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Graduate Aircraft Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aircraft Worker Line

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$35.36/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Aircraft Worker Line

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Aircraft Worker, Airframes

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Aircraft Worker, Powerplant

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Aircraft Worker, Electrician

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$27.25 - $35.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Aircraft Worker, Electrician

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$34.86/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Aircraft Worker, Powerplant

Virginia Beach, VA

$34.86/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

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 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.

Specialist, Mechanical Engineer (Aircraft Design)

L3Harris Technologies

Wolfe City, TX

$77K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 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: Specialist, Mechanical Design Engineer
Job Code: 38708
Job Location: Greenville, TX (Onsite)

Job Schedule: 1st Shift 9/80

Job Description:

The Mechanical Design Engineer Specialist is responsible for participating in the design of detail parts, assemblies, and installations for aircraft structures, mission equipment installations, and mechanical systems installations. Engineer applies basic engineering design and/or analytical theory with understanding of structural analysis for application to integrated system design.


Essential Functions:

  • Responsible for research, development of layouts, preparation of engineering drawings, and coordination of design activities with Tooling, Flight Sciences, Manufacturing, and Production to ensure that designs meet requirements at minimum cost.
  • Designs will be accomplished using world-class, three-dimensional solid modeling CAD tools and work will be accomplished with senior-level design engineers.
  • Can work on a wide variety of tasks and aircraft systems on various aircraft platforms.
  • Ability to walk to and from the flight line, work in aircraft hangar environment and board/exit aircraft is required.
  • Willingness and ability to travel as needed.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong computer skills and MS Office.
  • Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.


Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree with four (4) years of Mechanical Design experience in the aerospace industry.
  • Graduate Degree with two (2) years of Mechanical Design experience in the aerospace industry.
  • In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of Mechanical Design experience in the aerospace industry.
  • Minimum 2 years CAD skills (NX/Unigraphics preferred, ProE, Catia).
  • Must be a US citizen.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Active Secret clearance.

#LI-AH1

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.

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