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Aeronautical Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Air System Development Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Need candidate with 4 year Engineering (Mechanical, Aeronautical or Agricultural) degree. Additional Information To know more on this position or to schedule an interview please contact: Jeff Demaala ...

Aeronautical Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$22

$58

$92

How much do aeronautical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for aeronautical engineer in Iowa is $58.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.19 and $77.69 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 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 jobs can an aeronautical engineer do?

An aeronautical engineer can work in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. They often work for aerospace manufacturers, government agencies, or research institutions, utilizing skills in aerodynamics, materials, and propulsion. Certification and knowledge of CAD software are also important in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aeronautical engineer?

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.

What are popular job titles related to Aeronautical Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Aeronautical Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Aeronautical Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Aeronautical Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Aeronautical Engineer jobs in IA?

For Aeronautical Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aeronautical Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,347 per year, or $58.8 per hour.

Avionics/Aerospace Engineering Support, Principal F-16 WAM (Top-Secret) - 193

Credence

Wright, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Overview At Credence, we support our clients' mission-critical needs, powered by technology. We provide cutting-edge solutions, including AI/ML, enterprise modernization, and advanced intelligence capabilities, to the largest defense and health federal organizations. Through partnership and trust, we increase mission success for warfighters and secure our nation for a better future. We are privately held, are repeatedly recognized as a top place to work, and have been on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list for the last 12 years. We practice servant leadership and believe that by focusing on the success of our clients, team members, and partners, we all achieve greater success. Credence has an immediate opening for an Avionics/Aerospace Engineering Support at the principal level who will be primarily responsible for supporting the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center WAM (AFLCMC/WAM) directorate, F-16 division at WPAFB, OH. F-16 "Viper" AFLCMC/WAM is headquartered at Hill Air Force Base with units located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Tyndall Air Force Base, Eglin Air Force Base, and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The F-16 "Viper" is a multi-role fighter jet delivering air-to-air, air-to-ground, and surveillance capabilities for the United States Air Force (USAF) and Coalition Partners. The F-16 program has the largest Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program in U.S. history producing over 4,500 jets for 24 countries. Each F-16 FMS case is uniquely tailored to country requirements / development / funding. Presently, FMS production orders exist through 2030. Additionally, the F-16 program includes the Multi-National Fighter Program (MNFP). MNFP is not a typical FMS program, but a unique, cooperative USAF and development program implemented through the FMS process under the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). MNFP began in 1975 with the countries of Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway; Portugal joined in 200. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the duties listed below: Shall assist to support, monitor, and assess prime contractor and major sub-contractor systems design, development, integration, and verification activities. Shall assist to continually monitor and assess aircraft modernization efforts, keeping abreast of system schedules, performance progress, and resolution of technical problems. Shall assist in investigating and recommend appropriate action concerning the need to redirect engineering efforts, pursue additional lines of development, and determine compromises on previously established requirements if required. Will support the development of avionics technical tasks to be completed for inclusion in the overall program schedule. Will support the development system requirements for inclusion into the program airworthiness certification plan. Will support the development of system requirements for inclusion into the program Systems Engineering Plan (SEP). Will support as an engineering team member on F-16 modification programs and will provide technical advice and guidance to engineers, lead and chief engineers, PMs, and other program team members. Will support feasibility studies and technical evaluations to ensure that systems, subsystems and equipment being developed are mutually compatible and serve to meet overall operational and technical requirements. Shall assist to assess technical risks and recommend options to be considered by F-16 programs. Will support RFP development and in evaluation of any contractor proposals in response to an RFP in support of F-16 production and modification programs. Shall assist in writing, assembling, and integrating the technical requirements of RFPs including, but not limited to, System Requirements Documents (SRDs), SOWs, PWS, SOO, Contract Data Requirements List (CDRLs), and DD Forms 610. Shall assist with the evaluation of F-16 weapon system Contractor proposals to assess compliance with program requirements. The Contractor shall participate in activities associated with proposal evaluations including, but not limited to, source selections, technical evaluations, and fact-finding. Shall assist to interface with all levels of engineering, program management, and leadership, including, but not limited to, other engineers, lead and chief engineers, technical experts, PMs, and civilian and military leadership within the F-16 Division/Fighters Directorate, other AFLCMC directorates, AFLCMC headquarters, AFRL, HQ AFMC, ACC, DoD, prime and subcontractors, and other government and private sector personnel. Will support various standing F-16 activities and organizations including, but not limited to, the F-16 Consolidated Board, F-16 JMCCT/B, F-16 Airworthiness Board (AB), F-16 CRTs, and F-16 System Safety Groups (e.g. System Safety Group (SSG), SSWG, and Material Safety Task Group (MSTG). Will support formal and informal F-16 program reviews and meetings including, but not limited to, risk assessments, requirements and design reviews (e.g. SRR, PDR, CDR), PMR including pre-PMRs, Management Action Team (MAT) meetings, TIMs, and configuration audits. Designated FMS positions shall assist with following tasks: shall assist with the preparation of technical requirements in support of development of LOR, LOA and LOA amendments. Shall assist LOA line managers in resolving technical and schedule issues. Requirements Must have at least an active top-secret clearance. Master's or Doctoral Degree in a related field and a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in the respective technical / professional discipline being performed, at least five (5) of which must be in the DoD OR, Bachelor's Degree in a related field and a minimum of twelve (12) years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline being performed, five (5) of which must be in the DoD OR, a minimum of fifteen (15) years of directly related experience with proper certifications as described in the PWS labor category performance requirements, eight (8) of which must be in the DoD. In addition, recommend a minimum of ten (10) years of DoD acquisition program office experience. Benefits Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision) Retirement Plan (401k, IRA) Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D) Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays) Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity) Short Term & Long Term Disability Training & Development