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Aerodynamics Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Senior Kinetics DE/CD Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$115K - $157K/yr

You will be responsible for designing and analyzing high-speed aerodynamic concepts. Job ... Experience with digital engineering toolsets like UPBEAT, Model Center, Galaxy, etc. * Strong ...

Leidos

Senior Kinetics DE/CD Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

You will be responsible for designing and analyzing high-speed aerodynamic concepts. Job ... Experience with digital engineering toolsets like UPBEAT, Model Center, Galaxy, etc. * Strong ...

Electra

Staff Aerospace Research Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$112K - $140K/yr

Staff Aerospace Research Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're pioneering hybrid-electric Ultra ... Experience with aerodynamic modeling and flight simulation * Advanced software development ...

Electra

Staff Aerospace Research Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$112K - $140K/yr

Staff Aerospace Research Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're pioneering hybrid-electric Ultra ... Experience with aerodynamic modeling and flight simulation * Advanced software development ...

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All JobsAerodynamics Engineer JobsAerodynamics Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Aerodynamics Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$80.1K

$98K

$125.9K

How much do aerodynamics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerodynamics engineer in Reston, VA is $97,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,300.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Aerodynamics Engineer do?

An Aerodynamics Engineer studies and analyzes how air flows around objects, especially vehicles like airplanes, cars, and rockets. Their main goal is to design shapes and structures that reduce drag and improve performance, efficiency, and stability. They use computational simulations, wind tunnel testing, and mathematical models to optimize designs for speed, fuel economy, and safety. Aerodynamics Engineers often collaborate with other engineers to ensure that vehicles meet industry standards and function as intended in real-world conditions.

What is the difference between Aerodynamics Engineer vs Aerospace Engineer?

AspectAerodynamics EngineerAerospace Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Aeronautical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering fields
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, wind tunnels, simulation software, aircraft or vehicle testing sitesDesign, development, testing of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems
Industry UsagePrimarily in aeronautics, automotive, and defense sectors focusing on airflow and performanceBroader aerospace sector including aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and defense systems

While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in related environments, Aerodynamics Engineers focus specifically on airflow and performance optimization, whereas Aerospace Engineers have a broader scope including design and development of entire aerospace systems.

What Do Aerodynamics Engineers Do?

To achieve flight, heavier-than-air objects like planes or rockets must conform to certain principles of aerodynamics. Aerodynamics is the study of the motion of air and its interaction with solid objects. An aerodynamics engineer tests aerospace designs, such as aircraft bodies and propulsion systems to ensure they meet all aerodynamic specifications and conform to the physical laws of aerodynamics. Your duties and responsibilities include designing mathematical models and simulations to test designs before firms construct prototypes or full products. You also work to improve the efficiency of existing designs.

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

To thrive as an Aerodynamics Engineer, you need strong knowledge of fluid dynamics, computational modeling, and a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with tools like CFD software (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM), wind tunnel testing, and experience with CAD systems are typically required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills that help in cross-functional teamwork and innovative design. These skills and qualities are vital for optimizing designs, ensuring safety, and advancing aerodynamic performance in various industries.

What are some common challenges Aerodynamics Engineers face when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams?

Aerodynamics Engineers often work closely with professionals from structural engineering, manufacturing, and systems integration. One common challenge is balancing aerodynamic performance with structural and cost constraints, which requires clear communication and compromise. Additionally, integrating feedback from different teams while ensuring that aerodynamic goals are met can be complex and requires strong project management skills. Regular meetings and effective use of simulation tools help streamline the collaboration process.
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Aerodynamics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerodynamics Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 94% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,961 per year, or $47.1 per hour.
Mid Modeling and Simulation Engineer (Nuclear Weapons Effects) with Security Clearance

Mid Modeling and Simulation Engineer (Nuclear Weapons Effects) with Security Clearance

Prescient Edge

Washington, DC • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Mid. Modeling and Simulation Engineer (Nuclear Weapons Effects) Please note that the availability of this position is contingent upon award. Description: * Designs, develops, and conducts simulations against hard targets, missiles, and other intelligence gaps and supports wargaming exercises in a simulated environment. * Conducts M&S architecture definition, implementation, validation, and testing. * Interacts with users to define and optimize new M&S functionality for applications. * Develops and visualizes operational concepts, performs M&S and data analysis to refine, demonstrate, and assess these concepts. * Apply experience modeling and analyzing nuclear weapons effects. Security Clearance: * Security clearance required TS/SCI with CI POLY or the ability to obtain CI POLY. Benefits: At Prescient Edge, we believe that acting with integrity and serving our employees is the key to everyone's success. To that end, we provide employees with a best-in-class benefits package that includes: * A competitive salary with performance bonus opportunities. * Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, vision, dental, and orthodontia coverage. * A substantial retirement plan with no vesting schedule. * Career development opportunities, including on-the-job training, tuition reimbursement, and networking. * A positive work environment where employees are respected, supported, and engaged. Job Requirements Desired experiences: * At least 8 years of experience conducting analysis relevant to the specific labor category with at least a portion of the experience within the last 2 years. Desired education: * Bachelor's degree in an area related to the labor category from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. * An additional 4 years of experience in the specific labor category, for a total of 12 years of experience in the specific labor category, may be substituted for a bachelor's degree. Location: * (JBAB) JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA- BOLLING, Washington, DC. Prescient Edge is a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) founded as a counterintelligence (CI) and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) company in 2008. We are a global operations and solutions integrator delivering full-spectrum intelligence analysis support, training, security, and RD&E support solutions to the Department of Defense and throughout the intelligence community. Prescient Edge is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by law. We strive to foster equity and inclusion throughout our organization because we believe that diversity of thought is critical for creating a safe and engaging work environment while also enabling the organization's success.
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About Prescient Edge

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Prescient Edge is a prominent name in the global security industry, based out of McLean, VA, US. Established with the primary mission of harnessing science and technology for safety and security purposes, the company specializes in providing a wide range of products and services. This includes research and development, consulting, global operations support, intelligence evaluation, and advanced data solutions. These offerings make Prescient Edge an integral factor in national defense and commercial innovations.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

2008

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