How to hire an aviation engineer

How to hire an aviation engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step aviation engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an aviation engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new aviation engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The aviation engineer hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An aviation engineer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, aviation engineers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of aviation engineer salaries for various roles:

   Type of Aviation Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Aviation Engineer	Aerospace engineers design primarily aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. In addition, they test prototypes to make sure that they function according to design.	$29-70
   Stress Analyst	A stress analyst is a type of aerospace engineer; they design, construct, and test aircraft. They may also work on missiles or spacecraft... Show more	$30-54
   Engineering Scientist	An engineering scientist is responsible for designing new technological systems through the evaluation of scientific methods and innovative solutions. Engineering scientists analyze technical parts and components, researching the current engineering trends to meet public demands and interests... Show more	$31-59

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • FAA
   • Construction Drawings

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage projects and design airport improvements in accordance with FAA requirements.
   • Manage Jenkins security by providing specific access to authorize developers/testers using project base matrix authorization strategy.
   • Involve major excavation and embankment, new lighting, pavement and grading design, and incorporating FAA standards in each aspect.
   • Audit technical documentation relate to launch window and trajectory design to meet NASA contract specifications for safety mission requirement constraints.
   • Coordinate and facilitate logistics contract negotiations with external USG customers developing base-line requirements for development ARH program

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your aviation engineer job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An aviation engineer can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, aviation engineers' average salary in indiana is 45% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level aviation engineers 58% less than senior-level aviation engineers.
   • Certifications. An aviation engineer with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an aviation engineer's salary.

   Average aviation engineer salary

   $96,024yearly

   $46.17 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level aviation engineer salary

   $62,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 20, 2025

   Average aviation engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$112,024	$54
   2	Arizona	$111,256	$53
   3	Nevada	$105,902	$51
   4	Maryland	$104,085	$50
   5	Washington	$102,334	$49
   6	Texas	$96,865	$47
   7	Arkansas	$92,842	$45
   8	Pennsylvania	$92,531	$44
   9	Michigan	$92,252	$44
   10	Illinois	$90,652	$44
   11	Oregon	$90,269	$43
   12	New York	$88,659	$43
   13	Minnesota	$88,560	$43
   14	North Dakota	$88,440	$43
   15	South Dakota	$88,232	$42
   16	North Carolina	$87,143	$42
   17	Ohio	$83,562	$40
   18	Missouri	$83,454	$40
   19	Florida	$76,226	$37
   20	Indiana	$62,526	$30

   Average aviation engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Jacobs Enterprises	$99,096	$47.64	7
   2	MEC	$99,095	$47.64
   3	Texas AirSystems	$99,065	$47.63
   4	General Electric	$98,943	$47.57	6
   5	Avion	$95,201	$45.77
   6	SpaceX	$93,909	$45.15	44
   7	Jacobs Engineering Group	$88,821	$42.70
   8	Wsp USA Buildings Inc.	$84,031	$40.40
   9	HDR	$81,695	$39.28	3
   10	Chromalloy Gas Turbine LLC	$80,510	$38.71
   11	Stantec	$79,818	$38.37	24
   12	HNTB	$78,510	$37.75
   13	Kimley-Horn	$77,904	$37.45	1
   14	Bolton & Menk	$76,960	$37.00
   15	PrideStaff	$74,505	$35.82
   16	T.Y. Lin International	$73,807	$35.48

4. Writing an aviation engineer job description

   An aviation engineer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of an aviation engineer job description:

   Aviation engineer job description example

   We create great places and the connections that get people and goods moving-whether by car, bus, train, plane, or their own two feet. Working within the context of the communities we serve, we provide planning, engineering, and infrastructure management services that fit the needs of our clients and improve the overall transportation experience. Join our team and help us keep communities connected.
   **Your Opportunity**
   
   As an Engineer in Training within our Aviation practice, you are responsible for preparing engineering documents such as drawings, specifications, reports, cost estimates, under the direction and review of a senior engineer, coordinating, monitoring and reporting daily construction activities. Construction activities to be monitored may include pavement box construction, asphalt/PCC pavement, underground utilities (drainage/underdrain/electrical), excavation, embankment, and pavement markings.
   
