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Graduate Aircraft Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

High School graduate or equivalent. * Minimum two (2) years of actual and recent organizational ... About Amentum Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology ...

NY · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Position Summary Odyssey has an exciting opportunity for an Aircraft & Store Integration Engineer ... Undergraduate and/or graduate engineering degree from a college or university with an ...

New

Sr. Aircraft Mechanic

Niagara Falls, NY

$27.50 - $36.25/hr

Our dedicated team of experimental test pilots, engineers, mechanics, and technicians transforms ... High school graduate or equivalent * Formal Aircraft Mechanic Technician training preferred

Sr. Aircraft Mechanic

Niagara Falls, NY · On-site

$27.50 - $36.25/hr

Our dedicated team of experimental test pilots, engineers, mechanics, and technicians transforms ... High school graduate or equivalent * Formal Aircraft Mechanic Technician training preferred

Our dedicated team of experimental test pilots, engineers, mechanics, and technicians transforms ... High school graduate or equivalent * Formal Aircraft Mechanic Technician training preferred

Showing results 21-40

Graduate Aircraft Engineer information

See salary details

$48.5K

$80.8K

$119K

How much do graduate aircraft engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate aircraft engineer in the United States is $80,789.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $95,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate aircraft engineer?

Graduate Aircraft Engineers are entry-level professionals who have recently completed a degree in aerospace or aeronautical engineering and are beginning their careers in the aviation industry. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, assisting with the design, testing, maintenance, and improvement of aircraft and related systems. Their responsibilities can include drafting technical reports, conducting performance analyses, and ensuring compliance with aviation safety standards. Graduate Aircraft Engineers play a vital role in supporting innovation and maintaining the safety and efficiency of modern aircraft.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a graduate aircraft engineer expect during their first year on the job?

As a Graduate Aircraft Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on and analytical tasks, such as assisting with aircraft maintenance checks, supporting design modifications, and conducting inspections under supervision. You'll likely work closely with experienced engineers and technicians, rotating through different departments to gain exposure to both mechanical and avionics systems. Collaboration is a key part of the role, as you’ll regularly communicate with maintenance teams, safety officers, and project managers. This diverse experience is designed to help you develop a strong technical foundation and identify areas for future specialization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate aircraft engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Aircraft Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, usually acquired through an engineering degree. Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software, simulation tools, and relevant industry standards or certifications like EASA Part-66 is commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate on complex projects and present technical information clearly. These skills are essential for ensuring safety, innovation, and efficiency in aircraft design, maintenance, and operation.

What is the difference between Graduate Aircraft Engineer vs Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?

AspectGraduate Aircraft EngineerAircraft Maintenance Engineer
QualificationsTypically requires a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineeringRequires certifications like EASA Part-66 or FAA Airframe & Powerplant license
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, testing facilities, and initial aircraft assessmentsOn-site aircraft maintenance, inspections, and repairs
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, aerospace manufacturers, defense contractorsAirlines, maintenance organizations, repair stations

The main difference is that Graduate Aircraft Engineers focus on aircraft design, testing, and development, often working in offices or labs, while Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining aircraft in operational settings. Both roles require relevant certifications and are essential in the aviation industry, but they serve different stages of an aircraft's lifecycle.

More about Graduate Aircraft Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Graduate Aircraft Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,789 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Aircraft Worker

Pae

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$35.36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Amentum is immediately hiring F/A-18 Plane Captains in support of U.S. Navy Aircraft maintenance operations at NAS Oceana, VA.

Must be able to work rotating shifts and travel for detachments both ashore and afloat (aircraft carriers.)

