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Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Work Schedule Schedule depends on course(s) Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering About the Department Primary Function of Organizational Unit | The Department of ...

Work Schedule Schedule depends on course(s) Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering About the Department Primary Function of Organizational Unit | The Department of ...

Work Schedule Schedule depends on course(s) Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering About the Department Primary Function of Organizational Unit | The Department of ...

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Showing results 1-20

Aerospace Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$40.8K

$105.6K

$160.4K

How much do aerospace engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace engineer in Raleigh, NC is $105,605.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,000.00 and $128,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs does aerospace engineering get you?

Aerospace engineering can lead to careers such as aircraft design, spacecraft development, satellite technology, and defense systems. Aerospace engineers often work in research and development, manufacturing, or testing environments, utilizing skills in aerodynamics, materials science, and computer-aided design (CAD).

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 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 advanced roles, management positions, or working in the defense or commercial aerospace sectors.

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, especially in the defense or commercial aerospace sectors. High 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Aerospace Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Aerospace Engineer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Aerospace Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,605 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Aerospace Structural Engineer

Aerospace Structural Engineer

Collier Aerospace

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Our Why
At Collier Aerospace, our mission is to help our customers reach their unique structural analysis and design goals with more accurate results in less time. We are a team of passionate employees who want to contribute to each customer's goal in the best way possible across space launch, reusable rocket, commercial airframe, business jet, eVTOL, bike frame, and speed boat applications. We accomplish this with our leading software, HyperX, through software development and engineering support. As you join our team, you join our company mission and become an integral partner in increasing efficiency and innovation throughout the world.
Our Culture
We foster a highly supportive and collaborative environment where our meetings are a mix of brainstorming, analysis, and humor. When you're stuck, our employees are always eager to lend a helping hand. We offer a relaxed and casual dress code to promote a comfortable atmosphere. Our passion and drive fuel us as we strive to make a lasting impact on our company, customers, and industry.
Requirements
  • Candidates should have comprehensive experience in performing aerospace structural stress analysis and design. The candidates should have many of the following capabilities:
  • Bachelor's Required; Master's Preferred
  • (0-2) years' experience - entry level
  • Following aerospace industry practices, capability to perform structural analysis and design with composite materials. Additionally experience with metals a plus.
  • Understanding of overall load paths and an intuitive feel for the efficient use of structural concepts and materials. Experience performing classical hand stress analysis and finite element analysis (FEA) with either Nastran/Abaqus/Optistruct; FEM meshers Hyperworks/FEMAP/Ansa; and a plus to have CAD competence with Catia/3DX/NX.
  • Proficiency in applying appropriate failure theories, preparing structural analysis reports, and identifying critical load conditions and margins-of-safety.
  • Knowledge of panel buckling, local buckling, crippling, and material strength as well as classical in-plane laminate stress analysis. Experience with both ply based (max strain, Tsai-Wu) and laminate based (AML, polynomial) strength prediction approaches and associated material allowables, including damage.
  • Experience with analysis of composite fasteners for bearing and bypass, and bonded joints for out-of-plane interlaminar shear and peel stress analysis, or residual strength energy solutions.
  • Experience sizing structures for minimum weight and practical design experience of composite laminates, including ply drop ratios and layup patterns on complicated surfaces, such as padups around cutouts and bolted joints.
  • Strong documentation, communication, and presentation skills.
  • US Citizen.

Roles and Responsibilities
  • Ability to learn and use HyperX for preliminary and detail analysis/design sizing optimization of full airframe and space vehicles. Candidates must be adept at using engineering software tools, learning new software and analysis methods, and working in a Windows OS environment.
  • Use HyperX and other software tools to analyze and design customer airframes and space launch vehicles.
  • Perform trade studies for weight savings and part producibility. Perform both preliminary and detail design and analysis. Document design and analyses results.
  • Candidates will be reporting directly to NASA and industry OEM customers and must be able to verify and describe the application of external loadings and their resolution into critical internal mechanical and thermal load paths, and to the resulting optimum design and their margins of safety.
  • Ensure project issues are resolved in a timely fashion with your related experience and competence and an ability to create workaround procedures when needed. Escalate urgent problems requiring more in-depth knowledge to appropriate engineering leads.
  • Participate in overall HyperX software testing and provide your suggestions to development and modification of the software.

Benefits
  • Competitive salary and benefits (PTO, 401(k), health insurance, HSA/HRA eligibility, life and disability insurances)
  • Exposure and involvement with many companies and their current aircraft designs (commercial transports/UAM eVTOLS/military planes) and space launch designs (commercial rockets/space tourism vehicles/demonstrator X planes)
  • Occasional travel to customer facilities
  • Small company, large impact
  • Passionate coworkers
  • Company events and conferences