   **Your Key Responsibilities**
   
   + Interacts with clients, customers, officials, contractors, and others.
   
   + May coordinate the work of other engineers and/or technicians who assist in specific assignments.
   
   + Gathers data and information required in the development of aviation grants and facilities.
   
   + May be required to assist and participate in the preparation of funding grants.
   
   + Interpret geotechnical information for design and plan purposes.
   
   + Prepares plans, estimates, and specifications to design aviation facilities.
   
   + Perform and check quantity calculations
   
   + Design runways based on weight and size of aircraft.
   
   + Participates in surveying to lay out installations and establish reference points, grades, and elevations to guide design and construction.
   
   + Inspects construction site to monitor progress and ensure conformance to engineering plans, specifications, and construction standards.
   
   + Monitors contractor's construction effort and quality.
   
   + Analyzes and interprets construction plans and specifications; seeks assistance from design engineer where intent is not clear.
   
   + Calculates and approves contractor's pay estimates.
   
   + Prepares as-built plans.
   
   + Follows all in-house procedures related to documentation of designs, process flow, filing, etc.
   
   + Attends project meetings and may present specific aspects of engineering assignment.
   
   + Assists with client, customer, or official contacts and communication pertaining to specific assignments or meetings.
   
   + May assist with the preparation of proposals.
   
   + Actively participates in the marketing process by delivering quality work, providing excellent client service and assisting with project pursuits and CRM efforts. .
   
   + Assists the project manager in coordination with the client, sub-consultants, and staff.
   
   + Takes active mentoring role; encourages, motivates and develops others for high performance; ensures that mistakes become learning experiences.
   
   + Keeps current with the engineering profession in theory and practice, especially in area of specialty.
   
   + Keeps current with the current technology used in field (software, means, process, etc).
   
   + May be involved in the research and development of products, machines, processes, methods, software applications, or the like for the company; as such full and exclusive rights and ownership in any and all inventions and all associated letters patent, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and other proprietary rights are assigned to company.
   
   + Other duties as assigned.
   
   **Qualifications**
   
   **Your Capabilities and Credentials**
   
   + Excellent attention to detail
   
   + Ability to work well with team
   
   + Must have general computer skills and familiarity and working knowledge of Microsoft Office products such as Word and Excel.
   
   + Experience with AutoCAD/Civil 3D is preferred but, not required.
   
   + Ability to solve problems using sound professional judgment, creativity and innovation.
   
   + Takes initiative on tasks and in coordinating with other members of the design team.
   
   + Developing ability to effectively discuss project issues with clients and reviewing agencies
   
   + Current driver's license and ability to obtain airside security badge at commercial service airports and passing required security background check required
   
   + Ability to willingness to work off-shifts, particularly overnight and on weekends for airfield constructions is required for this position. Also, ability and willingness to travel periodically for field assignments is expected.
   
   **Education and Experience**
   
   + BS in Civil Engineering
   
   + Previous internship/experience preferred
   
   + EI/EIT required
   
   May sometimes require working in inclement weather, working in a construction site, being exposed to heavy construction equipment, doing extensive walking/standing.
   
   Specific projects may require work near heavy construction equipment, construction sites, and airport runways and taxiways. Work environment will require use of construction/inspection safety equipment and adherence to applicable safety protocol is required.
   
   _This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice._
   
   Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other's talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best.
   
   **Primary Location** : United States-Kentucky-Lexington
   
   **Job** : Civil Engineer - EIT
   
   **Organization** : BC-1785 Transportation-US Kentucky
   
   **Employee Status** : Regular
   
   **Job Level** : Individual Contributor
   
   **Travel** : Yes, 10 % of the Time
   
   **Schedule** : Full-time
   
   **Job Posting** : Sep 14, 2022, 6:55:30 AM
   
   
   Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. EEO including Disability/Protected Veterans

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5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right aviation engineer for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your aviation engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit aviation engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit aviation engineers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new aviation engineer

   Once you've decided on a perfect aviation engineer candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new aviation engineer. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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