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Pilot Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

ZDC Remote Pilot Operator

Leesburg, VA ยท Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot ... Experience working in a multidisciplinary team (Multimedia Developers, Quality Assurance ...

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:

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:

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:

The engineer is responsible for the staging, piloting, and full deployment of releases to production within a DevOps environment. This position will require scripting, database query (SQL), and ...

They are seeking a Senior Pre-Sales Engineer who will engage with customers, providing technical expertise and translating complex concepts into actionable business outcomes during pilot executions.

DevOps Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท 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 ...

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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Showing results 1-20

Pilot Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$56.1K

$148.3K

$227.7K

How much do pilot engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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 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 does a Pilot Engineer do?

A Pilot Engineer designs, tests, and oversees the development of aerospace systems and aircraft components. They often work with simulation tools, adhere to safety standards, and may require certifications such as a pilot license or engineering credentials. Their role involves ensuring the functionality and safety of aerospace technology throughout the development process.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes certifications or security clearances.

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.

What is a Pilot Engineer job?

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.

How much money does a Pilot Engineer make?

Pilot Engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often require specialized technical skills and certifications, and may work in manufacturing, aerospace, or engineering environments with varying pay scales.

What engineers make 300k?

Senior aerospace, petroleum, and software engineers often reach or exceed a salary of $300,000, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. These roles typically require specialized expertise, advanced degrees, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or working in high-cost-of-living areas.
Infographic showing various Pilot Engineer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,275 per year, or $71.3 per hour.
Aircraft Modification Systems Engineer - Senior

Aircraft Modification Systems Engineer - Senior

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.

Alexandria, VA โ€ข On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 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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