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Aerodynamics Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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

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

Flight Test Engineer

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$102K - $124K/yr

Flight Test Engineer About Electra: At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid ... Experience with flight test data reduction including and aerodynamic and propulsion system analysis.

Flight Test Engineer

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$90K - $170K/yr

Flight Test Engineer About Electra: At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid ... Experience with flight test data reduction including and aerodynamic and propulsion system analysis.

Flight Test Engineer

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$90K - $170K/yr

Flight Test Engineer About Electra: At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid ... Experience with flight test data reduction including and aerodynamic and propulsion system analysis.

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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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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.
Senior Aircraft/Missile Systems Engineer

Senior Aircraft/Missile Systems Engineer

Technology Service Corporation (TSC)

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

TSC is seeking a highly experienced Aircraft/Missile Systems Engineer to play a central role in the development of next generation hypersonic capabilities under the NRL/ONR FLASH program. This position involves leading systems engineering activities across the full lifecycle of an advanced hypersonic vehicle and requires deep technical expertise in missile or aircraft systems, subsystem integration, and GNC development.

The ideal candidate possesses significant experience defining performance requirements, integrating complex aerospace subsystems, and guiding multidisciplinary teams toward the successful demonstration of advanced flight systems. Direct experience in hypersonics and/or established relationships at NAVAIR (NAWCWD, PMA 242, PMA 259) or NAVSEA (PEO IWS) is highly valuable. This role will be based onsite at the NRL in Washington DC supporting daily technical interaction with government scientists, program managers, and SETA personnel.

Responsibilities:

  • Serve as a key member of the systems engineering team, leading the specification and overseeing the procurement or build of a hypersonic vehicle.

  • Develop and manage Technical Performance Metrics (budgets and KPPs) to define and monitor vehicle development, including airworthiness, navigation, control, and stability requirements.

  • Collaborate with aerodynamicists to define Design Reference Missions to evaluate vehicle performance and guide system design.

  • Work with Intelligence Community partners to assess system capabilities against adversary systems and adjust requirements to ensure operational overmatch.

  • Advise Program Management, the customer, and SETAs on system risks, maturation progress, and technical issues throughout development.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering (or related field) plus 20 years or more of systems engineering experience

  • US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance

  • Experience working with hypersonics or experience at NAVAIR or NAVSEA

  • Hands-on experience with GNC systems, actuator technologies, power systems, telemetry and flight test instrumentation.

Preferred Requirements:

  • Active secret clearance is preferred

  • Background in high-speed aerodynamics, aerothermal analysis or vehicle integration

  • Experience with digital engineering, modeling/simulation environments and system level performance modeling.

  • Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to interface effectively with government sponsors, technical teams, and senior decision-makers.

TSC Benefits:

TSC offers a stable work environment, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefit package; including ESOP participation, 401k Plan, Flexible Work Schedules, Tuition Reimbursement, Co-Sponsored Health Plan, Paid Leave and much more.

Applying to TSC:

Only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Employment at TSC is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check, security investigation, and a drug screening.


This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.