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Aeronautical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job #219011 Chipton-Ross is seeking a Aeronautical Engineer for a contract opportunity in Palmdale, CA. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE) * Experience in airframe structure design and ...

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 ...

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How much do aeronautical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 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 companies, government agencies, or defense contractors. They may also pursue roles in research, systems analysis, or project management, utilizing skills in aerodynamics, propulsion, and CAD software. Certification and knowledge of industry standards are important for many positions in this field.

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. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and expertise in areas like propulsion, avionics, or systems engineering, often combined with leadership responsibilities or working in high-cost regions.

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 supervises the manufacturing of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. They work on aerodynamics, propulsion, materials, and avionics, often using CAD software and adhering to safety standards. Their work environment includes laboratories, design offices, and manufacturing facilities.

Can I make 200k as an aerospace engineer?

Aerospace engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, or working in high-paying industries such as defense or commercial aerospace. Salaries vary by location, employer, and specialization, with senior roles and managerial positions typically offering higher compensation. Certifications and specialized skills can also contribute to higher earning potential.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,258 per year, or $62.6 per hour.
2026 Associate Aeronautical Engineer / Aeronautical Engineer

2026 Associate Aeronautical Engineer / Aeronautical Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL • On-site

$77K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 353 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 528 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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.

Northrop Grumman is seeking an Associate Aeronautical Engineer/Aeronautical Engineer. This position will be located at our Aeronautics Systems Sector inMelbourne, FL. The qualified candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman'sVehicle Engineeringdirectorate.

Essential Functions:

The selected candidate will perform the following, including, but not limited to:

  • Design, develop, and test a variety of power plants, aircraft, missiles, and parts, taking into consideration the most efficient use of the natural laws affecting flight.
  • Establish structural specifications, perform stress analysis, and conduct performance tests.

This requisition may be filled at either an Associate Aeronautical Engineer level (T01) or an Aeronautical Engineer level (T02).

Basic Qualifications for an Associate Aeronautical Engineer (T01):

A candidate, regardless of age and hiring source, must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:

  • Be completing or has completed their Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution by August 2026.
  • Be majoring in or having majored in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science or related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineeringor Math) degree.
  • Must have an active U.S. Government Secret (or higher) clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite).

Basic Qualifications for an Aeronautical Engineer (T02):

A candidate, regardless of age and hiring source, must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:

  • Be completing or has completed their Master's degree from an accredited institution by August 2026 or is completing or has completed their Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and has 2 years of aeronautical engineering experience by August 2026.
  • Be majoring in or having majored in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science or related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineeringor Math) degree.
  • Must have an active U.S. Government Secret (or higher) clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite).

Preferred Qualifications for both an Associate Aeronautical Engineer (T01) & Aeronautical Engineer (T02):

  • Have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.25/4.0 or higher
  • Previous internship/co-op or other work experience, leadership & teamworkcapabilities, interpersonal communication skills, and activities (professional/community/extracurricular).

Pay Range:

  • Associate Aeronautical Engineer (T01): $63,900 - $95,900
  • Aeronautical Engineer (T02): $77,200 - $115,800
Primary Level Salary Range: $63,900.00 - $95,900.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $77,200.00 - $115,800.00The 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