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Senior Aircraft Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fabricate, assemble, and install aircraft structural and mechanical components per engineering drawings, technical orders, and flight-test requirements * Perform precision sheet metal work: layout ...

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Senior Aircraft Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior aircraft engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior aircraft engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Aircraft Engineer, and why are they important?

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 Senior Aircraft Engineers?

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 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.

More about Senior Aircraft Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Aircraft Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Aircraft Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aircraft Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Aircraft Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Aircraft Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Aircraft Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Aircraft Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.
Senior Aircraft Safety Engineer #4093018

Senior Aircraft Safety Engineer #4093018

A-P-T Research

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Position Description Summary:

APT Research is hiring a Senior Aircraft Safety Engineer in Huntsville, AL to support MDA on our MAPSS Safety contract. 

APT is an employee-owned engineering services company specializing in conducting safety and quality analyses for the U.S. Government. APT offers competitive salaries, advancement opportunities that match your professional development interest, and excellent benefits including being voted as the best place for working parents. Our employees are owners, each share in the commitment to deliver safe, reliable, and innovative Analysis, Planning, & Test Solutions and services that exceed expectations, build employee pride of ownership, and optimize shareholder value.

Requirements:

  • Experience working aircraft System Safety processes, as described in MIL-STD 882 E as well as applicable
    Department of Defense and Federal Aviation Administration documents during design, development, use
    and maintenance of Safety-critical systems.
  • Experience working software Safety processes, as described in MIL-STD 882 E, during design,
    development, use and maintenance
  • Experience performing aircraft safety review and analysis to ensure aircraft meet safety requirements.
  • Experience evaluating contractor's air and ground safety posture.
  • Ability to analyze, research, assess, and organize technical data into cohesive and clear technical reports and
    presentations.
  • Ability to organize, schedule, and facilitate technical meetings and working groups.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and presenting Safety assessments to a diverse audience.
  • Specialized knowledge and experience with aircraft safety in research and development programs for
    aircraft modifications.

Required Education/Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering from Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
    accredited institution and 10 years' experience in system Safety engineering
  • Acceptable alternative: Bachelor's degree in scientific field (e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Computer
    Science) with 15 years demonstrated skill and relevant experience in system safety engineering
    and/or software system safety engineering.

Security Clearance Requirement:

  • Must have a SECRET level clearance or higher

Essential Job Functions:

Work Environment:

  • Office environment
  • Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate, and timely communication, both verbally and written
  • Ability to interact professionally with coworkers, management, and customers

Travel Requirements:

  • Requires ability to travel domestically (within the U.S.) <15%

Physical Requirements:

  • Requires sitting for extended periods of time at a workstation / desk

Other Essential Functions:

  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgement
  • Work attire must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk / hazard to the employee or others

EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled

APT Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in its job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the following email address, hr@apt-research.com and/or phone number (256.327.3373) to contact us about your interest in employment with APT Research, Inc.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, citizenship, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. APT Research, Inc. participates in E-Verify.