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Aerospace Engineer Military Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PPG

Senior Quality Engineer, Military

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$89K - $121K/yr

As a Senior Quality Engineer within PPG's Aerospace Business, you will help support the design ... You will work with directly with military programs. You bring technical quality expertise while ...

HEICO

Mechanical/Aerospace Engineer

Temecula, CA · On-site

Provide engineering design, build, troubleshoot, repair, and / or modify an array of specialized ... NI / Labview experience, electrical aptitude, military, and aerospace industry experience are all a ...

Leidos

Aerospace Manufacturing SME

Mclean, VA

$139K - $251K/yr

Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ... S. military aerospace systems. * Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph. If you're looking for ...

Leidos

Aerospace Manufacturing SME

Mclean, VA · On-site

$139K - $251K/yr

Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ... S. military aerospace systems. * Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph. If you're looking for ...

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All JobsAerospace Engineer Military Jobs

Aerospace Engineer Military information

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$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do aerospace engineer military jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace engineer military 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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior aerospace engineers, especially those in leadership roles or with specialized expertise in areas like propulsion or avionics, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, often including bonuses and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced degrees, and working in high-paying industries such as defense or commercial aerospace at major companies.

Does the military hire aerospace engineers?

Yes, the military hires aerospace engineers to develop and maintain aircraft, spacecraft, and missile systems. These roles often require security clearances, specialized training, and knowledge of defense technologies and standards.

What is the difference between Aerospace Engineer Military vs Aerospace Engineer Civil?

AspectAerospace Engineer MilitaryAerospace Engineer Civil
CredentialsBachelor's in aerospace or aeronautical engineering; security clearance often requiredBachelor's in aerospace or aeronautical engineering; professional engineering license optional
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, defense contractors, government facilitiesCommercial aerospace companies, research labs, manufacturing plants
Employer & IndustryMilitary branches, defense contractors, government agenciesCommercial airlines, aerospace manufacturers, private research firms

While both roles require a background in aerospace engineering, Military Aerospace Engineers focus on defense projects, security protocols, and work within military environments. Civil Aerospace Engineers primarily work on commercial aircraft, spacecraft, and research initiatives in civilian settings. The key differences lie in their work environment, project focus, and employer types, though the foundational skills and credentials are similar.

What does an Aerospace Engineer do in the military?

Aerospace Engineers in the military design, develop, test, and oversee the production of aircraft, missiles, satellites, and other aerospace systems that are used for defense purposes. They work closely with other engineers and military personnel to ensure that these systems meet strict performance, safety, and reliability standards. Their duties may include research and development, systems integration, quality assurance, and maintenance support for both new and existing military aerospace technology. They play a crucial role in advancing military capabilities and ensuring national security.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aerospace Engineer in the military, and why are they important?

To thrive as a military Aerospace Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, often backed by a relevant engineering degree and, in some cases, security clearance. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like CAD software, simulation systems, and military-specific design protocols is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These abilities ensure precise, innovative solutions and safe, mission-ready aerospace systems critical to national defense.

Can I make 200k as an aerospace engineer?

Senior aerospace engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-paying sectors such as defense or space exploration can earn salaries around or above $200,000 annually. Entry-level or mid-career aerospace engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000, with salaries increasing based on specialization, location, and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma. Achieving a $200,000 salary often requires leadership roles, specialized expertise, or working in managerial positions within the aerospace industry.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior aerospace engineers, especially those working in defense, space exploration, or with extensive experience and advanced certifications, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with specialized skills, leadership roles, or working for large defense contractors and government agencies.

What unique challenges do military aerospace engineers face compared to their counterparts in the commercial sector?

Military aerospace engineers often work with cutting-edge and confidential technologies, which requires strict adherence to security protocols and the ability to adapt to rapidly evolving project requirements. They may face additional challenges such as working under tight deadlines, supporting mission-critical operations, and collaborating closely with military personnel. This environment fosters a strong sense of teamwork and problem-solving, but also demands flexibility and resilience to handle the pressures of defense-related projects.
More about Aerospace Engineer Military jobs
What cities are hiring for Aerospace Engineer Military jobs? Cities with the most Aerospace Engineer Military job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineer Military jobs? The most popular types of Aerospace Engineer Military jobs are:
What states have the most Aerospace Engineer Military jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerospace Engineer Military jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aerospace Engineer Military jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerospace Engineer Military jobs are:
Aerospace Engineer Military jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineer Military job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.
Aerospace Engineer - Performance and Design

Aerospace Engineer - Performance and Design

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Aerospace Engineer - Performance and Design

Job Summary: 

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) is seeking a full-time Aerospace Engineer - Performance and Design, to join our team in San Luis Obispo, CA. The Aerospace Engineer will assist in the multi-functional product development of new aircraft design and control systems while collaborating with other engineering disciplines and project personnel. 

Responsibilities and Duties: 

  • Conduct aircraft conceptual design and sizing studies. 

  • Analysis of aerodynamics, propulsion, flight performance, etc. 

  • Setting up and running vehicle and component optimizations. 

  • Perform analysis, simulation, and engineering trade studies to support design decisions.  

  • Research about technologies, analysis methods, standards, and regulations to guide aircraft design. 

  • Develop, test, and implement custom software-based design tools. 

  • Clearly communicate engineering ideas, progress, and results using written reports and oral presentations to supervisors, project managers, and customers. 

  • Collaborate with team members to accomplish project goals in a timely fashion. 

Required Qualifications and Skills: 

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or equivalent. 

  • 3+ years of relevant engineering experience. 

  • Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python. 

  • Proficiency with aircraft flight performance analysis and conceptual design. 

  • Fundamental understanding of related disciplines including aerodynamics, aircraft stability & control, thermal analysis, structures, electronics, systems engineering, computational optimization, etc. 

  • Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 

  • Strong writing & presentation skills. 

  • Willing to relocate to San Luis Obispo, CA. 

Desired Qualifications and Skills: 

  • Master's degree in aerospace engineering or equivalent and/or 5+ years of experience. 

  • Experience with Simulink, Python, VBA, C++, and/or other coding languages. 

  • Experience with OpenVSP / VSPAERO, XFOIL, AVL, etc.. 

  • Experience with CFD tools using Altair, OVERFLOW, or similar. 

  • Experience performing flight loads analysis. 

  • Experience setting up and running optimization tools. 

  • Experience using programming version control software such as Git. 

  • Experience with CAD modeling using SolidWorks or similar. 

  • Experience with requirements capture at the aircraft and/or systems level. 

  • Familiarity with the design of aircraft and common aircraft systems. 

  • Familiarity with eVTOL aircraft. 

  • Familiarity with civil and military regulations for fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. 

  • Familiarity with electric vertical takeoff / landing (eVTOL) design concepts. 

  • Familiarity with the urban air mobility (UAM) market space. 

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks: 

  • Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families. 

  • Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off. 

  • Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families. 

  • Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage. 

  • Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses. 

  • Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future. 

  • Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year. 

  • Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture. 

  • Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play! 

Company Overview: 

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services. 

At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel  

the aerospace industry forward. 

**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA** 

_____________________________________________________________ 

ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.   
E-Verify participation required for employment.   
Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.      
Must be able to pass background check.     
Hiring Range: $90k-120k  

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