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Helicopter Engineer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Senior Mechanical Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer | Aircraft Utility Systems | Kawak Aviation (Bend, OR) Pay Range: $110 ... From advanced helicopter firefighting systems to specialized aviation equipment, we take pride in ...

Veteran-friendly

Relocation assistance

Urgent

Be Seen First

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer | Aircraft Utility Systems | Kawak Aviation (Bend, OR) Pay Range: $110 ... From advanced helicopter firefighting systems to specialized aviation equipment, we take pride in ...

Veteran-friendly

Relocation assistance

Urgent

Composite Technician

Medford, OR · On-site

$25.15 - $34.96/hr

Description Position Purpose Manufacture S64-E and S64-F Helicopter Composite Main Rotor Blades and ... Blueprint reading Ability to understand and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, manuals ...

Composite Technician

Medford, OR · On-site

$25.15 - $34.96/hr

Position Purpose Manufacture S64-E and S64-F Helicopter Composite Main Rotor Blades and associated ... Blueprint reading Ability to understand and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, manuals ...

Composite Technician

Medford, OR · On-site

$25.15 - $34.96/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Position Purpose Manufacture S64-E and S64-F Helicopter Composite ... Blueprint reading Ability to understand and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, manuals ...

Helicopter Engineer information

See Oregon salary details

$20.4K

$82.7K

$163.1K

How much do helicopter engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter engineer in Oregon is $82,728.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,374.00 and $107,221.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Helicopter Engineer job?

A Helicopter Engineer is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and inspection of helicopters to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. They diagnose mechanical and electrical issues, perform routine servicing, and comply with aviation regulations. Helicopter Engineers often specialize in airframes, engines, or avionics, working in military, commercial, or private aviation sectors. Their role is crucial for flight safety, requiring technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Helicopter Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Helicopter Engineer, you need a solid grounding in aerospace engineering principles, mechanical systems, and typically a relevant engineering degree or equivalent qualification. Familiarity with CAD software, maintenance management systems, and certifications such as FAA Part 147 or EASA Part 66 is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities set outstanding engineers apart. These skills are vital for ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of helicopter operations and maintenance.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a Helicopter Engineer?

As a Helicopter Engineer, your day typically includes performing scheduled maintenance checks, troubleshooting and repairing mechanical or avionics issues, and documenting all work according to aviation regulations. You may also collaborate with pilots and other engineers to assess aircraft performance, address technical concerns, and participate in safety briefings. Working conditions can vary from hangars to airfields, and attention to safety and regulatory compliance is always paramount. This hands-on, detail-oriented role is essential to keeping helicopters operational and minimizing downtime.
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What job categories do people searching Helicopter Engineer jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Helicopter Engineer jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Helicopter Engineer jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Helicopter Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Helicopter Engineer jobs in OR? For Helicopter Engineer jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Helicopter Engineer job openings in Oregon as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $82,728 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Kawak Aviation Technologies

Portland, OR • On-site

Veteran-friendly

Relocation assistance

Urgent

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

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Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer | Aircraft Utility Systems | Kawak Aviation (Bend, OR)

Pay Range: $110,000-130,000

Build products that fight wildfires, solve real-world problems, and make a direct impact with a passionate small-team culture.

We design and deliver aircraft-integrated utility systems used in live aerial firefighting operations.

These aren’t long-cycle, theoretical programs.

Kawak aerial firefighting solutions go from concept → certification → aircraft → field operation in tight cycles, and they’re relied on in high-risk environments where performance and reliability are non-negotiable.

We’re a small, high-performing team, and we’re looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer who wants real ownership and real impact.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead and own design of aircraft-integrated utility systems from concept through certification and production
  • Develop real hardware: systems, structures, tanks, hydraulics, composite components
  • Work directly with production, quality, and program leadership
  • Primary customer interface for assigned programs
  • Drive engineering and design within FAA/STC certification environments
  • Support testing, validation, and real-world performance

You won’t be one layer removed from the product.

You’ll be responsible for it.

What Makes This Role Different

  • Your designs go onto aircraft and into operation
  • Fast iteration compared to traditional aerospace programs
  • High ownership. Low bureaucracy
  • Direct impact on product direction and performance
  • Work tied to real-world missions, not internal programs

What We’re Looking For

  • 8+ years hands on mechanical engineering/design experience
  • Prior aviation, aerospace, or defense industry background strongly valued
  • Strong CAD (SolidWorks) and design fundamentals
  • Deep multi-discipline expertise (structural, hydraulic, mechanisms, electronics)
  • Ability to take products from concept through production
  • Mentors Level 1 and Level 2 engineers

Location

Bend, Oregon - Relocation support available for the right candidate

Interested?

If you’re looking for a role where your work moves quickly, matters in the field, and you can take true ownership of what you build, we should talk.

Apply here or reach out directly.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation based on experience ($100-120k starting).
  • Medical, dental, vision coverage.
  • 401(k) with company match.
  • Paid time off (PTO).
  • A consistent weekday schedule: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • A tight-knit team working on meaningful products that serve real-world missions.

Company Description

Kawak Aviation Technologies is a fast-moving utility aviation company focused on designing and manufacturing mission-critical aerial firefighting and aviation systems trusted by operators around the world. Based in Bend, Oregon, our team develops innovative products that support demanding real-world operations where reliability, speed, and performance matter most. From advanced helicopter firefighting systems to specialized aviation equipment, we take pride in building solutions that “just plain work” when the stakes are highest. We are looking for driven, hands-on people who thrive in a collaborative small-business environment, take ownership of their work, and want to help shape the future of aerial firefighting and utility aviation.