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Aeronautical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Aeronautical Engineer Job Location: Dayton, OH Job Type: Full-Time * Own the aircraft‑level mechanical & structural integration of the Nomad hardware stack, SATCOM apertures, and ...

Senior Aeronautical Engineer Location: Bedford, MA Job Type: Full-time * Platform Integration Lead * Own the aircraft-level mechanical & structural integration of the Nomad hardware stack, SATCOM ...

Aeronautical Engineer

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$27 - $130/hr

We have an Excellent Contract position for an Aeronautical Engineer to join a leading Company located in Fort Worth, TX . You will be a full-time Service Life Analysis Engineer for the Integrated ...

We have an Excellent Contract position for an Aeronautical Engineer to join a leading Company located in Fort Worth, TX . You will be a full-time Service Life Analysis Engineer for the Integrated ...

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Aeronautical Engineer information

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How much do aeronautical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for aeronautical engineer in the United States is $62.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.79 and $82.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is an Aeronautical Engineer?

An aeronautical engineer works with aircraft and their propulsion systems. As an aeronautical engineer, your job is to design, develop, and implement new procedures and technologies for the creation and maintenance of aircraft components. Specific duties involve testing new designs and materials, assessing parts that were damaged or malfunctioned during flight, and collaborating with designers, pilots, and other engineers. You play an essential role in the aircraft manufacturing process. Aeronautical engineer positions are typically available with aircraft and aerospace manufacturers, government agencies, defense contractors, and aerospace engineering firms.

What is the difference between Aeronautical Engineer vs Aerospace Engineer?

AspectAeronautical EngineerAerospace Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Aeronautical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's in Aerospace Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, test aircraft and related systemsDesign, develop, test aircraft and spacecraft
Industry UsagePrimarily in aviation industryIn both aviation and space industries

Both aeronautical and aerospace engineers share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, focusing on aircraft design and testing. However, aerospace engineers have a broader scope, including spacecraft and satellites, making their roles more diverse within the aerospace industry.

What jobs can you do with aeronautical engineering?

Aeronautical engineers can work in aircraft design, development, testing, and maintenance, often employed by aerospace manufacturers, airlines, or government agencies. They may specialize in areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, or structural analysis, and typically require knowledge of CAD software and engineering principles. These roles involve designing and improving aircraft and spacecraft to ensure safety, efficiency, and performance.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced aerospace or aeronautical engineers working in senior roles, management, or specialized consulting can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. Such compensation typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and often work in the aerospace industry or at major defense contractors.

What does an aeronautical engineer do?

An aeronautical engineer designs, develops, tests, and helps manufacture aircraft such as airplanes and helicopters. They focus on the aerodynamic performance, materials, structural integrity, and systems of air vehicles. Their responsibilities include ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations, as well as addressing environmental and economic concerns in aviation. Aeronautical engineers often work for aerospace companies, government agencies, or research organizations.

What are some typical challenges faced by aeronautical engineers when working on new aircraft designs?

Aeronautical engineers often face challenges such as meeting stringent safety regulations, balancing weight and fuel efficiency, and integrating advanced technologies within strict timelines. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—like avionics, materials science, and manufacturing—is essential to address these complexities. Staying up-to-date with evolving industry standards and addressing unexpected technical issues during prototype testing are also common aspects of the role.

What can an aeronautical engineer do?

An aeronautical engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft and spacecraft. They work on aerodynamics, propulsion systems, structural analysis, and avionics, often using CAD software and simulation tools. Their work typically involves research, prototyping, and ensuring safety and compliance with industry standards.

What jobs can you get as an aeronautical engineer?

Aeronautical engineers can work in aircraft design, development, testing, and maintenance, often employed by aerospace manufacturers, government agencies, or defense contractors. They may specialize in areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, or avionics and typically use CAD software and engineering principles to improve aircraft performance and safety.

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

To thrive as an Aeronautical Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering principles, physics, mathematics, and typically a bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB or ANSYS, and industry certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license are highly valued. Problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating on complex projects and presenting technical information. These skills and qualifications are essential for developing safe, innovative, and efficient aircraft and aerospace systems in a highly regulated, multidisciplinary environment.
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Infographic showing various Aeronautical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,258 per year, or $62.6 per hour.
Aeronautical Engineer / Principal Aeronautical Engineer - Fluid Systems

Aeronautical Engineer / Principal Aeronautical Engineer - Fluid Systems

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Serve as the responsible engineer for fluid systems including fuel, environmental controls, fire protection, or propulsion.

  • Lead mechanical design and development of fluid systems to produce drawings and manufacturing-ready documentation.

  • Manage supplier performance, technical flow down, and resolution of manufacturing and assembly issues for key system suppliers.


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 346 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Put your skills to the test by pushing the boundaries of what's possible. From global defense to sustainment and modernization to mission readiness, your experience and ability will make it a reality. Our programs are built on equal parts of curiosity and collaboration. Our combined effort means our customers can connect and defend millions of people around the world. With Northrop Grumman, you'll have the opportunity to be an essential part of projects that will define your career, now and in the future.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add an Aeronautical Engineer / Principal Aeronautical Engineer - Fluid Systems to join our team in Palmdale, CA.

Roles and Responsibilities will include:

  • Become a responsible engineer for fluid system that may include fuel, environmental controls, fire protection, or propulsion

  • Define and champion system improvements and changes as they become necessary. Lead mechanical design and development of system to produce drawings and manufacturing ready documentation.

  • Serve as an engineering representative in the supplier management team for key suppliers to the system. Manage their performance, technical flow down, and resolution of manufacturing and assembly issues as they arise.

  • Define and validate performance, mass, structural, thermal, fluid-dynamic, and durability requirements; perform sizing, calculations, and analyses to ensure systems meet operational and environmental specifications.

  • Collaborate across propulsion, systems, avionics, structures, thermal, manufacturing, and test teams to coordinate interfaces, timing, packaging, routing, and certification evidence

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is no remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. Travel up to 25% may be required.

This position may be offered as Aeronautical Engineer (Level 2) or Principal Aeronautical Engineer (Level 3)

Basic Qualifications Aeronautical Engineer:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 2 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 0 years of related engineering experience.

  • Experience with development, design, or sustainment of Fluid systems (Fuel, ECS, propulsion).

  • Experience applying Siemens AMESIM, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar analysis tools.

  • Experience with Computer Aided Design tools and practices (drafting, modeling parts and assemblies, etc...)

  • Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) with ability to Obtain Top Secret clearance.

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

Basic Qualifications Principal Aeronautical Engineer:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience.

  • Experience with development, design, or sustainment of Fluid systems (Fuel, ECS, propulsion).

  • Experience applying Siemens AMESIM, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar analysis tools.

  • Experience with Computer Aided Design tools and practices (drafting, modeling parts and assemblies, etc...)

  • Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) with ability to Obtain Top Secret clearance.

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

Preferred Qualifications Both Levels:

  • Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.

  • Experience using CATIA V5 to examine 3D models.

  • Experience with complex fuel or ECS design and analysis .

  • Technical skills in fluid/thermodynamics, pressure systems, leak/burst calculations, and system sizing.

  • Experience with structures or subsystem installation design.

  • Experience presenting technical content to upper management.

  • Experience using TeamCenter Engineer and Enterprise to locate and examine technical data.

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939