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Aerospace Engineer Contract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$195K - $250K/yr

If the contract is awarded, another position posting will be available on the Company Careers ... Citizenship Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical ...

Provide SME-level aerospace engineering expertise for missile warning mission ground systems ... If the contract is awarded, another position posting will be available on the Company Careers ...

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$195K - $250K/yr

If the contract is awarded, another position posting will be available on the Company Careers ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering ...

Provide SME-level aerospace engineering expertise on missile warning ground processing, mission ... If the contract is awarded, another position posting will be available on the Company Careers ...

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

If the contract is awarded, another position posting will be available on the Company Careers ... Citizenship * Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer ...

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$190K - $240K/yr

If the contract is awarded, another position posting will be available on the Company Careers ... Citizenship * Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer ...

Aerospace Engineer

Dayton, OH ยท On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

Aerospace Engineer The Opportunity: As an aerospace engineer, you know leading-edge technology ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Aerospace Engineer

Dayton, OH ยท On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

Aerospace Engineer The Opportunity: As an aerospace engineer, you know leading-edge technology ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Aerospace Engineer

Dayton, OH ยท On-site +1

$86K - $198K/yr

Share Aerospace Engineer The Opportunity: As an aerospace engineer, you know leading-edge ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

IESE Solutions is seeking Aerospace Systems Engineers to support the U.S. Space Forces mission of ... Support the Government with preparing Statement of Work (SOW) proposal instructions and Contract ...

IESE Solutions is seeking Aerospace Systems Engineers to support the U.S. Space Forces mission of ... Support the Government with preparing Statement of Work (SOW) proposal instructions and Contract ...

IESE Solutions is seeking Aerospace Systems Engineers to support the U.S. Space Forces mission of ... Support the Government with preparing Statement of Work (SOW) proposal instructions and Contract ...

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Aerospace Engineer Contract information

See salary details

$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do aerospace engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace engineer contract in the United States is $108,638.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Aerospace Engineer Contract vs Aerospace Engineer Full-Time?

AspectAerospace Engineer ContractAerospace Engineer Full-Time
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or related fieldSame as contract; often requires additional certifications for senior roles
Work EnvironmentProject-based, temporary assignments, often on-site or remotePermanent employment, consistent work environment, on-site or office-based
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by aerospace firms, government agencies, and contractors for specific projectsEmployed directly by companies or agencies for ongoing roles
Work DurationShort-term, project-specificLong-term, ongoing

In summary, Aerospace Engineer Contract roles are temporary, project-focused positions often requiring similar credentials as full-time roles but offering more flexibility. Full-time aerospace engineers have stable, long-term employment with benefits, working consistently within the same organization.

What are aerospace engineer contracts?

Aerospace engineer contracts refer to temporary or project-based roles where engineers are hired to work on specific aerospace projects or for a set duration. These contracts can involve designing, developing, and testing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, or related systems and components. Contract aerospace engineers often work for government agencies, private aerospace companies, or as independent consultants. These roles provide flexibility and the opportunity to gain experience on a variety of projects, though they may not offer the same job security or benefits as permanent positions.

What does a contract aerospace engineer do?

Contract aerospace engineers are independent contractors who work for aerospace companies on a short- or long-term contract basis. Your specific job duties vary, depending on the scope of the project and the type of company. Responsibilities may include designing parts for airplanes, researching technology for spacecraft and satellites, or developing the tools necessary for making industry parts used in different machinery. Contract aerospace engineers often focus on specific areas, such as mechanical systems or navigation and control components. These positions typically last anywhere from several weeks to a few months; contracts that last longer than a year are relatively rare.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract aerospace engineer?

To excel as a contract Aerospace Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering principles, a relevant engineering degree, and experience with industry standards like FAA or EASA regulations. Familiarity with technical tools such as CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks), simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB), and project management systems is essential, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or Six Sigma can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving, adaptability, and communication skills help you integrate quickly into new teams and projects. These competencies ensure you can deliver innovative and compliant solutions efficiently within the often tight timelines of contract work.

What are some common challenges faced by contract aerospace engineers, and how can they be managed?

