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Aerospace Engineer Contract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Engineer (Contract) Location: Wichita, KS Pay: $70-$75/hour Job Type: Contract (12 ... Minimum 5 years of electrical or systems engineering experience , preferably within the aerospace ...

Electrical Engineer (Contract) Location: Wichita, KS Pay: $80-$90/hour Job Type: Contract (12 ... Minimum 5 years of electrical or systems engineering experience , preferably within the aerospace ...

Embedded C/C++ Engineer

Elyria, OH · On-site

$119K - $157K/yr

Embedded C/C++ Engineer Contract Position Elyria, OH (Day1 onsite) Only US CITIZENS - ITAR * Motor ... Aerospace industry software compliance standards like DO-178C (if applying for aerospace divisions)

Showing results 41-60

Aerospace Engineer Contract information

See salary details

$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do aerospace engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 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:
What job categories do people searching Aerospace Engineer Contract jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerospace Engineer Contract jobs are:
Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineer Contract job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

Firefly Aerospace Hiring Event- Vandenberg Space Force Base (INVITE ONLY) August 20th & 21st

Firefly Aerospace

Lompoc, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Firefly Aerospace rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.
California Local Hiring Event: San Luis Obispo, Thursday, August 20th or Lompoc, Friday, August 21st 2026 (Please Note: This is an invite only event-if you show up onsite without an invitation you will be turned away immediately.)
All positions offer a competitive base salary and equity. Sign-on bonuses and relocation available for qualified candidate.
Firefly Aerospace is growing! Come meet Firefly leaders and hiring managers at an invite-only event! In response to new contract awards across all of our programs, Firefly Aerospace has many needs across all functions including:
Local (Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA)
Positions:
  • Launch Engineer, Mechanical Systems
  • Launch Integration Engineer
  • Launch Engineer, Fluids Mechanical
  • Launch Engineer, EGSE
  • Launch Technician, Fluid Mechanical
  • Launch Technician, EGSE

Other Positions -Roles available at our production sites near Austin, Texas (Must be willing to relocate)
Skilled Labor:
  • Machinists
  • CNC Machinists
  • CNC Programmers
  • Composites Technicians
  • Avionics Technicians
  • Quality Inspectors
  • Welders

Engineering:
  • Mechanical
  • Propulsion
  • Software
  • Systems
  • Electrical
  • GSE
  • Manufacturing
  • Tooling
  • Launch and Test Engineering

Spacecraft:
  • Mission Operations
  • Assembly, Integration and Test
  • Mission Architects
  • Chief Engineering

Leadership:
  • Production and Engineering

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational-relocation reimbursement, short term disability, Life Insurance and flexible PTO options.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status

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