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Senior Phd Aviation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr Structural Engineer

Plano, TX · On-site

$96K - $130K/yr

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area ... Master's or PhD in a related field. * Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent ...

Sr Mechanical Engineer

Plano, TX · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area ... Master's or PhD in a related field. * Experience applying and interpreting Geometric Dimensioning ...

Sr Mechanical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$101K - $134K/yr

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area ... Master's or PhD in a related field. * Experience applying and interpreting Geometric Dimensioning ...

Sr Mechanical Engineer

Dayton, OH · Hybrid

$101K - $134K/yr

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area ... Master's or PhD in a related field. * Experience applying and interpreting Geometric Dimensioning ...

The qualified applicant will become part of Peraton's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA ... Minimum of 3 years with PhD * Degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Computer Science ...

Sr Mechanical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$101K - $134K/yr

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area ... Master's or PhD in a related field. * Experience applying and interpreting Geometric Dimensioning ...

Sr Structural Engineer

Plano, TX · Hybrid

$96K - $130K/yr

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area ... Master's or PhD in a related field. * Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent ...

Sr Structural Engineer

Plano, TX · On-site

$96K - $131K/yr

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area ... Master's or PhD in a related field. * Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent ...

Sr Mechanical Engineer

Plano, TX · Hybrid

$100K - $132K/yr

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area ... Master's or PhD in a related field. * Experience applying and interpreting Geometric Dimensioning ...

The qualified applicant will become part of Peraton's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA ... Minimum of 3 years with PhD * Degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Computer Science ...

Sr Mechanical Engineer

Plano, TX · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area ... Master's or PhD in a related field. * Experience applying and interpreting Geometric Dimensioning ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Phd Aviation information

See salary details

$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior phd aviation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior phd aviation in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior PhD in aviation?

A Senior PhD in Aviation typically refers to an individual who has earned a doctoral degree (PhD) in aviation or a closely related field and has significant experience in academic research, teaching, and/or industry leadership. These professionals often work as university professors, lead advanced aviation research projects, or consult for aviation organizations. Their expertise helps drive innovation in areas such as flight safety, aviation management, aerospace engineering, and policy development. Senior PhDs in Aviation play an essential role in advancing the field and mentoring the next generation of aviation professionals.

What types of research projects does a senior PhD in aviation typically lead, and how do they collaborate with industry stakeholders?

As a Senior PhD professional in aviation, you may lead complex research initiatives focused on areas such as flight safety, emerging aviation technologies, human factors, or sustainability. These projects often involve close collaboration with airlines, regulatory agencies, and industry partners to ensure research outcomes align with practical and regulatory needs. You’ll typically work within interdisciplinary teams, coordinate with engineers and data analysts, and present findings to both academic and industry audiences. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and provides opportunities for professional growth through networking and leadership in cutting-edge projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior PhD in aviation, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior PhD in Aviation, you need advanced expertise in aviation science, research methodologies, and a doctoral degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with industry-specific tools such as flight simulation software, aviation data analysis systems, and academic publishing platforms is typically required. Excellent leadership, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills distinguish top professionals in this role. These competencies are crucial for driving innovation, leading research projects, and influencing advancements in aviation safety and technology.

What is the difference between Senior Phd Aviation vs Aerospace Engineer?

AspectSenior Phd AviationAerospace Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Aviation, advanced research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Engineering, some roles may prefer a PhD
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, industry R&DDesign, development, testing in labs, manufacturing facilities, or field sites
Industry UsageAcademic research, industry R&D, government agenciesAircraft design, spacecraft development, systems engineering

While both roles involve aviation and aerospace concepts, a Senior Phd Aviation typically focuses on advanced research and theoretical work, often within academia or research institutions. An Aerospace Engineer is more involved in practical design, development, and testing of aerospace systems. The roles overlap in credentials and industry, but differ in focus and application.

More about Senior Phd Aviation jobs

What cities are hiring for Senior Phd Aviation jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Phd Aviation job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Phd Aviation jobs?

