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Aerospace Engineer Contract Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

This is a contingent position based upon contract award. Position Overview The Aerospace Engineer Level IV provides advanced technical expertise in the design, analysis, and integration of aerospace ...

SIMILAR CAREER TITLES Satellite Systems Engineer, Aerospace Systems Engineer, Spacecraft Systems ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

SIMILAR CAREER TITLES Satellite Systems Engineer, Aerospace Systems Engineer, Spacecraft Systems ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

SIMILAR CAREER TITLES Satellite Systems Engineer, Aerospace Systems Engineer, Spacecraft Systems ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

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Aerospace Engineer Contract information

See Reston, VA salary details

$43.8K

$113.2K

$172K

How much do aerospace engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace engineer contract in Reston, VA is $113,231.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,200.00 and $138,100.00 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 an Aerospace Engineer on a contract basis, and why are they important?

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 aerospace engineers working on contract positions, 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 are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Aerospace Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Engineer Contract jobs in Reston, VA? For Aerospace Engineer Contract jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerospace Engineer Contract jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Aerospace Engineer Contract jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Aerospace Engineer Contract jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Aerospace Engineer Contract job openings:
Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineer Contract job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,231 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Aerospace Engineer Level IV

Aerospace Engineer Level IV

KBR

Washington, DC • Hybrid

$154K - $211K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 369 rated engineering


Job description

Title:

Aerospace Engineer Level IV

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.

Why Join Us?

  • Innovative Projects:KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.

  • Collaborative Environment:Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.

  • Impactful Work:Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

This is a contingent position based upon contract award.

Position Overview

The Aerospace Engineer Level IV provides advanced technical expertise in the design, analysis, and integration of aerospace and space systems supporting U.S. Government programs. This role is responsible for developing vehicle configurations, conducting multidisciplinary analyses, and supporting system development across the full lifecycle-from concept through flight and mission operations.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, analyze, and evaluate aerospace vehicle configurations to meet mission requirements
  • Conduct system and subsystem trade studies across propulsion, structures, thermal, GNC, RF, power, and payload
  • Perform aerodynamic, thermal, and structural analyses using industry-standard tools
  • Develop and simulate aerospace system models and prototypes
  • Support development and testing of prototype hardware in emerging technical areas
  • Define and allocate program-level requirements and ensure traceability
  • Support integration, test, and evaluation (I&T) activities
  • Interface with multidisciplinary teams to ensure system-level performance
  • Prepare and present technical briefings and documentation
  • Support mission planning and system architecture development
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline (Master's preferred)
  • 8-12+ years of aerospace engineering experience
  • Experience with aerospace system design, analysis, and modeling
  • Proficiency with engineering tools (MATLAB, ANSYS, NASTRAN, CFD tools)
  • Experience performing trade studies and performance analysis
  • Familiarity with spacecraft, launch vehicles, or high-speed systems
  • Experience supporting government programs
  • Active Secret clearance
Preferred Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Experience with flight hardware development and testing
  • Knowledge of hypersonic or advanced aerospace systems
  • Familiarity with MBSE or digital engineering tools
  • Leadership or task-level management experience
Clearance

Active Secret required (TS/SCI preferred or eligible)

Work Environment

On-site/hybrid environment supporting government labs, integration facilities, and offices with occasional travel to test and launch sites.

Basic Compensation:

$154,000 - $211,700

This range is for the Washington DC area only.

The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998