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Senior Aircraft Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Tyonek Native Corporation

$27.25 - $35.75/hr

The Aircraft Structures Mechanic III serves as a senior aircraft structural repair and modification ... The selected candidate will work closely with engineers, flight test personnel, and maintenance ...

TekSky

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Hampton, VA About the job Senior Mechanical Engineer - UAS About ... At Advanced Aircraft Company (AAC), we design and manufacture high-performance VTOL unmanned ...

Electra

Staff / Senior Mechanical Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$104K - $138K/yr

About Electra At Electra, we're building the EL9 -- a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that ... Staff / Senior Mechanical Engineer The Role Electra is seeking a Staff / Senior Mechanical Engineer ...

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All JobsAircraft Engineer JobsSenior Aircraft Engineer JobsSenior Aircraft Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Senior Aircraft Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$59K

$125.5K

$181.9K

How much do senior aircraft engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior aircraft engineer in Virginia is $125,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,600.00 and $142,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior aircraft engineer?

Senior Aircraft Engineers are highly experienced professionals responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repair, and overall airworthiness of aircraft. They lead engineering teams, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and troubleshoot complex technical issues. Their duties often include supervising maintenance schedules, approving engineering modifications, and liaising with regulatory authorities. Senior Aircraft Engineers play a critical role in ensuring that all aircraft systems operate safely and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior aircraft engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Aircraft Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, extensive experience with aircraft systems, and relevant certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license or EASA/FAA approval. Expertise with CAD software, maintenance management systems, and compliance tools is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, leadership, and effective communication set high-performing engineers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and the successful management of complex engineering projects.

What are some common challenges faced by senior aircraft engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Senior Aircraft Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing complex maintenance tasks under tight deadlines, ensuring compliance with evolving aviation regulations, and troubleshooting advanced technical issues. To address these challenges, it's essential to stay updated with regulatory changes, participate in continuous professional development, and foster strong communication with multidisciplinary teams. Building effective collaboration with technicians, inspectors, and project managers also helps streamline problem-solving and enhances overall operational safety.

What is the difference between Senior Aircraft Engineer vs Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?

AspectSenior Aircraft EngineerAircraft Maintenance Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications like EASA Part-66, experienceTechnical diploma or certification, licensing depending on region
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, oversight, and troubleshooting of aircraft systemsHands-on maintenance, inspections, repairs on aircraft
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, aerospace companies, defense contractorsAirlines, maintenance facilities, repair stations

While both roles require technical expertise and certifications, Senior Aircraft Engineers focus on design, analysis, and oversight of aircraft systems, whereas Aircraft Maintenance Engineers perform hands-on repairs and inspections. The senior role involves more planning and supervision, often working in design or oversight capacities, while maintenance engineers are directly involved in aircraft upkeep and safety checks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Aircraft Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Aircraft Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Aircraft Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Senior Aircraft Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Aircraft Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Aircraft Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Aircraft Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Aircraft Engineer job openings:

Senior Aircraft Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Aircraft Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,471 per year, or $60.3 per hour.

Aircraft Modification Systems Engineer - Senior

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 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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