1

Aerodynamic Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

As a GNC Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and sustaining the guidance, navigation ... Strong grasp of flight dynamics and fundamentals of aerodynamics * Proficient in C/C ...

GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

As a GNC Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and sustaining the guidance, navigation ... Strong grasp of flight dynamics and fundamentals of aerodynamics * Proficient in C/C ...

GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

As a GNC Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and sustaining the guidance, navigation ... Strong grasp of flight dynamics and fundamentals of aerodynamics * Proficient in C/C ...

Showing results 41-60

Aerodynamic Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$11

$16

$19

How much do aerodynamic engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 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 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,359 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


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 75 rated research


Job description

Description

Would you be interested in the multi-disciplinary design and evaluation of advanced systems? 

Are you looking for meaningful work developing systems that use innovative technologies to support our warfighters while working with an employer that prioritizes impact, innovation, and personal development? 

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!  

We are seeking a creative, motivated engineer to help us develop simulations of US weapons, threat missiles, and submersibles. You will have opportunities to develop groundbreaking solutions to the nation's toughest multidisciplinary problems. Our group has a well-rounded mix of people that like to explore, build, share, invent, and collaborate.  

As a Concept Design Engineer, every day will bring exciting new challenges, including: 

  • Connecting with other teams to participate in the full pipeline of system development, from conception to integration. 
  • Contributing to and possibly leading technical teams to develop and run models in a variety of fields including aerodynamics, trajectory, mechanical design, controls, materials, and more.
  • Developing and running design and performance models for different systems, including missiles, hypersonics, autonomous aerial vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, and submersibles.
  • Developing algorithms and constraints based on real-world limitations that enable a multi-disciplinary design process.
  • Solving multi-objective system design optimization challenges to provide sponsors with the best solutions.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

  • Possess at least a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or another related technical field with 5 years technical experience
  • Have at least 2 years of experience executing multi-disciplinary conceptual design analyses.
  • Have the capability to independently develop models, execute technical analysis, compile and validate results, and present to external sponsors.
  • Have a general understanding of optimization techniques such as Genetic Algorithms and statistical methodologies such as Monte Carlo and Design of Experiments (DOE).
  • Have significant experience with MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and/or C++.
  • Have some background in several subject areas such as guidance, control, aerodynamics, trajectory, structures, and/or propulsion.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If 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.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

  • Possess a Master's degree or PhD in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or another related technical field.
  • Have 10+ years of technical experience.
  • Have a background in researching and developing vehicle designs for multiple applications, including missiles, hypersonics, autonomous aerial vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, and submersibles.
  • Have an ability to absorb perspectives of a sophisticated system that may be unfamiliar to you from assorted team members and form them into a cohesive system-level view.
  • Have experience in balancing analysis fidelity to answer questions. 
  • Show that you can recognize when design problems are too complex and require a change in paradigm or when refocused research questions are needed.
  • Have enough depth with numerical methods to understand/bypass potential shortfalls and can choose well-suited algorithms for a given problem.
  • Hold a DoD Secret Clearance.

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
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

What Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom