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Aerospace Chief Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Engineer, Vehicle

Longmont, CO ยท On-site

$175K - $230K/yr

The future of aerospace and defense starts here. Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how ... As Chief Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle--from ...

Chief Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA ยท On-site

$180K - $230K/yr

Zone 5 is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the development and integration of next-generation ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering ...

Chief Engineer, Vehicle

Berthoud, CO ยท On-site

$175K - $230K/yr

The future of aerospace and defense starts here. Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how ... As Chief Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle-from ...

The future of aerospace and defense starts here. Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how ... As Chief Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle--from ...

The future of aerospace and defense starts here. Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how ... As Chief Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle--from ...

Chief Engineer

Fort Walton Beach, FL ยท On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Zone 5 is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the development and integration of next-generation ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering ...

As Chief Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle-from ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Master's or ...

Chief Engineer (Spacecraft)

Redondo Beach, CA ยท On-site

$220K - $260K/yr

Chief Engineer (Spacecraft) Department: Programs Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace, or related field Preferred Skills and Experience * 12 ...

We are a mission-driven aerospace team developing breakthrough technology that unlocks new ... Position Summary Electra seeks a highly experienced Deputy Chief Engineer to support the Chief ...

We are a mission-driven aerospace team developing breakthrough technology that unlocks new ... Position Summary Electra seeks a highly experienced Deputy Chief Engineer to support the Chief ...

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Showing results 1-20

Aerospace Chief Engineer information

See salary details

$32.5K

$92.9K

$181K

How much do aerospace chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace chief engineer in the United States is $92,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Aerospace Chief Engineer vs Aerospace Systems Engineer?

AspectAerospace Chief EngineerAerospace Systems Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, professional engineering license, extensive experienceEngineering degree, specialized in systems engineering, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing projects, coordination with multiple teamsDesign, analysis, and integration of aerospace systems within projects
Employer & Industry UsageMajor aerospace companies, defense contractors, research institutionsEngineering firms, aerospace manufacturers, government agencies

The Aerospace Chief Engineer typically holds a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing entire projects and ensuring technical integrity, while the Aerospace Systems Engineer focuses on designing, analyzing, and integrating specific aerospace systems. Both roles require strong engineering credentials, but the Chief Engineer emphasizes leadership and project management, whereas the Systems Engineer concentrates on technical system development.

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

To thrive as an Aerospace Chief Engineer, you need advanced expertise in aerospace engineering principles, systems integration, and extensive experience managing complex engineering projects, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure (e.g., PE). Familiarity with CAD software, finite element analysis tools, and project management systems is crucial, along with certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma. Outstanding leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help foster innovation, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and ensure project alignment. These skills and qualifications are vital for delivering safe, efficient, and groundbreaking aerospace solutions in a highly regulated and competitive industry.

What are some common challenges faced by an Aerospace Chief Engineer when leading multidisciplinary teams on large-scale projects?

Aerospace Chief Engineers often navigate the complexities of managing multidisciplinary teams that include specialists in aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, structures, and systems engineering. One common challenge is ensuring effective communication and alignment across these diverse groups, as technical priorities can sometimes compete or conflict. Additionally, balancing project timelines, budget constraints, and stringent regulatory requirements demands strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Successful Chief Engineers foster collaboration, anticipate integration issues early, and create transparent decision-making processes to keep projects on track.

What does an Aerospace Chief Engineer do?

An Aerospace Chief Engineer leads the engineering team responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing the construction of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and related systems. They ensure that engineering projects meet technical standards, regulatory requirements, and safety protocols. Additionally, they coordinate between multidisciplinary teams, manage project budgets and timelines, and often serve as the primary technical authority on aerospace projects. Their leadership is crucial in driving innovation and ensuring the successful completion of complex aerospace missions.
More about Aerospace Chief Engineer jobs
What states have the most Aerospace Chief Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerospace Chief Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Aerospace Chief Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,945 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Chief Engineer (Aerospace)

Voyager Technologies, Inc.

