1

Graduate Aircraft Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... aircraft orders, engineering specifications, and manufacturing planning requirements * Repair ... Education assistance for undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, compensated at the ...

Shall be a qualified PR "A" School graduate or Air Force school graduate IAW COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790 ... engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to ...

Aircraft Worker, Powerplant

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$20 - $26.25/hr

... engineering data, and other specifications to determine feasibility and method of repairing or ... High School graduate or equivalent. * Prior F/A-18 A-G Collateral Duty Inspector/Quality Assurance ...

Shall be a qualified PR "A" School graduate or Air Force school graduate IAW COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790 ... engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to ...

Aircraft Worker, Powerplant

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

... engineering data, and other specifications to determine feasibility and method of repairing or ... High School graduate or equivalent. * Prior F/A-18 A-G Collateral Duty Inspector/Quality Assurance ...

Shall be a qualified PR "A" School graduate or Air Force school graduate IAW COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790 ... engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to ...

... engineering data, and other specifications to determine feasibility and method of repairing or ... High School graduate or equivalent. * Minimum Three (3) years' actual and recent organizational ...

Aircraft Worker, Powerplant

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

... engineering data, and other specifications to determine feasibility and method of repairing or ... High School graduate or equivalent. * Prior F/A-18 A-G Collateral Duty Inspector/Quality Assurance ...

... engineering data, and other specifications to determine feasibility and method of repairing or ... High School graduate or equivalent. * Three (3) years prior F/A-18 A-G Collateral Duty Inspector ...

... engineering data, and other specifications to determine feasibility and method of repairing or ... High School graduate or equivalent. * Minimum Three (3) years' actual and recent organizational ...

Aircraft Worker, Airframes

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

... engineering data, and other specifications to determine feasibility and method of repairing or ... High School graduate or equivalent. * Three (3) years prior F/A-18 A-G Collateral Duty Inspector ...

Showing results 41-60

Graduate Aircraft Engineer information

See salary details

$48.5K

$80.8K

$119K

How much do graduate aircraft engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 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 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,789 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Lead, Aircraft Fatigue and Damage Tolerance Engineer

L3Harris Technologies

Waco, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Lead, Aircraft Fatigue and Damage Tolerance Engineer
Job Code: 40917
Job Location: Waco, TX (Onsite)
Job Schedule: 9/80


Job Description:

L3Harris MMG Division is seeking an experienced Aircraft Fatigue and Damage Tolerance Engineer for our onsite aircraft modification facility located in Waco, TX. We offer competitive benefits and a generous relocation package for those who qualify.


The Aircraft Fatigue and Damage Tolerance Engineer will be responsible for performing structural fatigue and damage tolerance analysis of aircraft modifications, including design support, and preparation of technical documentation necessary to ensure airworthiness. This includes identification of critical load paths in primary aircraft structure resulting from applied and induced operational loads, as well as the determining the local stress concentrations, internal fastener load distributions, operational usage environments and design allowables. Additional responsibilities include development of tailored mission profiles and usage spectra for modified aircraft for use in calculation of service life.


Essential Functions:

  • Fatigue analysis of aircraft structures.
  • Crack growth analysis of aircraft structures.
  • Development of specific mission profiles and usage spectrum for modified aircraft.
  • Determination of inspection intervals for delivered aircraft.
  • Design support and drawing review.
  • Ability to generate free body diagrams, determine reaction forces, calculate internal load distributions, local stress concentrations, and operational usage environments.
  • Willingness and ability to travel as necessary.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
  • Willingness and ability to work any shift, weekends, and overtime as required.
  • Willingness to mentor less experienced engineers.
  • Effective and demonstrated leadership qualities.


Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree (MSME, MSAE) and a minimum of 7 years of prior aircraft structural dynamics related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
  • Must be a US citizen.


Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Active security clearance.
  • Experience with predicting crack initiation lives and running industry-standard crack growth programs; e.g., AFGROW, NASGRO.
  • Working knowledge of one programming language.
  • Working knowledge of both military (Mil Standard) and civilian (14 CFRs) certification regulations and generating substantiation data to demonstrate compliance.
  • Working knowledge on how to develop the Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for a structural modification.
  • Experience with standard Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) methods and corresponding crack growth detectable flaw sizes.
  • Experience with Dynamic Response Fatigue Analysis (High-Cycle Fatigue) due to high vibration environments and/or acoustic fatigue stresses.
  • CAD or analysis (FEA) tools exposure, and/or experience in mechanical design or analysis structures and mechanisms.
  • Familiarity with transducer instrumentation, data collection and or automation and software programming for numerical analysis.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, and have general computer knowledge.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

#LI-AS1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time