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Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Pursuit Aerospace

Metallurgical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $140K/yr

About the Opportunity: We're looking for a Metallurgical Engineer to join our team at Pursuit ... At Pursuit Aerospace, we value problem-solvers with a proactive mindset--those who thrive in fast ...

Pursuit Aerospace

Metallurgical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Metallurgical Engineer Full-time Regular Quality Chicago, IL, US Salary Range: $95,000.00 To $140 ... At Pursuit Aerospace, we value problem-solvers with a proactive mindset - those who thrive in fast ...

Pursuit Aerospace

Metallurgical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

About the Opportunity: We're looking for a Metallurgical Engineer to join our team at Pursuit ... At Pursuit Aerospace, we value problem-solvers with a proactive mindset-those who thrive in fast ...

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All JobsAerospace Engineer JobsAerospace Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Aerospace Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.3K

$111.9K

$170K

How much do aerospace engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace engineer in Chicago, IL is $111,913.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,200.00 and $136,500.00 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 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.

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.

What kind of jobs do aerospace engineers do?

Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They work on improving aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and materials, often using computer-aided design (CAD) software and adhering to safety and industry standards. Their work can involve research, manufacturing, and testing in laboratories or on production floors.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Aerospace Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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For Aerospace Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Aerospace Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Aerospace Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Aerospace Engineer job openings:

Aerospace Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,913 per year, or $53.8 per hour.

Aerospace Engineer

Career Fields | Federal Aviation Administration

Des Plaines, IL

$112K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

The Aerospace Engineer serves as a Compliance and Airworthiness (C&A) Technical Advisor and is called upon to provide leadership for highly complex and challenging activities under the minimal direction of a manager or an executive in the Compliance & Airworthiness Division.Qualifications:

To view the complete OPM qualification standard for the Group Coverage Qualification Standard for General Engineer, Series 801, please refer to:

General Engineering Series 0801

Basic Requirements: Degree in Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelors degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.

To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-J, FG/GS 14. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

Specialized Experience is: Experience applying engineering principles applicable to certification and continued operational safety programs, as it relates to 14 Code of Federal Regulations parts 23, 27, and/or 29, to include experience in performing and evaluating risk analysis following appropriate risk analysis methodologies.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

Interview: If the Agency decides to interview any qualified employee on the selection list, then all on the list who are qualified must be interviewed. If the selection list is shortened to a best qualified list through a comparative process, then the best qualified list shall be considered to be the selection list.

Education:This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcripts(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcement to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. You may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS or fax it to fax number provided in the announcement (please include announcement number on each page).
Failure to do so will result in loss of consideration.
Schools must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation may be verified at the following website: www.ed.gov/accreditation.
Foreign education must be evaluated by a private professional organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials or an accredited U.S. educational institution in terms of equivalence to a degree acquired at an American college or university. A copy of the evaluation results must be included, otherwise your foreign education will not be considered.
Make sure your Resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.Employment Type: OTHER

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