Aerospace, Space & Defense Engineer Full Time Greater Washington DC Area $110,000-$220,000 Security Clearance: An active U.S. Secret or Top Secret security clearance is required. Some positions may ...
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Aerospace, Space & Defense Engineer Full Time Greater Washington DC Area $110,000-$220,000 Security Clearance: An active U.S. Secret or Top Secret security clearance is required. Some positions may ...
New
Aerospace Engineer (Contingent) (Chantilly, VA; Denver Metro Area; ...)
Chantilly, VA · On-site
$120K - $155K/yr
Aerospace Engineer (Contingent) Position ID: TA244 Location(s): Hybrid; Greater Denver Metro Area, CO, Northern, VA, Chantilly, VA, Herndon, VA Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 Security ...
Aerospace Engineer (Contingent) (Chantilly, VA; Denver Metro Area; ...)
Chantilly, VA · On-site
$120K - $155K/yr
Aerospace Engineer (Contingent) Position ID: TA244 Location(s): Hybrid; Greater Denver Metro Area, CO, Northern, VA, Chantilly, VA, Herndon, VA Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 Security ...
Junior Aerospace Engineer (Contingent)
Chantilly, VA · Hybrid
$85K - $130K/yr
Junior Aerospace Engineer (Contingent) Position ID: TA243 Location(s): Hybrid; Greater Denver Metro Area, CO, Northern, VA, Chantilly, VA, Herndon, VA Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 Security ...
Junior Aerospace Engineer (Contingent)
Chantilly, VA · Hybrid
$85K - $130K/yr
Junior Aerospace Engineer (Contingent) Position ID: TA243 Location(s): Hybrid; Greater Denver Metro Area, CO, Northern, VA, Chantilly, VA, Herndon, VA Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 Security ...
As an Aerospace Enginee r your work will directly impact the safety of expendable and reusable ... You will apply engineering principles, theories, and concepts to support safety evaluations and ...
As an Aerospace Enginee r your work will directly impact the safety of expendable and reusable ... You will apply engineering principles, theories, and concepts to support safety evaluations and ...
Aerospace Engineer (Direct Hire)
Wallops Island, VA · On-site
$77K/yr
As an Aerospace Engineer your work will directly impact the safety of expendable and reusable launch/reentry vehicles, launch/reentry sites, and their integration into the National Airspace System.
Aerospace Engineer (Direct Hire)
Wallops Island, VA · On-site
$77K/yr
As an Aerospace Engineer your work will directly impact the safety of expendable and reusable launch/reentry vehicles, launch/reentry sites, and their integration into the National Airspace System.
Aerospace Engineer (Direct Hire)
Wallops Island, VA · On-site
$53K/yr
As an Aerospace Enginee r your work will directly impact the safety of expendable and reusable ... You will apply engineering principles, theories, and concepts to support safety evaluations and ...
Aerospace Engineer (Direct Hire)
Wallops Island, VA · On-site
$53K/yr
As an Aerospace Enginee r your work will directly impact the safety of expendable and reusable ... You will apply engineering principles, theories, and concepts to support safety evaluations and ...
Aerospace Engineer (Direct Hire)
Wallops Island, VA · On-site
$77K/yr
As an Aerospace Engineer your work will directly impact the safety of expendable and reusable launch/reentry vehicles, launch/reentry sites, and their integration into the National Airspace System.
Aerospace Engineer (Direct Hire)
Wallops Island, VA · On-site
$77K/yr
As an Aerospace Engineer your work will directly impact the safety of expendable and reusable launch/reentry vehicles, launch/reentry sites, and their integration into the National Airspace System.
Aerospace Engineer (Contingent) (Chantilly, VA; Denver Metro Area; Herndon, VA; Hybrid; Northern ...
Chantilly, VA · Hybrid
$120K - $155K/yr
Aerospace Engineer (Contingent) Position ID: TA244 Location(s): Hybrid; Greater Denver Metro Area, CO, Northern, VA, Chantilly, VA, Herndon, VA Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 Security ...
Aerospace Engineer (Contingent) (Chantilly, VA; Denver Metro Area; Herndon, VA; Hybrid; Northern ...
Chantilly, VA · Hybrid
$120K - $155K/yr
Aerospace Engineer (Contingent) Position ID: TA244 Location(s): Hybrid; Greater Denver Metro Area, CO, Northern, VA, Chantilly, VA, Herndon, VA Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 Security ...
Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our ...
New
Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our ...
New
Howmet Aerospace , headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company's primary ...
New
Howmet Aerospace , headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company's primary ...
New
Howmet Aerospace , headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company's primary ...
New
Howmet Aerospace , headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company's primary ...
