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

Amentum

DARPA Junior Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Participate in field experiments and aerospace facility testing * Support test planning, setup ... Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract ...

Pae

DARPA Junior Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Participate in field experiments and aerospace facility testing * Support test planning, setup ... Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract ...

QinetiQ US

SETA Former COTR

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Technical background in aerospace engineering, astronautical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a related technical discipline * Certification in program management, contracts ...

QinetiQ US

SETA Former COTR

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Technical background in aerospace engineering, astronautical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a related technical discipline * Certification in program management, contracts ...

QinetiQ US

SETA Former COTR

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Technical background in aerospace engineering, astronautical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a related technical discipline * Certification in program management, contracts ...

Scout Space

Senior Mission Systems Engineer

Reston, VA

$108K - $148K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical ... S. Government space programs, Department of Defense (DoD) contracts, and/or NASA mission ...

Scout Space

Senior Mission Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$108K - $148K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical ... S. Government space programs, Department of Defense (DoD) contracts, and/or NASA mission ...

QinetiQ US

SETA Former COTR

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Technical background in aerospace engineering, astronautical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a related technical discipline * Certification in program management, contracts ...

Scout Space

Senior Mission Systems Engineer

Reston, VA

$108K - $148K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical ... S. Government space programs, Department of Defense (DoD) contracts, and/or NASA mission ...

Vets2PM

Contracts Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$102K - $136K/yr

... engineering, program management, and leadership to support proposal development, contract ... Who You Are A detail-oriented professional with experience or strong interest in Aerospace ...

AeroVironment

Contracts Manager

Arlington, VA

$102K - $136K/yr

... to complex aerospace projects. As a Contracts Manager you will partner closely with cross ... and engineering, to streamline contract workflows and mitigate risks. Your expertise will be ...

AeroVironment

Contracts Manager

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$102K - $136K/yr

... to complex aerospace projects. As a Contracts Manager you will partner closely with cross ... and engineering, to streamline contract workflows and mitigate risks. Your expertise will be ...

KBR

Structural Analysis Engineer Jr.

Greenbelt, MD · Hybrid

$93K - $168K/yr

S. in Mechanical, Structural, Aerospace Engineering or related technical field Minimum 3 years of ... Jobs on this contract range from $93,200 - $168,200.00. Pay range is specific to the Greenbelt, MD ...

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All JobsAerospace Engineer Contract JobsAerospace Engineer Contract Jobs in Reston, VA

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 Aug 8, 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 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.
More about Aerospace Engineer Contract jobs
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:
Aerospace Engineer Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineer Contract job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,231 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Cryptographic Systems Engineer (CSE)

Special Aerospace Services

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$140K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Cryptographic Systems Engineer (CSE)
Chantilly, VA
Who We Are
Aurex is a mission-focused aerospace and defense company building the next frontier of deterrence. From hypersonics and missile defense to hardened networks and orbital systems, we design, test, and deliver the platforms that turn unproven ideas into battlefield-ready capability.
Born in Huntsville and built for speed, Aurex brings together aerospace veterans, combat-tested operators, and forward-leaning technologists to solve problems that matter-fast. We move from whiteboard to warfighter with precision, clarity, and zero tolerance for fluff.
Job Description
As a Cryptographic Systems Engineer, you will analyze user requirements, concept of operations documents, and high-level system architectures to develop rigorous system requirements specifications. You will serve as a technical guide for users, advising on alternative approaches and conducting feasibility studies to ensure mission success.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Technical Leadership: Lead the integration of requirements, design, and technology, incorporating new plans and systems into ongoing operations.
  • Government Liaison: Interact directly with Government stakeholders regarding Systems Engineering technical considerations, resolving complex problems and conflicts.
  • Compliance & Certification: Leverage deep experience with NSA processes to support the approval and certification of cryptographic solutions. This includes Security Requirements Development, Guidance and Analysis, Testing & Validation, and obtaining Authority to Operate (ATO).
  • Space Systems Engineering: Apply expertise in Security Engineering for Space Systems, specifically in the selection, implementation, and verification of cryptographic solutions for orbital applications.

Qualifications:
  • Security Clearance: Active TOP SECRET clearance is required. SCI access with Counterintelligence (CI) Polygraph preferred.
  • Experience: Proven track record with NSA certification processes and space-based cryptographic implementations.

How You Will Be Rewarded
The salary range for this role is $140,000.00 - $220,000.00 per year. We offer a comprehensive total rewards approach to compensation, providing incentives and benefits that extend far beyond the base salary. Compensation is determined by the candidate's work experience, education, training, and relevant skills. We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' health, well-being, and professional growth.
Location: Chantilly, VA
Aurex is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It prohibits discrimination, retaliation, or any type of harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, citizenship, immigration status, or any other legally protected status in employment, including in hiring, firing, and recruiting decisions. All applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States for positions at Aurex. There may be limited circumstances in which a law, regulation, executive order, or government contract would require certain citizenship; only in those limited circumstances would Aurex require certain citizenship status to comply with the relevant law, regulation, executive order, or government contract applicable to that position. For all other positions, Aurex does not consider an applicant's citizenship but only requires that the applicant be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. If a position is one that falls under export control laws and regulations requiring authorization from the U.S. government to access export-controlled items, any hiring is contingent on the applicant passing the export compliance assessment, which is separate from the I-9 process, for that specific position. A background check will be required prior to any hire.
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