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Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Astrion

Aerospace Engineer - Midlevel

Dahlgren, VA

$110K - $180K/yr

Overview Aerospace Engineer - Midlevel Job Location: Dahlgren, Virginia Job Status: Full Time Clearance: Secret Salary: $110,000-$180,000 SEG is seeking enthusiastic candidates to be part of our ...

Astrion

Aerospace Engineer - Midlevel

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$110K - $180K/yr

Overview Aerospace Engineer - Midlevel Job Location: Dahlgren, Virginia Job Status: Full Time Clearance: Secret Salary: $110,000-$180,000 SEG is seeking enthusiastic candidates to be part of our ...

Qualdoc

Mechanical Aerospace Engineer

Newport News, VA · On-site

$35/hr

Mechanical Aerospace Engineer Location: Newport News, VA Job Type: Contract Work Schedule: On-site only (No remote work available) Starting Pay: $35.00/hour (Higher compensation may be available ...

Neany Inc.

Be Seen First

Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineers

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Aeronautical Engineer research designs, develops and tests subsystems for UAS aircraft including specialized subsystems such as sensors. Analyzes aerospace product or equipment specifications and ...

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All JobsAerospace Engineer JobsAerospace Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Aerospace Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$41.6K

$107.7K

$163.6K

How much do aerospace engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace engineer in Virginia is $107,706.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,700.00 and $131,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Do Aerospace Engineers Do?

Aerospace Engineers manufacture and design aircraft, satellites, missiles, aeronautical and astronautical products and technologies for development, research, defense, and commercial use. They document and evaluate the production of aircraft and aircraft technologies, including commercial and military airplanes, propulsion systems, navigation systems, instrumentation, communication, and thermodynamic and aerodynamic materials used in flight. Aerospace Engineers use highly complex computer systems and software to model, design, evaluate, and simulate parts, products, and vehicles in order to determine if proposals are financially feasible and whether designs will meet regulatory and safety standards. They confer with each other on large-scale projects that require group input, completing a multitude of tasks on a single project through the shared duties of many engineers.

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

To thrive as an Aerospace Engineer, you need a solid background in aerodynamics, propulsion, materials science, and systems engineering, typically backed by a bachelor's or master's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB or ANSYS, and industry certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in collaborative and innovative environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing safe, efficient, and cutting-edge aerospace systems that meet rigorous industry standards.

What will I do as an aerospace engineer?

An aerospace engineer designs, develops, tests, and supervises the manufacturing of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They use principles of aerodynamics, materials science, and propulsion systems, often working with computer-aided design (CAD) software and adhering to safety and regulatory standards. The role typically requires strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of engineering tools and regulations.

What does an aerospace engineer do?

An aerospace engineer designs, develops, tests, and helps manufacture aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They work on improving flight safety, fuel efficiency, speed, and the design of aerospace products. Aerospace engineers often specialize in areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, or structural design and typically work for companies in the aviation, defense, or space exploration industries.

What is the difference between Aerospace Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAerospace EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in aerospace or aeronautical engineering; often a Professional Engineer (PE) licenseBachelor's in mechanical engineering; PE license optional
Work EnvironmentDesigning aircraft, spacecraft, satellites; working in labs, design offices, and manufacturingDesigning machinery, engines, HVAC systems; working in factories, labs, and offices
Industry UsageAerospace, defense, space explorationAutomotive, manufacturing, energy, robotics
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

In summary, aerospace engineers specialize in designing and developing aircraft and spacecraft, often requiring specific aerospace credentials and working in specialized environments. Mechanical engineers have a broader focus on machinery and systems across various industries, with more general credentials. The key difference lies in their industry focus and the types of projects they handle.

Can I make 200k as an aerospace engineer?

Senior aerospace engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-paying industries or companies can earn salaries around or above $200,000 annually. Entry-level or mid-career aerospace engineers typically earn less, with salaries increasing with specialization, certifications, and geographic location. Achieving a $200,000 salary often requires leadership roles, project management, or working in defense or aerospace sectors with high compensation packages.

What kind of jobs do aerospace engineers get?

Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They often work in research and development, manufacturing, or testing environments, using tools like CAD software and adhering to safety and industry standards. Employment can be found in government agencies, defense contractors, and private aerospace companies.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior aerospace engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in design and systems, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in the aerospace industry or at major defense contractors. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing and typically requires advanced degrees and specialized certifications.

What are some common challenges aerospace engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Aerospace engineers often collaborate with professionals from fields like electrical, mechanical, and software engineering, which can present communication and coordination challenges. Navigating different technical languages, aligning project goals, and integrating diverse components require strong teamwork and adaptability. Successful aerospace engineers proactively build cross-functional relationships, participate in regular project meetings, and stay open to feedback to ensure seamless integration of all systems. These collaborative skills are just as essential as technical expertise in bringing complex aerospace projects to completion.
More about Aerospace Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Aerospace Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Aerospace Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerospace Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Aerospace Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Aerospace Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Aerospace Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Engineer jobs in VA? For Aerospace Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Aerospace Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,706 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Aerospace Engineer

Waypoint Human Capital

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position Title:Aerospace Engineer
Position Type:Full-time (ON-SITE)
Position Location:Chantilly, VA
Clearance Required:TS/SCI w/CI Poly
Waypoint's client is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Aerospace Engineer to join their team supporting a critical government client. This position offers the opportunity to support RDT&E for cutting-edge projects supporting space-based systems.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain physics-based simulation models of spacecraft systems, including structures, sensors, and mission environments.
  • Perform end-to-end performance modeling for satellite missions, integrating sensor, orbital, and environmental models.
  • Conduct sensor phenomenology studies, including optical, infrared, or radar modeling for detection, tracking, and signature analysis.
  • Perform orbital mechanics modeling including orbit determination, orbital maneuvering, and spacecraft flight dynamics
  • Use scripting languages (Python, MATLAB, or similar) to automate workflows, perform data analysis, and interface between simulation tools.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in modeling and simulation for aerospace or space systems.
  • Active Top Secret/SCI w/Poly Clearance
  • Strong understanding of sensor phenomenology-such as optical, infrared, or radar systems-and associated modeling methods.
  • Intermediate Python programming experience, demonstrated through hands-on experience with tasks such as data manipulation, automation, and development of Python-based solutions. Experience with libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, pandas, and matplotlib is beneficial.
  • Ability to communicate technical results clearly in both written and verbal formats.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in a STEM related field.
  • 6+ years of related experience.
  • Experience with other simulation tools and programming languages.
  • Experience with non-cooperative target tracking.
  • Experience with collection & revisit modeling.
  • Knowledge of cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).

Apply