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Aerospace Engineer Graduate Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Aerospace Engineer Graduate information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$47.8K

$123.6K

$187.8K

How much do aerospace engineer graduate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace engineer graduate in Seattle, WA is $123,633.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,700.00 and $150,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerospace engineer graduate?

An Aerospace Engineer Graduate job is an entry-level position for recent graduates in aerospace engineering. It typically involves assisting in the design, analysis, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, or related systems. Graduates may work on aerodynamics, propulsion, materials, or structural components under the guidance of senior engineers. These roles help build practical experience and technical skills necessary for career growth in the aerospace industry.

What are some typical career paths and advancement opportunities for an aerospace engineer graduate?

As an Aerospace Engineer Graduate, you often start in entry-level engineering roles, working alongside senior engineers on design, analysis, and testing projects. Over time, you can progress to specialized roles in areas such as aerodynamics, systems engineering, or propulsion, or move into project management and leadership positions. Many graduates also have opportunities to pursue further education or professional certifications (like the Professional Engineer license) to advance their careers. Aerospace companies frequently support ongoing training and encourage involvement in multidisciplinary teams, giving you the chance to develop new skills and take on increased responsibility as you gain experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace engineer graduate, and why are they important?

Aerospace Engineer Graduates need a solid grasp of aerodynamics, propulsion, structural analysis, and mathematics, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools, finite element analysis (FEA), and industry standards or certifications like EIT is important. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set candidates apart. These competencies are vital to ensure safety, innovation, and collaboration in the complex and regulated aerospace industry.

How much do graduate aerospace engineers make?

Graduate aerospace engineers typically earn between $65,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on location, employer, and level of experience. Entry-level positions often require knowledge of CAD software, aerodynamics, and systems analysis, which can influence starting salaries.

What do aerospace engineer graduates do after graduation?

Aerospace engineering graduates typically pursue entry-level positions in aircraft, spacecraft, or defense industries, working on design, testing, and manufacturing of aerospace systems. They often use CAD software, perform simulations, and may obtain professional engineering licenses to advance their careers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineer Graduate jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Aerospace Engineer Graduate jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What job categories do people searching Aerospace Engineer Graduate jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Aerospace Engineer Graduate jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineer Graduate job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 84% In-person, 11% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,633 per year, or $59.4 per hour.

New Graduate Engineer, GNC- '26/'27 (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$145K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
NEW GRADUATE ENGINEER, GNC - '26/'27 (STARLINK)
SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, spacecraft systems design, optimization, and software development to join the Starlink guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) team. Come help us write the autopilot algorithms for thousands of satellites (the world's largest constellation!) and more than two million user terminals, enabling access to high-speed broadband internet in all corners of the world.
There are several sub-teams within Starlink GNC with different focus areas. Applicants will interview for specific teams based on hiring needs and qualifications. Specific team responsibilities might include:
  • Constellation design and optimization
  • Fleet management and satellite orbit transfer automation, including all supporting software infrastructure
  • Constellation-level and network-level analysis of both existing and proposed satellite systems
  • Satellite collision avoidance
  • Satellite attitude determination and control
  • Satellite orbit control, such as low thrust trajectory optimization and station-keeping
  • Precision state estimation and control of various network payloads (RF antennas, laser inter-satellite links)

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develop highly reliable and performant GNC algorithms, simulations, tools, services, and dashboards using C++ or Python; Starlink GNC Engineers write actual production code, not just prototypes for transcription by another team
  • Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews
  • Bulk data analysis to review performance data from various elements of the Starlink constellation and network
  • Write high quality technical documentation of programs, algorithms, or analysis
  • Support your relevant on-call operations rotation, commanding satellites or reviewing network data to keep our network continuously operating at peak performance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics or an engineering discipline
  • Software development experience in either C++ or Python
  • Graduating in the class of 2026 or 2027

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Some preferred skills and experience depend on the specific team within Starlink GNC.
  • Master's degree or PHD in an engineering discipline or physics
  • Developed, debugged and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects
  • Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals
  • Cradle to grave development of three axis stabilized spacecraft incorporating momentum, magnetic, and propulsive control
  • Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, including low thrust trajectory optimization and stationkeeping
  • Experience in verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation, and validation of the simulation's models
  • Experience with state estimation, particularly attitude determination, orbit determination, GNSS, and radio navigation
  • Familiarity with numerical probability of collision methods such as Alfano, Foster, and Hall
  • General familiarity with the disciplines necessary for spacecraft flight including; structures, propulsion, avionics, GNC, flight software, dynamics, launch and mission operations, and integration. Practical experience in real world development of these systems is highly desired
  • Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction
  • Passion for advancing the commercial space industry
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $125,000.00 - $165,000.00
Level 2: $145,000.00 - $200,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of 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.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US