The most popular types of Phd Aviation jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Phd Aviation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Phd Aviation jobs include:

Infographic showing various Senior Phd Aviation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Senior Underwater Sensors Engineer

The MITRE Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


MITRE Corporation rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us.
The Maritime and Acoustics Department in MITRE's Signals and Electronics Division is a cross-domain team of engineers and scientists working at the intersection of underwater acoustics, HF propagation, sonar analysis, acoustic communications, and prototype sensing systems. We work on some of the most technically demanding problems in undersea and maritime defense, designing and testing prototype systems, developing propagation models and sensing algorithms, and advancing acoustic communications for contested environments, all in direct support of government sponsors with real-world mission impact. Our work spans physics-based modeling and algorithm development, hands-on hardware prototyping and evaluation in the BlueTech Lab, and field testing of systems in operational environments.
Job Description:
We are seeking a Senior Underwater Sensors Engineer to contribute across research and development, modeling and simulation, rapid prototyping, and testing and evaluation in support of national maritime defense priorities. Desired backgrounds span acoustic communications, maritime sensing, and oceanography, as well as electrical, computer, mechanical, or ocean engineering disciplines with a foundation in signals, systems, or applied physics. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical leadership in their established areas of expertise, while also being confident contributing to and leading work across domains.
Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Design and develop signal processing algorithms for underwater sensing and acoustic communication systems
  • Conduct physics-based and empirical modeling of acoustic propagation and undersea sensor system performance
  • Rapidly prototype sensors, communication platforms, and embedded underwater systems, advancing hardware from concept through field-ready integration
  • Plan and execute field testing and BlueTech Lab evaluations, translating test results into actionable findings for government sponsors
  • Contribute to the design of transducers and acoustic sensors for small form-factor and autonomous underwater system applications
  • Analyze complex, multi-dimensional maritime datasets and deliver clear, defensible recommendations that sponsors can act on
  • Support sponsor engagement by communicating technical findings, shaping research directions, and responding to emerging mission needs
  • Collaborate across department technical domains including sonar analysis, multi-domain wave propagation, and acoustic communication and sensing

Basic Qualifications:
  • Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a bachelor's degree; or 3 years and a master's or a PhD with relevant experience who can immediately contribute; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field.
  • Candidates must have a strong technical background with experience in one or more of the following: acoustic, radar, and/or sonar signal processing, algorithm development, detection and estimation theory, wave propagation, numerical methods, experimental data analysis, prototype development, and/or communication theory.
  • Experience using analytical software tools such as MATLAB or Python for modeling, simulation, and analysis of physical systems.
  • This position requires an active Secret security clearance
  • Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements for a clearance, U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active Top Secret/SCI clearance.
  • PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field.
  • Expertise in acoustic, radar, and sonar signal processing, and prototype development.
  • Experience with field testing of maritime devices.
  • Ability to foster effective working relationships with internal and external parties.
  • Experience with US government systems and US government research ecosystem.
  • Possess an external network of government sponsors and contacts.
  • Proactive self-starter with strong analytical, problem solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Secret
This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Secret
Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$126,800 - $158,500 - $190,200 Annual
Work Location Type:
Hybrid
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.
MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE's employment process, please email for general support and for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply.
Benefits information may be found here.
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About MITRE

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Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities, and a culture of innovation that embraces diversity, inclusion, flexibility, collaboration, and career growth. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE-and make a difference with us. MITRE is a trusted operator of federally funded research and development centers and we're on a mission to make the world a safer place-for all of humanity, today and in the future. To deliver on our mission, we need the world's best talent and leaders-groundbreakers and partnership-builders on a global scale in areas like healthcare, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure resiliency, pandemic management, and cybersecurity. In return, we have the privilege of backing you with thousands of technical experts in diverse fields, a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing, access to data and resources uniquely available to MITRE through our wide-ranging partnerships across government, industry and academia.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1958

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