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Pilot Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

Derwood, MD · On-site

We're experts and we earn that title everyday with our customers through innovative engineering ... The UAS Pilot will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight ...

New

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

Derwood, MD · On-site

We're experts and we earn that title everyday with our customers through innovative engineering ... The UAS Pilot will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight ...

New

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA · On-site

Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S ... engineering teams to inform design objectives and improvements Qualifications & Experience:

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA · On-site

Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S ... engineering teams to inform design objectives and improvements Qualifications & Experience:

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA

Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S ... engineering teams to inform design objectives and improvements Qualifications & Experience:

Accenture Federal Services

DevOps Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$54.50 - $74.75/hr

They are seeking a DevOps Engineer to leverage industry tools and processes to maintain a DevOps and development environment that supports production efforts and pilot programs within secure ...

The Josef Group

DevOps Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$54 - $74/hr

... Engineer Chantilly, VA TS/SCI and FSP Required The DevOps Engineer will leverage the latest ... and pilot programs within the organization's secure and low-side environments, on-premises ...

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All JobsPilot Engineer JobsPilot Engineer Jobs in Washington

Pilot Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$56.1K

$148.3K

$227.7K

How much do pilot engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot engineer in Washington is $148,275.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,300.00 and $175,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pilot engineer?

A Pilot Engineer is a professional who combines engineering expertise with flight operations knowledge to support aircraft development, testing, and safety improvements. They work closely with design, testing, and certification teams to evaluate aircraft performance, develop operational procedures, and troubleshoot technical issues. Pilot Engineers may also conduct test flights, analyze flight data, and ensure compliance with aviation regulations. Their role bridges the gap between engineering and piloting, contributing to the advancement of aerospace technology and flight safety.

What is a typical day like for a pilot engineer?

A typical day for a Pilot Engineer involves conducting pre-flight planning, coordinating with engineering and flight crews, performing in-flight tests or simulations, and analyzing data to improve aircraft systems. You may split your time between hands-on flight testing, troubleshooting technical issues, and documenting results for compliance and development purposes. Collaboration with other engineers, pilots, and safety specialists is frequent, as is participation in team meetings and briefings. This dynamic work environment offers variety and the opportunity to be deeply involved in the advancement of aviation technology.

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

To excel as a Pilot Engineer, you need a solid background in aeronautical or aerospace engineering, a strong grasp of flight dynamics, and practical experience with aircraft systems. Familiarity with flight simulation software, avionics testing equipment, and relevant certifications such as a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or FAA engineering approvals is often required. Exceptional problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you work effectively with pilots, flight test teams, and regulatory authorities. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient development and testing of aircraft systems within a collaborative engineering environment.

How do you become a pilot engineer?

To become a pilot engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, along with specialized training in aviation systems and engineering principles. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level engineering roles and obtaining relevant certifications, such as a pilot license or technical certifications, can also be important for advancing in this role.

How much do pilot engineers get paid?

Pilot engineers, also known as aerospace or avionics engineers, typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $80,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and working for large aerospace companies or in high-demand regions.

What does a pilot engineer do?

A pilot engineer designs, tests, and supervises the development of aircraft systems and components, ensuring they meet safety and performance standards. They often work with engineers and technicians, use specialized tools, and may require certifications in aerospace or related fields. Their role involves analyzing technical data and troubleshooting issues during aircraft development and maintenance.

What are popular job titles related to Pilot Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Pilot Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pilot Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Pilot Engineer jobs in Washington are:

Pilot Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,275 per year, or $71.3 per hour.

Aircraft Modification Systems Engineer - Senior

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.
Engineering Professional Services • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.external

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

As a Senior Aircraft Modification Systems Engineer with MTSI you will focus on projects emphasizing integration of sensors, communication equipment, and aircraft survivability equipment. This position will be located in northern VA.
Your essential job functions will include but may not be limited to:
  • Understanding of airworthiness criteria.
  • Flight test of aircraft and modified aircraft to evaluate airworthiness.
  • Knowledge of CONUS-based test ranges.
  • 10+ years of aircraft (manned or unmanned) aircraft modification, systems engineering approaches, and program management.
  • You must have demonstrated skill in in at least one or more technical area: flight test, aircraft modification, systems engineering, stores separation analysis, and unmanned aircraft.
  • An interest and some knowledge of one airworthiness criteria and FAA airworthiness standards technology.
  • You must be able to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment, and meet required schedules and timelines.
  • You must have the ability to interact with aircraft/equipment suppliers, work well with coworkers and teammates.
  • You must have outstanding skills in communicating complex technical issues and in providing comprehensive written, oral and/or digital products (including document organization and technical writing).
  • You must have good analytic skills and the ability to apply these skills in a multi-tasking environment where more than one project may require his/her participation at a given time (typically one primary project and one or two ancillary projects).

Desired Requirements:
  • Specific experience with modification of manned or unmanned aircraft.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office products to include Project
  • Experience staffing decision packages in a headquarters environment.
  • Experience with the Intelligence Community including acquisition and engineering projects.

Education Requirements:
  • B.S. in an aerospace, mechanical, or systems engineering, math, statistics, operations research or related field.
  • M.S. in aerospace, mechanical, or systems engineering, math, statistics, operations research or related field, DESIRED.

Certifications Desired:
  • Project Management Professional.
  • Test Pilot/Engineer School Grad.
  • Systems Engineer Professional.

Clearance Requirements:
  • TS/SCI clearance with a Full-Scope polygraph.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.

The pay range for this position is $160,000/year to $200,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract ranges, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. This posting will be renewed periodically until the position is filled.
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