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Aero Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leonardo DRS

Thermo-Aero Engineer I

Fitchburg, MA · On-site

$72K - $103K/yr

Job Summary Join our Fitchburg, MA Mechanical Engineering team as a Thermo-Aero Engineer I. This position is intended for an early career engineer who will support steam turbine performance and flow ...

Leonardo DRS

Thermo-Aero Engineer I

Fitchburg, MA · On-site

$72K - $103K/yr

Job Summary Join our Fitchburg, MA Mechanical Engineering team as a Thermo-Aero Engineer I. This position is intended for an early career engineer who will support steam turbine performance and flow ...

PZI International

Aero-Optics Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Polaris Sensor Technologies is seeking an Aero-Optics Engineer to support multiple efforts in the nation's missile defense capabilities including Golden Dome. This position includes developing ...

PZI International

Aero-Optics Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Polaris Sensor Technologies is seeking an Aero-Optics Engineer to support multiple efforts in the nation's missile defense capabilities including Golden Dome. This position includes developing ...

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Aero Engineer information

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$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do aero engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for aero engineer in the United States is $108,638.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are aerospace engineers?

Aerospace engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and supervise the production of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They work on the science and technology of flight, both within the Earth's atmosphere (aeronautics) and in space (astronautics). Their responsibilities can include improving flight safety, fuel efficiency, speed, and the overall performance of air and space vehicles. Aerospace engineers often specialize in areas like structural design, guidance and control, propulsion, or avionics. They typically work for aerospace manufacturers, government agencies, or research organizations.

What are some common challenges faced by Aero Engineers when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Aero Engineers often collaborate with professionals from mechanical, electrical, and software engineering backgrounds, which can make communication and alignment on project goals challenging. Balancing differing technical languages, priorities, and timelines requires strong teamwork and adaptability. Developing solutions that meet both aerodynamics and system integration requirements often involves compromise and continuous coordination, but this multidisciplinary exposure also fosters innovation and professional growth.

Do aero engineers make good money?

Aero engineers typically earn competitive salaries, with median annual pay around $116,000 in the United States. Salaries vary based on experience, education, location, and employer, and the role often requires strong technical skills and knowledge of aerospace design and testing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aero Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aero Engineer, you need a solid background in aerodynamics, structural analysis, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB or ANSYS, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications such as EIT or PE are important. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set top professionals apart. These skills ensure innovative and safe aircraft or spacecraft designs while meeting regulatory and project requirements.

What is the difference between Aero Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAero EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license (optional)Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, PE license (optional)
Work EnvironmentAircraft, spacecraft, defense, and aerospace industriesManufacturing, automotive, energy, and general engineering sectors
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace and defense companiesBroadly across various manufacturing and engineering firms

In summary, Aero Engineers specialize in designing and developing aircraft and spacecraft, often working within aerospace industries, while Mechanical Engineers have a broader focus on mechanical systems across multiple sectors. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but differ in their specific applications and work environments.

What does an aero engineer do?

An aerospace engineer designs, develops, and tests aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They analyze aerodynamic performance, use computer-aided design (CAD) tools, and often work in laboratories or manufacturing environments to improve flight efficiency and safety.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior aerospace engineers, especially those in leadership roles or with specialized expertise in areas like propulsion or avionics, can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation often involves extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand industries such as defense or commercial aerospace. Salary levels vary based on location, company size, and individual skill set.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior aerospace engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with specialized expertise, working in defense, commercial aerospace, or executive positions within engineering management.
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What states have the most Aero Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Aero Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aero Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aero Engineer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Aero Engineer jobs? For Aero Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Aero Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aero Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, 5% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.
Thermo-Aero Engineer I

Thermo-Aero Engineer I

Leonardo DRS

Fitchburg, MA • On-site

$72K - $103K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Leonardo DRS rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

163rd of 518 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job ID: 114731 

The Leonardo DRS Naval Power Systems business is a trusted provider of innovative naval gas and hybrid power systems, control technology and support solutions for the U.S. Navy and navies around the world.

Job Summary

Join our Fitchburg, MA Mechanical Engineering team as a Thermo-Aero Engineer I.

This position is intended for an early career engineer who will support steam turbine performance and flow path development through a combination of thermodynamic and aerodynamic analysis. The role is designed as a growth position for candidates with an aerospace or mechanical engineering background and an interest in thermal-fluid systems, rotating machinery, and multidisciplinary engineering.

The engineer in this role will contribute to analyses, design evaluations, and performance improvement efforts for turbine-related hardware while working closely with mechanical, acoustic, and other engineering disciplines. This blended position provides the opportunity to develop depth in thermo, aero, or integrated performance engineering over time.

What You Will Do
  • Support thermodynamic and aerodynamic evaluation of steam turbine components and flow paths.
  • Assist with performance analyses used to assess turbine efficiency, flow behavior, and overall system operation.
  • Contribute to CFD, thermal-fluid, and related engineering analyses using commercial tools, internal methods, or equivalent approaches.
  • Partner with experienced engineers to investigate flow, pressure, temperature, and energy distribution issues within turbine systems and supporting hardware.
  • Help develop design trade studies that balance performance objectives with mechanical, structural, manufacturability, and program requirements.
  • Support the integration of thermo-aerodynamic design considerations with adjacent engineering disciplines including mechanical, acoustic, and systems engineering.
  • Assist in preparing technical reports, presentations, and engineering recommendations based on analysis results.
  • Participate in design reviews, problem resolution, and continuous improvement efforts for naval power system products.
Education & Experience Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related technical field.
  • 0-3 years of relevant experience, including internships, co-ops, research, or project work in thermal-fluid systems, turbomachinery, propulsion, or related applications.
  • Academic or practical background in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, aerodynamics, or compressible flow.
  • Exposure to CFD, thermal analysis, or performance modeling through coursework, research, internships, or industry experience.
  • Interest in applying engineering fundamentals to rotating machinery, steam turbines, gas turbines, or other performance-driven fluid systems.
  • Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team environment and learn from senior engineers across related disciplines.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to document methods, assumptions, and conclusions clearly.

Helpful Skills and Aptiitude to Grow

  • Experience with commercial analysis tools such as Ansys Fluent, CFX, TurboGrid, BladeModeler, MATLAB, Python, or equivalent engineering software.
  • Exposure to turbomachinery concepts, energy conversion systems, propulsion, or rotating equipment performance analysis.
  • Familiarity with design-of-experiments, parameter studies, or data reduction methods.
  • Interest in growing into deeper specialization in thermodynamic analysis, aerodynamic design, CFD, or integrated performance engineering.
  • Exposure to defense industry products, Navy applications, or highly regulated engineering environments is beneficial but not required.

U.S. Citizenship required. This position may require an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

The salary range for this position is $72,754 to $103,895 per year. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate's qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable).

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours. 

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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