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Aerodynamic Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

... other aerodynamic surfaces, focusing on their interaction with the airstream. * Design and ... Mentor junior engineers, providing technical guidance and supporting the development of engineering ...

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How much do aerodynamic engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerodynamic engineer in Washington is $16.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $16.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Aerodynamic Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAerodynamic EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Aeronautical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, wind tunnels, aerospace companiesManufacturing plants, design offices, various industries
Industry UsagePrimarily aerospace, automotive, sports equipmentBroad industry use including automotive, manufacturing, energy
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both Aerodynamic Engineers and Mechanical Engineers work in engineering environments and often hold similar degrees, Aerodynamic Engineers specialize in airflow and fluid dynamics, primarily in aerospace and automotive sectors. Mechanical Engineers have a broader focus on mechanical systems across various industries. The key difference lies in their specialization and application areas.

How much do aerodynamic engineers make?

Aerodynamic engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and industry. Senior roles or those working in aerospace or automotive sectors can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000. Skills in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and proficiency with simulation tools can also influence compensation.

What does an aerodynamic engineer do?

An aerodynamic engineer designs and analyzes the airflow around objects such as aircraft, vehicles, or turbines to improve performance and efficiency. They use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software and wind tunnel testing to optimize shapes and reduce drag, often working in aerospace, automotive, or energy industries.

What are popular job titles related to Aerodynamic Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Aerodynamic Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aerodynamic Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,359 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

2027 PhD Graduate - Aerospace & Thermal Engineering

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 74 rated research


Job description

Description
Are you ready to put your aerospace & thermal engineering skills to work solving critical challenges related to the defense of our nation and our service members?
Are you passionate about thermal/aerothermal and aerodynamic design for rocket motor systems, including hypersonic flight and advanced propulsion?
If so, then you are exactly the type of candidate we are looking for! We are seeking highly motivated teammates to join our dynamic group of engineers and scientists. As part of our multidisciplinary team you will work in a highly collaborative and engaging environment.
We are currently looking for candidates to join the Aerospace & Thermal Engineering group that have expertise in:
  • Aerodynamics, aeroacoustics & computational fluid dynamics
  • Wind tunnel testing; in-silo, restrained fire, and flight testing of rocket motors
  • Reacting multi-phase flows, non-equilibrium flows & fluid/structure interactions
  • Combustion, thermochemistry, ablation & surface chemistry
  • Thermal & aerothermal analysis, design and test
  • Multi-waveband sensor modeling & scene generation
  • Software architecture, GPU computing & physics-based algorithm development

Our engineers and scientists collaborate closely to find solutions for challenging thermal environments such as in-silo rocket launch, thermal protection systems for hypersonic speeds, and turbulent combustion in detonation engines. At the opposite extreme, we have worked on spacecraft, lunar infrastructure, and systems deployed in Antarctica. All of these environments create challenges not only in thermal and aerodynamic design and testing, but also in predictive modeling.
Our computational physicists, software architects and high performance computing experts are continually evolving state-of-the-art modeling and simulation capabilities to guide design, prototype development and testing of kinetic weapons systems. They are at the cutting edge of scene and signature generation in simulating performance of the infrared, optical and radio frequency sensors that detect such systems.
Our sponsors mandate us to solve today's problems with the best methods available today, but we strive to also look forward - to anticipate new engineering challenges and new opportunities. Our group sustains an energetic community of innovators. Current efforts include work in rotating detonation engine technology development, new thermal protection system materials, electric propulsion for space applications, and spatiotemporal methods for GPU-based modeling of turbulent combustion and hypersonic boundary layers.
We collaborate with other groups across the lab in nearly all we do, and regularly work with subject matter experts in external academic and defense communities - to consult, to employ state-of-the-art testing capabilities and to partner in developing new hardware technologies and software methodologies.
Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or a related field.
  • Are an expert in one of the following areas: aerodynamics and fluid analysis, thermal/fluid modeling, heat transfer, thermochemistry, combustion, hypersonic thermal design, infrared scenes, signatures and related software development.
  • Are a motivated self-starter with excellent communications skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If you are selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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