Folsom, CA โ€ข On-site, Remote

$195K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Voyager is an innovative defense, national security and space technology company committed to advancing and delivering transformative, mission-critical solutions. We tackle the most complex challenges to unlock new frontiers for human progress, fortify national security, and protect critical assets to lead in the race for technological and operational superiority from ground to space.
Forge the Future: Join Voyager Technologies
The future belongs to those who build it. At Voyager Technologies, we're building technologies that protect lives, expand frontiers and prepare us for what's next. And we're doing that with people who are wired to solve, build, adapt and lead. These roles are not for the faint of heart.
You'll help lay the foundation for humanity's future. Join a culture where innovation thrives, curiosity is rewarded, and impact is real. We're a company of doers, thinkers and builders, united by purpose and grounded in reality.
If you want to put your skills to work where the stakes are real and the mission is bigger than any one person, forge the future with Voyager.
The Chief Engineer for Strategic Systems is an autonomous technical leader responsible for the end-to-end mission success of solid rocket propulsion system programs by managing large multidisciplinary teams, overseeing complex systems engineering processes, and aligning technical execution with budgetary and schedule requirements.
The position reports to the Director of Engineering and is part of the Strategic Systems department based in Reno, NV. This role is based in Reno, NV or Folsom, CA or Huntsville, AL or Long Beach, CA or Remote.
In this role, the essential functions are:
If your experience aligns with our basic qualifications and you are inspired by our mission, we'd like to connect. If you don't see the right role right now, Join Our Talent Community and stay connected as we continue to build what's next.
Minimum Qualifications:
  1. Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other relevant engineering discipline with 15 years of engineering experience and 5+ years of technical leadership in solid rocket motors (SRMs)
  2. Able to direct the end-to-end technical lifecycle of the program by leading cross-functional teams through rigorous design reviews and qualification milestones, ensuring that the final system is producible, compliant with technical data requirements, and balanced against cost and schedule constraints.
  3. Able to lead the engineering team in meeting all program milestones by maintaining a rigorous focus on the critical path, proactively deconflicting resources, and driving schedule performance through the aggressive management of task span-times and alternative execution strategies.
  4. Demonstrated responsibility in establishing and maintaining lean technical scope baselines by eliminating contingency budgeting, monitoring cost performance indices (CPI) to mitigate variances, and rigorously challenging budget change requests to preserve management reserves through the exploration of alternative technical solutions.
  5. Has served as the primary technical spokesperson for a program, managing both internal and external stakeholder relationships by presenting programmatic material, cultivating new business, and ensuring all customer requests remain within authorized scope while providing data-driven technical alternatives for collaborative decision-making.
  6. Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

Preferred Qualifications:
  1. At least four years of experience leading controllable solid rocket propulsion system projects consisting of high-performing multi-disciplinary teams of no less than 10 people
  2. Current DoD Secret Security clearance

Travel, Physical and/or Government Mandated Requirements:
  • Travel up to 25%, including the possibility of overnights within the vicinity of our site locations or external test facilities
  • Ability to lift, move or carry items or equipment up to 50 pounds

The good faith base salary rangefor this role is $195,000-$250,000 at the time of this posting. Where you fall within the range depends on your experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base salary only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentive. This range may be adjusted in the future.
Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our employees. Employees benefit from a flexible and comprehensive rewards program that supports both professional and personal well-being.
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
  • Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness and more! No long term contracts and FREE on-demand workout videos before you enroll
  • 401(k) retirement plan with a company match of up to 4% to help you build long-term financial security
  • Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well-being
  • Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
  • The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission driven environment

Voyager is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.
Please click "Apply" to submit your application.
The salary range represents the base salary range for this position. Actual compensation will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors. Those include but are not limited to location, experience, and performance.
Voyager offers a comprehensive, total compensation package, which includes competitive salary, a discretionary annual bonus plan, paid time off (PTO), a comprehensive health benefit package, retirement savings, wellness program, and various other benefits. When you join our team, you're not just an employee; you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to innovation and excellence.
Able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
Voyager is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
California pay range
$195,000-$250,000 USD
Nevada pay range
$195,000-$250,000 USD
Remote - United States pay range
$195,000-$250,000 USD