New
Flight Dynamics Engineer
Hampton, VA · On-site
$70K - $110K/yr
Aerospace Engineer Location: NASA, Hampton, Virginia (Primary) Category: Engineering Job Type: Full-Time Education: Bachelor's Degree Security Clearance Required: None STC is seeking exceptional ...
Flight Dynamics Engineer
Hampton, VA · On-site
$70K - $110K/yr
Aerospace Engineer Location: NASA, Hampton, Virginia (Primary) Category: Engineering Job Type: Full-Time Education: Bachelor's Degree Security Clearance Required: None STC is seeking exceptional ...
Sr. Aerospace Engineer (TS/SCI)
$140K - $187K/yr
Vantor is seeking for a TS/SCI-cleared Sr. Aerospace Engineer to join our team in Herndon, VA. Does working as an aerospace simulation analyst on Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR ...
New
Sr. Aerospace Engineer (TS/SCI)
$140K - $187K/yr
Vantor is seeking for a TS/SCI-cleared Sr. Aerospace Engineer to join our team in Herndon, VA. Does working as an aerospace simulation analyst on Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR ...
New
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline (Master's preferred). * Coursework in Modern Control Systems, Modern Control ...
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline (Master's preferred). * Coursework in Modern Control Systems, Modern Control ...
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline (Master's preferred). * Coursework in Modern Control Systems, Modern Control ...
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline (Master's preferred). * Coursework in Modern Control Systems, Modern Control ...
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline (Master's preferred). * Coursework in Modern Control Systems, Modern Control ...
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline (Master's preferred). * Coursework in Modern Control Systems, Modern Control ...
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field. * Minimum 12 years of professional ...
Quick apply
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field. * Minimum 12 years of professional ...
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field. * Minimum 12 years of professional ...
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field. * Minimum 12 years of professional ...
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field. * Minimum 12 years of professional ...
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field. * Minimum 12 years of professional ...
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field. * Minimum 12 years of professional ...
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field. * Minimum 12 years of professional ...
Aerospace Engineer information
See Virginia salary details
$41.6K - $52.7K
5% of jobs
$52.7K - $63.8K
1% of jobs
$63.8K - $74.9K
5% of jobs
$74.9K - $86K
10% of jobs
$88.8K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$86K - $97.1K
14% of jobs
The median wage is $106.4K / yr.
$97.1K - $108.2K
17% of jobs
$108.2K - $119.2K
17% of jobs
$129.8K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$119.2K - $130.3K
5% of jobs
$130.3K - $141.4K
20% of jobs
$141.4K - $152.5K
1% of jobs
$152.5K - $163.6K
3% of jobs
$41.6K
$107.7K
$163.6K
How much do aerospace engineer jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 7, 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 is the difference between Aerospace Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?
| Aspect | Aerospace Engineer | Mechanical Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Bachelor's in aerospace or aeronautical engineering; often a Professional Engineer (PE) license | Bachelor's in mechanical engineering; PE license optional |
| Work Environment | Designing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites; working in labs, design offices, and manufacturing | Designing machinery, engines, HVAC systems; working in factories, labs, and offices |
| Industry Usage | Aerospace, defense, space exploration | Automotive, manufacturing, energy, robotics |
| Common Search/Comparison | Yes | No |
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.
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:
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Posted 2 days ago
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Job description
Aerospace, Space & Defense Engineer
Full Time
Greater Washington DC Area
$110,000-$220,000 Security Clearance: An active U.S. Secret or Top Secret security clearance is required. Some positions may require eligibility for SCI access or the ability to obtain additional customer-specific clearances.
Work Authorization: Applicants must be U.S. citizens and able to meet all customer security requirements. We are seeking Aerospace and Defense Engineers to support advanced space, aerospace, and defense programs for government customers.
Typical Responsibilities: Support design and integration of aerospace systems.
Develop engineering analyses and technical documentation.
Participate in testing and validation activities.
Perform systems analysis and mission planning.
Support program execution from concept through deployment. Desired Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related discipline.
Experience supporting DoD or Intelligence Community programs preferred.
Full Time
Greater Washington DC Area
$110,000-$220,000 Security Clearance: An active U.S. Secret or Top Secret security clearance is required. Some positions may require eligibility for SCI access or the ability to obtain additional customer-specific clearances.
Work Authorization: Applicants must be U.S. citizens and able to meet all customer security requirements. We are seeking Aerospace and Defense Engineers to support advanced space, aerospace, and defense programs for government customers.
Typical Responsibilities: Support design and integration of aerospace systems.
Develop engineering analyses and technical documentation.
Participate in testing and validation activities.
Perform systems analysis and mission planning.
Support program execution from concept through deployment. Desired Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related discipline.
Experience supporting DoD or Intelligence Community programs preferred.