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Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

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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AAR Corporation

Quality Engineer, Aerospace

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$76K - $85K/yr

The Quality Engineer is responsible for reviewing and addressing supplier performance, initiating ... Minimum five years quality assurance experience or equivalent in aerospace manufacturing and/or ...

AAR

Quality Engineer, Aerospace

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$76K - $85K/yr

Description The Quality Engineer is responsible for reviewing and addressing supplier performance ... Minimum five years quality assurance experience or equivalent in aerospace manufacturing and/or ...

AAR Corporation

Quality Engineer, Aerospace

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$76K - $85K/yr

The Quality Engineer is responsible for reviewing and addressing supplier performance, initiating ... Minimum five years quality assurance experience or equivalent in aerospace manufacturing and/or ...

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All JobsAerospace Engineer JobsAerospace Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL

Aerospace Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$41.5K

$107.4K

$163.1K

How much do aerospace engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace engineer in Elgin, IL is $107,390.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,500.00 and $131,000.00 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.
More about Aerospace Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL?

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

What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Aerospace Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL look for?

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

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

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

Aerospace Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineer job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,390 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

VALOR DFM Engineer - Aerospace & Defense

Ignite Human Capital

Naperville, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

To optimize this job description for Indeed, we need to make it highly searchable (using key terms candidates actually type into the search bar) and scannable (so candidates on mobile or scrolling quickly can immediately spot the requirements).

I have cleaned up the layout, added clear bullet points, front-loaded the compliance requirements (since it's an aerospace role), and formatted it to maximize candidate conversion.

VALOR DFM Engineer – Aerospace & Defense

Location: Naperville, IL 60563 (On-site) | Also open to Longmont, CO or Westborough, MA

Salary: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 a year

Job Type: Full-time, 1st Shift

Job Overview

We are seeking a VALOR DFM (Design for Manufacturing) Engineer to join our Aerospace & Defense Division. In this critical role, you will perform design-for-manufacturing analysis using the VALOR platform to evaluate electronics PCBA assembly layouts.

You will ensure strict adherence to IPC guidelines, component manufacturer specifications, and industry standard practices. By translating VALOR output reports into qualified risk assessments, you will drive key design modifications, improve manufacturability, and maximize overall quality and yield.

Key Responsibilities

  • DFM Analysis: Perform comprehensive Design for Manufacturing (DFM) analysis on complex electronics PCBA assembly layouts using the VALOR platform.

  • Compliance Evaluation: Evaluate PCB/PCBA designs against IPC guidelines, manufacturer recommendations, and defense industry best practices.

  • Risk Reporting: Generate qualified and quantified risk assessment reports in a standardized format, proposing actionable design modifications to improve production quality and yield.

  • Component Research: Research, manage, and interpret electronic part data and component libraries.

  • Design Optimization: Collaborate cross-functionally on PCB panel and array design optimization.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen (Required to comply with ITAR, DFAR, and CUI regulations).

  • Education: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Electrical Engineering (EE).

  • Experience: 3+ years of experience working with basic PCB design guidelines (e.g., real estate constraints, component proximity, thermal relief, copper density/distribution, trace/pad copper balance).

  • Technical Skills: Proven experience managing, viewing, and interpreting PCB files using standard viewers such as:

    • Cadence / Allegro

    • ODB++

    • Gerber / ASCII files

    • KiCAD

    • Siemens Xpedition

    • CAMvu

  • Component Knowledge: Experience searching, validating, and interpreting electronic part data and component libraries.

Preferred:

  • Prior component engineering experience.

  • Hands-on PCBA assembly experience (SMT, Pin-Through-Hole, Press-Fit interconnects).

  • Direct experience with PCB panel/array design.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees' health, well-being, and financial security:

  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus a company-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

  • Insurance & Protection: Company-paid basic Life/AD&D insurance, Short-Term Disability (STD), and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance, with voluntary supplemental options available.

  • Financial Security: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a competitive company match.

  • Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Vacation Time, Sick Leave, and company-paid Holidays.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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