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Aerospace Engineer Contract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Letts Consult

Aerospace Engineer (Senior)

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

... contract. Applies comprehensive knowledge of aeronautical engineering principles, aircraft systems, and flight sciences to evaluate system performance, integration, and mission effectiveness in ...

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Starfish

Mid-Level Aerospace Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Torch Technologies is seeking a talented Mid-Level Aerospace Engineer to join a well-established ... No Position Contingent Upon Award of Contract: No #LI-TS Benefits: Torch Technologies is proud to ...

Epsilon Systems Solutions

... contract supporting the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC), WPAFB, Ohio. The ... At a minimum, Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering, science, computer science, or ...

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All JobsAerospace Engineer Contract Jobs

Aerospace Engineer Contract information

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$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do aerospace engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 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 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.
More about Aerospace Engineer Contract jobs
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:
What job categories do people searching Aerospace Engineer Contract jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerospace Engineer Contract jobs are:
Aerospace Engineer Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineer Contract job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 31% Full Time, 67% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

Aerospace Engineer (Senior)

Joint Research and Development, LLC

Nellis Air Force Base, NV • Remote

$84K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

JRAD is seeking candidates for an upcoming Aerospace Engineer (Senior) position supporting the U.S. Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC), Detachment 6 (DET 6) – Fighter Test Services (FTS). This position is located at Nellis AFB, NV.

The Aerospace Engineer (Senior) provides advanced engineering expertise in support of operational test and evaluation (OT&E) of fighter aircraft systems under the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC) Detachment 6 Fighter Test Services contract.

Applies comprehensive knowledge of aeronautical engineering principles, aircraft systems, and flight sciences to evaluate system performance, integration, and mission effectiveness in operational environments. Supports analysis of air vehicle performance, avionics, weapons integration, and mission systems across live flight testing, distributed test environments, and the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE).

Serves as a senior technical authority contributing to test planning, execution, analysis, and reporting, ensuring engineering rigor and operational relevance in support of AFOTEC evaluation objectives.

Roles/Responsibilities:

  • Apply advanced aerospace engineering principles to assess aircraft performance, system integration, and mission effectiveness under operational conditions
  • Support development and execution of operational test plans, including definition of test objectives, scenarios, and evaluation criteria
  • Analyze flight test data, telemetry, and system outputs to evaluate aircraft performance, reliability, and suitability
  • Evaluate integration and performance of aircraft subsystems, including avionics, propulsion, weapons systems, sensors, and communications systems
  • Support modeling and simulation (M&S) activities, including validation and correlation of simulation results with flight test data
  • Conduct engineering analyses, trade studies, and performance assessments to inform system evaluation and decision-making
  • Identify technical risks, anomalies, and performance issues, and provide recommendations for mitigation or further investigation
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including operations research analysts, test engineers, intelligence analysts, and program management personnel
  • Support mission planning and execution for operational test events, including pre-mission preparation and post-mission analysis
  • Develop and review technical documentation, including test reports, engineering assessments, and evaluation summaries
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior and journeyman engineers
  • Ensure compliance with applicable engineering standards, safety requirements, and security protocols

Required Skills and Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
  • 10 or more years of relevant professional experience in aerospace engineering, flight test, aircraft systems analysis, or related technical fields
  • Experience supporting operational test and evaluation (OT&E) activities within AFOTEC or similar test organizations
  • Familiarity with fighter aircraft systems (e.g., F-35, F-16, F-15) and air combat operations
  • Experience with Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) or other modeling and simulation environments
  • Experience with aircraft mission systems, weapons integration, or sensor systems
  • Flight test experience or familiarity with flight test processes and instrumentation
  • Familiarity with the following tools and technologies: engineering analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent); data analysis tools and programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB); modeling and simulation environments and tools; data visualization and reporting tools
  • Demonstrated experience applying aerospace engineering principles to aircraft systems, performance analysis, or flight test activities
  • Experience supporting test and evaluation (T&E), systems engineering, or aircraft integration efforts
  • Experience analyzing flight test data and assessing system performance in operational environments
  • Experience working with multidisciplinary teams supporting complex technical programs
  • Experience conducting engineering analyses, trade studies, and technical assessments

Security Clearance:

  • Active Secret clearance required; Top Secret/SCI preferred

When you work for JRAD you will never be just a number. We put people before profits!

JRAD is committed to the health and well-being of its employees. We offer more paid time off than the average company upon hire and the following benefits are available to all full-time employees:

• Health Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

• Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts for unreimbursed medical & dependent day care

• Disability Insurance

• 401K Plan

• Tuition Reimbursement

JRAD is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The JRAD salary range for this position is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. There are many factors considered when determining the compensation provided in an offer. These factors include, but are not limited to position responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and contract terms and conditions.

PLEASE NOTE: Once you apply, to ensure you continue to receive important updates on your application and status, please add JRAD to your approved email list and/or check your spam and junk mail often for updates.