The Aircraft Workers will become Plane Captain certified IAW a government approved certification process. The Aircraft Worker services aircraft, performing any combination of the following tasks directs incoming and outgoing aircraft near terminal or flight line parking area to assist pilot's maneuvering of the aircraft on the ground, using hand or light signals, and secures aircraft in parking position with chocks and tie downs. Additionally, workers do the following tasks: aircraft flight line servicing, operates service vehicles to replenish fuel and oil, perform pre-flight thru post-flight maintenance inspections, enters on the maintenance records description of the servicing performed, checks for fuel contamination by draining sumps and fuel drains; operates ground support equipment such as electrical power supply, tow tractors, and engine starting units, examines tires for specified air pressure and condition, assists in towing aircraft and cleans exterior and interior of aircraft, hangar deck periodic housekeeping and fluid spills using portable platform ladders, brushes, rags, water hose, cleaning compound applicator and mobile vacuum. The Aircraft Worker could perform this work up to 7 days and 40 hours a week and overtime depending on operational tempo.


Will be required to pass and maintain a U.S. Government background security check as well as favorable fingerprints in EQIP. May be required to complete a SF-85/86 in EQIP as required to maintain possession of a CAC card. Unfavorable background check may result in termination if determination is made you are not eligible for a CAC identification.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Shift work and detachments are required both ashore and afloat (aircraft carriers.)
  • High School graduate or equivalent.
  • Minimum two (2) years of actual and recent organizational level aircraft maintenance experience desired.
  • Must have a valid Virginia or North Carolina Driver license (if North Carolina resident)
  • Knowledge and use of special tools/equipment required to perform assigned maintenance tasks is mandatory.
  • Work is performed primarily outdoors under all types of weather conditions with exposure to loud noise and exhaust fumes.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical publications, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
  • Should be a self-motivator and work with minimum supervision.
  • Must be able to meet physical requirements associated with and/or pass any medical examination requirements related to performing daily assigned tasks.
  • There is a great deal of standing, climbing, bending and stooping.
  • Must be able to obtain an approved status from the Contractor Verification system which includes a 7-year background check and obtain a Security Clearance for Public Trust.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization. Note: US Citizenship is required for facility credentials/authorization at this work location.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • F/A-18 Plane Captain, Brake Rider, Move Director
  • Preferred completion of military aviation maintenance training or maintenance technical school curriculum or possess an FAA issued A&P license.
  • Prior experience with U.S. Navy aviation experience on F/A-18 aircraft highly preferred.

Other Responsibilities:

Safety - Amentum enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing and maintaining a safe work environment. As appropriate, each employee is responsible for completing all training requirements and fulfilling all self-aid/buddy aid responsibilities, participating in emergency response tasks and serving on safety committees and teams.

Quality - Quality is the foundation for the management of our business and the keystone to our goal of customer satisfaction. It is our policy to consistently provide services that meet customer expectations. Accordingly, each employee must conform to the Amentum Quality Policy and carry out job activities in compliance with applicable Amentum Quality System documents and customer contracts. Each employee must read and understand his/her Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction responsibilities.

Procedure Compliance - Each employee must read, understand and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures and policies pertaining to his/her job.

About Amentum

Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to address their most significant and complex challenges in science, security, and sustainability. Our people apply undaunted curiosity, relentless ambition, and boundless imagination to challenge convention and drive progress. Our commitments are underpinned by the belief that safety, collaboration, and well-being are integral to success.Headquarters in Chantilly, Virginia, we have approximately 50,000employees in more than 70 countriesacross all 7 continents.

Salary and Other Compensation:

The hourly rate for this position is $35.36 per hour. Plus $7.80 per hour, up to 40 hours per week, for Health & Welfare.

Benefits: The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, 3.08 hours of paid time off weekly, and 11 paid holidays annually.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, national origin, age, United States military veteran's status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, family structure, medical condition including genetic characteristics or information, veteran status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language at EEO including Disability/Protected Veterans and Labor Laws Posters.

Compensation Details:

35.36

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

  • Educational reimbursement

  • Parental leave

  • Employee stock purchase plan

  • Tax-saving options

  • Disability and life insurance

  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

07/29/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language atLabor Laws Posters.