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Aircraft design engineer vs aircraft engine mechanic

The differences between aircraft design engineers and aircraft engine mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an aircraft design engineer and an aircraft engine mechanic. Additionally, an aircraft design engineer has an average salary of $102,461, which is higher than the $56,092 average annual salary of an aircraft engine mechanic.

The top three skills for an aircraft design engineer include CATIA, CAD and GD. The most important skills for an aircraft engine mechanic are troubleshoot, hand tools, and security clearance.

Aircraft design engineer vs aircraft engine mechanic overview

Aircraft Design EngineerAircraft Engine Mechanic
Yearly salary$102,461$56,092
Hourly rate$49.26$26.97
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs44,26937,033
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Associate Degree, 41%
Average age4440
Years of experience44

Aircraft design engineer vs aircraft engine mechanic salary

Aircraft design engineers and aircraft engine mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Aircraft Design EngineerAircraft Engine Mechanic
Average salary$102,461$56,092
Salary rangeBetween $76,000 And $136,000Between $36,000 And $86,000
Highest paying City-Newark, NJ
Highest paying state-New Jersey
Best paying company-General Electric
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between aircraft design engineer and aircraft engine mechanic education

There are a few differences between an aircraft design engineer and an aircraft engine mechanic in terms of educational background:

Aircraft Design EngineerAircraft Engine Mechanic
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Associate Degree, 41%
Most common majorMechanical EngineeringAviation
Most common collegeGeorgia Institute of TechnologyPurdue University

Aircraft design engineer vs aircraft engine mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between aircraft design engineers' and aircraft engine mechanics' demographics:

Aircraft Design EngineerAircraft Engine Mechanic
Average age4440
Gender ratioMale, 87.5% Female, 12.5%Male, 87.9% Female, 12.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 11.1% White, 68.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 22.5% Asian, 7.2% White, 54.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage8%2%

Differences between aircraft design engineer and aircraft engine mechanic duties and responsibilities

Aircraft design engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage the development of the next generation products base on existing refrigerants and CO2 system including prototyping and initial manufacturing run.
  • Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical, aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements and communicate feed back to design engineers.
  • Develop and maintain work plans and BOM that support goals for cost, quality and delivery of prototype engine builds.
  • Originate drawing and model product definition, BOMs, and product life cycle management (PLM) data.
  • Design fuselage composite core details utilizing FIBERSIM.

Aircraft engine mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Lead and train personnel supporting aerospace equipment sustainment and operations.
  • Apply technical knowledge of airframe systems in determining equipment malfunctions and apply required expertise in restoring equipment condition to operating status.
  • Qualify in CPR and up to first responders level.
  • Perform depot level overhaul contract maintenance on foreign and domestic customer jet engines.

Aircraft design engineer vs aircraft engine mechanic skills

Common aircraft design engineer skills
  • CATIA, 18%
  • CAD, 17%
  • GD, 8%
  • Structural Design, 8%
  • Design Reviews, 8%
  • Aircraft Design, 7%
Common aircraft engine mechanic skills
  • Troubleshoot, 10%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Security Clearance, 8%
  • Test Equipment, 5%
  • Ladders, 5%
  • Gearboxes, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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