Aerospace engineers on contract positions often face challenges such as rapidly adapting to new project teams, meeting tight deadlines, and quickly familiarizing themselves with proprietary systems or processes. Managing these challenges involves strong communication skills, proactive learning, and flexibility to integrate seamlessly with diverse team environments. Contract engineers benefit from staying updated on industry software and standards, and establishing clear expectations with supervisors to ensure project goals and timelines are met effectively.
What cities are hiring for Aerospace Engineer Contract jobs? Cities with the most Aerospace Engineer Contract job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Aerospace Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Aerospace Engineer Contract jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerospace Engineer Contract jobs include:
Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineer Contract job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

Aerospace Engineer

Alutiiq

El Segundo, CA โ€ข On-site

$195K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

McCallie Associates, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Alutiiq, LLC, is accepting applications for a Subject Matter Expert (SME) Aerospace Engineer - Space Sensing Systems Engineering & Integration to provide the highest level of systems engineering and integration expertise to the U.S. Space Force's Space Sensing directorate. This role brings deep, recognized expertise in aerospace systems engineering and serves as a technical authority for complex integration challenges across Space Sensing's portfolio of satellite, ground, and user equipment systems

This position will lead technically complex engineering analyses, advise Government program managers and Chief Engineers, and contribute SME-level judgment to the most demanding architectural and integration decisions facing the directorate - including next-generation missile warning capabilities, sensor-to-shooter integration, and modernization of legacy missile warning ground infrastructure. Provide SME-level technical leadership on complex aerospace systems engineering and integration challenges across Space Sensing programs Lead engineering trade studies, system concept evaluations, and architecture analyses; develop recommendations on technical baseline alternatives Advise Government Chief Engineers, program managers, and IPT leads on systems integration approaches, technical risk, and engineering trade-offs Support integration across segments of the overall Tasking, Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (TPED) architecture and interfaces between satellite, ground, and user segments Lead reviews of contractor technical baselines, engineering change proposals, and configuration change board submissions Mentor mid-level engineers and analysts; contribute to engineering process improvement and discipline Represent the contractor team at senior technical interchange meetings, working groups, and Government/Industry forums Prepare technical briefings, white papers, and engineering position papers for senior Government audiences This opportunity is for a POTENTIAL CONTRACT award and is contingent upon the contract being awarded. Consideration for a potential contract may require a signed letter of intent.

If the contract is awarded, another position posting will be available on the Company Careers portal.Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility U.S. Citizenship Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline from an ABET-accredited institution; Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible aerospace engineering experience, with demonstrated SME-level depth in systems engineering, integration, or architecture Demonstrated experience leading complex systems engineering efforts on DoD space, missile, or sensor systems Recognized technical expertise in at least one of: missile warning satellite systems, missile tracking systems, overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) sensors, satellite-to-ground integration, or strategic/tactical missile warning ground systems Strong written and verbal communication; demonstrated ability to brief Senior Executive Service, general officer, and Chief Engineer audiences Preferred Qualifications Master's or PhD in a technical discipline Prior direct support to SSC/SN, SMC, or predecessor Space Force / Air Force space organizations DAWIA Level III in Engineering or Program Management Recognized industry contributions (peer-reviewed publications, technical society leadership, AIAA/INCOSE technical fellowships) Familiarity with SSC Systems Engineering Plan framework and SSC technical standards INCOSE CSEP or ESEP certification Expected salary range: $195,000 to $250,000 per yearActive Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility U.S. Citizenship Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline from an ABET-accredited institution; Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible aerospace engineering experience, with demonstrated SME-level depth in systems engineering, integration, or architecture Demonstrated experience leading complex systems engineering efforts on DoD space, missile, or sensor systems Recognized technical expertise in at least one of: missile warning satellite systems, missile tracking systems, overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) sensors, satellite-to-ground integration, or strategic/tactical missile warning ground systems Strong written and verbal communication; demonstrated ability to brief Senior Executive Service, general officer, and Chief Engineer audiences Preferred Qualifications Master's or PhD in a technical discipline Prior direct support to SSC/SN, SMC, or predecessor Space Force / Air Force space organizations DAWIA Level III in Engineering or Program Management Recognized industry contributions (peer-reviewed publications, technical society leadership, AIAA/INCOSE technical fellowships) Familiarity with SSC Systems Engineering Plan framework and SSC technical standards INCOSE CSEP or ESEP certification Expected salary range: $195,000 to $250,000 per year


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About Alutiiq

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Anchorage, AK, US

Year founded

1999

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