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Aerospace Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$124 - $138/hr

Collaborate with NASA and NOAA infrared sounding missions in operations and under development to ascertain their highest risks and hardest problems; team with Aerospace, Contractor, and Government ...

New

Aerospace Engineer

Patuxent River, MD ยท On-site

$65K - $105K/yr

Overview AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national ... Perform aerospace engineering in support of flight control system development; aircraft modeling ...

Aerospace Engineer

Patuxent River, MD ยท On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority ... As a Aerospace Engineer with AMERICAN SYSTEMS you will have the opportunity to do the following:

Aerospace Engineer

Patuxent River, MD ยท On-site

$65K - $105K/yr

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority ... As an Aerospace Engineer with AMERICAN SYSTEMS you will have the opportunity to do the following:

Aerospace Engineer

Patuxent River, MD ยท On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

Overview AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national ... Responsibilities As a Aerospace Engineer with AMERICAN SYSTEMS you will have the opportunity to do ...

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$195K - $250K/yr

... contractor technical baselines, engineering change proposals, and configuration change board ... Citizenship Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical ...

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$195K - $250K/yr

Represent the contractor team at senior technical interchange meetings, working groups, and ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering ...

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Provide SME-level aerospace engineering expertise for missile warning mission ground systems ... with contractor program teams developing or sustaining ground processing, control, and ...

$100K - $133K/yr

The Aerospace Engineer will conduct advanced fluid dynamics simulations to characterize aerodynamic ... This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a ...

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Engage with contractor program teams developing or sustaining ground processing, control, and ... Citizenship * Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer ...

$100K - $133K/yr

The Aerospace Engineer will conduct advanced fluid dynamics simulations to characterize aerodynamic ... This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a ...

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$190K - $240K/yr

Provide SME-level aerospace engineering expertise on missile warning ground processing, mission ... with contractor program teams developing or sustaining missile warning ground processing and ...

$118K - $210K/yr

Review and evaluate contractor technical proposals, system designs, and test plans for compliance ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a ...

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Aerospace Contractor information

See salary details

$79.5K

$119K

$239.5K

How much do aerospace contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace contractor in the United States is $119,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $123,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerospace contractor?

Aerospace contractors are companies or individuals that provide specialized products or services to government agencies or private organizations within the aerospace industry. They may design, manufacture, test, or maintain aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, or related systems and components. Aerospace contractors often work on projects for organizations like NASA, the Department of Defense, or commercial airlines, contributing expertise in engineering, technology, and project management. Their work is essential for advancing aerospace technology and supporting national and commercial aerospace operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace contractor?

To thrive as an Aerospace Contractor, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering principles, project management, and compliance with industry regulations, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and security clearance. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and standards such as AS9100 or ITAR compliance is typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safety, meeting strict technical requirements, and successfully delivering complex aerospace projects on time.

What are some common challenges faced by aerospace contractors when working on multi-disciplinary projects?

Aerospace Contractors often face the challenge of coordinating with diverse teams, including engineers, designers, and manufacturing specialists, to ensure that all components of a project align with stringent safety and quality standards. Managing tight deadlines, adapting to changing client requirements, and ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies like the FAA or EASA can add complexity to daily tasks. Strong communication and project management skills are essential for overcoming these hurdles and delivering successful outcomes in a collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Aerospace Contractor vs Aerospace Engineer?

AspectAerospace ContractorAerospace Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or related engineering; certifications varyRequires a bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; often a master's or higher for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentContract-based projects, often on-site at aerospace facilities or manufacturing plantsDesign, analysis, and testing in labs or offices, with some on-site testing
Employer & Industry UsageContracting firms, aerospace manufacturers, government agenciesAirlines, aerospace companies, government agencies, research institutions

While both roles involve aerospace work, an Aerospace Contractor primarily provides specialized services or project-based work for aerospace companies, often on a contractual basis. An Aerospace Engineer designs, develops, and tests aerospace systems and components, typically working directly within engineering teams. The roles overlap in credentials and industry but differ in employment type and daily responsibilities.

More about Aerospace Contractor jobs

What cities are hiring for Aerospace Contractor jobs?

Cities with the most Aerospace Contractor job openings:

What states have the most Aerospace Contractor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Aerospace Contractor jobs include:

Infographic showing various Aerospace Contractor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,000 per year, or $57.2 per hour.

Account Manager - Military/Aerospace

Laser Lens Tek LLC

Sarasota, FL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Account Manager – Military/Aerospace

Location: Sarasota, FL (In-Person)


Company Overview

Founded in 2001, American Photonics (APC) is a premier, ISO 9001:2015 certified, ITAR-registered, and HUBZone-certified manufacturer of precision infrared (IR) optics and optical coatings. Headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, we specialize in high-precision, 100% US-made optical components (including ZnSe, Germanium, and Silicon lenses, windows, and mirrors) critical to military thermal imaging, night vision, targeted surveillance, and high-power defense laser applications. APC is dedicated to strengthening the domestic defense supply chain by providing mission-critical optics that meet rigid military standards.

Position Summary


American Photonics is seeking an experienced Account Manager – Military/Aerospace to lead, maintain, and scale our portfolio of military clients, federal laboratories, and Tier-1 Defense Primes (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon). In this role, you will manage long-term program relationships and spearhead the acquisition of new defense contract vehicles. You will serve as the primary liaison between defense procurement officers, engineering teams, and internal production to deliver high-performance optical components built to precise military specifications (Mil-Specs).


Key Job Responsibilities

Defense/Military Account Management: Act as the dedicated point of contact for established Defense Primes, Department of Defense (DoD) entities, and aerospace contractors; manage complex blanket purchase agreements (BPAs) and long-lifecycle programs.
Capture & Proposal Management: Proactively monitor, identify, and qualify federal procurement opportunities (via SAM.gov and defense supply registries); lead the internal RFQ/RFP response process, ensuring technical, pricing, customer presentations, and compliance requirements are met.
Technical Program Liaison: Translate complex defense blueprints, custom specifications (surface quality, coatings, environmental testing), and strict Mil-Specs to internal engineering and optical fabrication teams.
Supply Chain Navigation: Navigate complex defense procurement cycles, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR/DFARS), and specialized quality clauses to secure vendor-of-choice status on critical programs.
Strategic Representation: Represent American Photonics at defense manufacturing industry days, aerospace symposia, and procurement matchmaking events.


Minimum Qualifications

Experience: 5+ years of account management, business development, or program management experience dealing directly with DoD clients, federal agencies, or Tier-1/Tier-2 Aerospace & Defense primes.
Regulatory Knowledge:
Technical Literacy: Proven capability to interpret mechanical/optical engineering drawings, products, material datasheets, and stringent performance specifications.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Physics, or a related field (or equivalent specialized military/defense contracting experience).


Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience in precision optics, photonics, infrared sensors, or laser systems manufacturing.
Established network of active contacts within defense supply chain procurement or aerospace engineering groups.
Familiarity with military quality standards.
Solid working knowledge of ITAR, EAR, and FAR/DFARS compliance requirements.


What We Offer

Competitive base salary coupled with performance-driven contract capture incentives.
Comprehensive benefits package including Health, Dental, and Vision insurance.
Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid federal holidays.
Direct contribution to reinforcing domestic manufacturing capabilities supporting national security programs.