Freelance aircraft wheel brake technicians often face challenges such as maintaining up-to-date certifications, sourcing specialized tools, and ensuring access to technical documentation. Additionally, working independently may require managing variable workloads and coordinating closely with hangar staff or other contractors to align with aircraft maintenance schedules. Staying organized, building strong industry relationships, and investing in ongoing training are effective ways to overcome these challenges and deliver reliable results.

What is the difference between Freelance Aircraft Wheel Brake vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectFreelance Aircraft Wheel BrakeAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsTypically requires specialized training in brake systems, certifications vary by regionRequires FAA or equivalent certifications, including Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license
Work EnvironmentIndependent, often on-demand, working at airports or repair facilitiesEmployed by airlines, maintenance shops, or contractors, working in hangars or maintenance facilities
Job FocusSpecializes in aircraft wheel brake systems, repairs, and replacementsPerforms comprehensive aircraft maintenance, including brakes, engines, and systems

Freelance Aircraft Wheel Brakes focus on specialized brake system repairs, often working independently, while Aircraft Maintenance Technicians handle broader aircraft maintenance tasks in structured environments. Both roles require relevant certifications but differ in scope and work setting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Aircraft Wheel Brake jobs in Renton, WA?

The most popular types of Aircraft Wheel Brake jobs in Renton, WA are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Aircraft Wheel Brake jobs in Renton, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Aircraft Wheel Brake jobs in Renton, WA are:

What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Freelance Aircraft Wheel Brake jobs?

Cities near Renton, WA with the most Freelance Aircraft Wheel Brake job openings:

Staff Engineer, Landing Gear Systems (R5372)

Shield AI

Seattle, WA • On-site

$160K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

Are you a passionate and innovative product design engineer looking to help develop state-of-the-art AI and aircraft products? Are you eager to make a positive difference in the world? Do you want to work alongside mission driven and values focused teammates? Shield AI is just the place for you!

As a Principal Landing Gear Engineer, you will be responsible for contributing to the mechanical design and development of Shield AI's autonomous UAV products. You will help architect landing gear on next generation unmanned aerial platforms, perform the detailed design of landing gear, doors and related mechanisms, and will use best in class design and analysis tools. You will collaborate closely with internal and/or external partners to prototype, test and release products to production. You will also help ensure product features achieve performance, schedule and reliability goals.

What you'll do:
  • Design electro-mechanical or hydro-mechanical landing gear for autonomous aircraft
  • Own the full design process: concept, CAD design, analysis, tolerance stackups, material selection, and drawing release
  • Perform structural and kinematic calculations and preliminary FEA
  • Prototype, test, and iterate mechanism designs for functionality and reliability
  • Collaborate with electrical, avionics, hydraulics, and structures teams
  • Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing
Required qualifications:
  • B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
  • 7+ years in mechanical or mechanism design
  • Strong CAD skills (NX preferred)
  • Experience with UAVs, aircraft, rotorcraft, or other landable air systems
  • Kinematic analysis and optimization of retractable landing gear systems
  • Knowledge of tire, wheel, and brake selection along with brake control systems
  • Familiarity with nose wheel steering systems
  • Structural analysis utilizing hand calculations and finite element methods
  • FEA analysis: Modal, non-linear and linear, buckling, fatigue
  • GD&T and tolerance stack-ups for mechanical systems
  • Materials selection inclusive of alloys, heat treatments, allowables, and finishes
  • Ability to work independently in fast-paced, cross-functional teams
Preferred qualifications:
  • Familiarity with electro-mechanical actuators
  • Proficiency in FMEA, DOE, and root cause analysis
  • Hands-on machine shop or mechanic experience (professional or hobby)
  • RTCA DO-160, MIL-STD-810, structural, actuated mechanism, or AS6053 drop testing experience
  • Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments
$160,000 - $240,000 a year
#LI-MS1
#LD

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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