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Aerodynamics Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Auterion

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 ...

Auterion

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 ...

Auterion

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 ...

Protingent

Senior Aerospace Test Engineer

Crystal City, VA · On-site

$153K - $200K/yr

They will be responsible for the definition and oversight of ground and flight aerodynamics ... Further, the engineer will aid in defining objectives, mission requirements, vehicle configurations ...

Neany Inc.

Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineers

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Aeronautical Engineer research designs, develops and tests subsystems for UAS aircraft including ... Some elements of aerospace engineering are aerodynamics, propulsion, control or flight design and ...

Estes Aerospace

Flight Controls Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Design flight control systems for rockets using thrust vector control, aerodynamic surfaces ... Bonus: experience with missile guidance or state estimation This role is for engineers who want to ...

Estes Aerospace

Flight Controls Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

Design flight control systems for rockets using thrust vector control, aerodynamic surfaces, and ... Bonus: experience with missile guidance or state estimation This role is for engineers who want to ...

KBR

Aerospace Engineer Level IV

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$154K - $211K/yr

Perform aerodynamic, thermal, and structural analyses using industry-standard tools * Develop and ... Proficiency with engineering tools (MATLAB, ANSYS, NASTRAN, CFD tools) * Experience performing ...

New

VTG

Sr. Test & Evaluation Engineer

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$140K - $190K/yr

Computational Fluid Dynamics especially for aerodynamic high-speed flows, Finite Element Analysis ... AutoCAD for engineering designs and architecture * Navy weapons and engineering experience * DAWIA ...

VTG

Sr. Test & Evaluation Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Computational Fluid Dynamics especially for aerodynamic high-speed flows, Finite Element Analysis ... AutoCAD for engineering designs and architecture * Navy weapons and engineering experience * DAWIA ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 5, 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?

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.

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.

How much do aerodynamics engineers make?

Aerodynamics engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those working in aerospace or defense industries can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000. Skills in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and proficiency with simulation tools can also influence compensation.
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Cities near Reston, VA with the most Aerodynamics Engineer job openings:

Aerodynamics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerodynamics Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,961 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Associate Software Engineer with Security Clearance

Cutlass Systems Engineering

Washington, DC • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Cutlass Systems Engineering is a small firm specializing in Modeling and Simulation. We are looking to augment our team working with the Naval Research Laboratory to develop a shared technical framework for M&S of Navy combat systems. Cutlass provides technical leadership to systems engineering, integration, and operation of the M&S: we are empowered and proactive. Work is in an R&D setting with freedom to forward new ideas and bring them into reality. Innovation is encouraged. Results directly impact ships and maritime systems to help protect sailors and improve our Navy. We offer flexible hours, telecommuting options, excellent benefits, and zero bureaucracy. This position is for an Associate Software Engineer at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington D.C., to support development, integration, and execution of a series of simulations used for system-of-systems analysis. Things you’ll be working on:
• Develop and maintain simulation models that represent real world maritime systems.
• Developing software to advance a high-performance computing framework that controls the interaction and automation of simulations.
• Implementing the exchange of data and events between simulations while maintaining interoperability and portability across computing platforms, operating systems, and communications systems.
• Prototyping software tools for controlling simulations, extracting/reducing data, visualization of data, and system-of-systems analysis. Required Qualifications:
• A degree in Computer or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or other related discipline
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
• 1+ years of professional software development experience
• Experience with Object Oriented design/development in a high-level language such as Java, C++, or Python. Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with distributed simulation systems (HLA, DIS, or TENA)
• Experience developing in a Linux environment
• Experience with a full software development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes (pipelines), and testing
• Familiar with issue tracking systems like JIRA
• Familiar with SecDevOps or DevOps methodology and practices
• Experience with RF, IR, EW and/or missile models, including experience with signal propagation, clutter, guidance/autopilot, aerodynamics, antennae, and signal processing. Cutlass considers factors such as education/training, candidate’s work experience, key skills, scope and responsibilities of the position as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer. Benefits include but are not limited to 401(k) retirement plan with matching, health/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, and tuition assistance.

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