ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

GNC Engineer, ADCS (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics or an engineering discipline * Software development experience in either C++ or Python PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: * Some preferred ...

Insight Global

Quality Engineer II (Aerospace)

Renton, WA · On-site

$68/hr

A well known aerospace company (disclosed upon screening calls) Title : Quality Engineer II Duration : 6 month contract Location : Renton, WA Shift: M-F, Start time between 6am-9am Pay: $68/hr Must ...

Apply Early

Amazon

Aerospace Mfg Engineer, Amazon Leo

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$83K - $106K/yr

We are seeking an Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer to join Amazon Leo. In this role, you will be a significant and autonomous contributor responsible for the design, fabrication, and commissioning of ...

Pae

Mechanical Engineer

Edmonds, WA

The ideal candidate is a licensed or degree-qualified mechanical or aerospace engineer who brings deep expertise in mechanical systems design, structural analysis, and high-pressure fluid systems ...

SmartTalent

Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer

Sumner, WA · On-site

$33 - $50/hr

✨✨Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer SmartHire is looking for an Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer with STRONG knowledge within Aerospace, Boat Manufacturing or similar industry. Ideal candidate ...

Apply Early

Amentum

Mechanical Engineer

Edmonds, WA · On-site

$128K/yr

The ideal candidate is a licensed or degree-qualified mechanical or aerospace engineer who brings deep expertise in mechanical systems design, structural analysis, and high-pressure fluid systems ...

Trelleborg Group

Aerospace Quality Engineer

Tukwila, WA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline * 3 years' experience in an ... Knowledge of aerospace processes, such as AS9100 * Proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint ...

Amentum

Mechanical Engineer

Edmonds, WA · On-site

The ideal candidate is a licensed or degree-qualified mechanical or aerospace engineer who brings deep expertise in mechanical systems design, structural analysis, and high-pressure fluid systems ...

Amazon

Satellite GNC Engineer, Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA · On-site

As a Guidance, Navigation & Control engineer, you will design the algorithms, simulations, and ... for aerospace systems. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience converting research studies into ...

SpaceX

GNC Engineer, Orbit Control (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

GNC ENGINEER, ORBIT CONTOL (STARLINK) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system serving ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAerospace Engineer JobsAerospace Engineer Jobs in Renton, WA

Aerospace Engineer information

See Renton, WA salary details

$47.2K

$122.2K

$185.6K

How much do aerospace engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace engineer in Renton, WA is $122,199.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,500.00 and $149,000.00 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 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 Renton, WA? The most popular types of Aerospace Engineer jobs in Renton, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Engineer jobs in Renton, WA? For Aerospace Engineer jobs in Renton, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Aerospace Engineer jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Aerospace Engineer job openings:
Aerospace Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineer job openings in Renton, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,199 per year, or $58.7 per hour.
GNC Engineer, ADCS (Starlink)

GNC Engineer, ADCS (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
GNC ENGINEER, ADCS (STARLINK)
SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, spacecraft systems design, optimization, physics, and software development to join the Starlink guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) team. Come help us write the autopilot algorithms for thousands of satellites (the world's largest constellation!) and more than two million user terminals, enabling access to high-speed broadband internet in all corners of the world.
As a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) engineer on Starlink's attitude determination and control systems (ADCS) team, you will be responsible for the software automation, operations, and system level design which keeps the satellites and their payloads properly oriented for the entire mission lifetime.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop highly reliable and performant GNC algorithms, simulations, tools, services, and dashboards using C++ or Python; Starlink GNC Engineers write actual production code, not just prototypes for transcription by another team
  • Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews
  • Bulk data analysis to review performance data from various elements of the Starlink constellation and network
  • Write high quality technical documentation of programs, algorithms, or analysis
  • Design and implementation of GNC software that can facilitate all mission concepts of operations across all phases of mission, including off-nominal/contingency scenarios
  • Design of concepts of operations (CONOPs) that intelligently balance thermal constraints, power budgets, momentum management, communications, and payload-pointing needs
  • Design, development, and flight software implementation of onboard GNC algorithms to achieve a high level of vehicle autonomy and fault tolerance while providing adequate translational and rotational navigation and control performance
  • Update and maintain GNC software configurations for a variety of minor vehicle design revisions and mission sets
  • High fidelity time domain 6DOF modeling and simulation of vehicle dynamics, sensors, actuators, algorithms, and all of their interactions
  • Monte Carlo simulation analysis to validate safe and reliable flight and quantify navigation and control performance
  • Heavy involvement in hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing efforts, including but not limited to test case design, data review automation, and modeling fidelity improvements
  • Translational and Rotational state estimation and control systems design and optimization
  • Vehicle design activities related to ADCS sensor and actuator hardware sizing and layout
  • Develop, validate, and improve upon complex sensor, actuator, and dynamics models for use in 6DOF simulation analysis
  • Maintain tight interfaces with other disciplines and subsystems (e.g. thermal, power, communications) to ensure a good and consistent system-level design
  • Support your relevant on-call operations rotation, commanding satellites or reviewing network data to keep our network continuously operating at peak performance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics or an engineering discipline
  • Software development experience in either C++ or Python

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Some preferred skills and experience depend on the specific team within Starlink GNC.
  • Master's degree or PHD in an engineering discipline or physics
  • Developed, debugged and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects
  • Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals
  • Cradle to grave development of three axis stabilized spacecraft incorporating momentum, magnetic, and propulsive control
  • Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, including low thrust trajectory optimization and stationkeeping
  • Experience in verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation, and validation of the simulation's models
  • Experience with state estimation, particularly attitude determination, orbit determination, GNSS, and radio navigation
  • General familiarity with the disciplines necessary for spacecraft flight including; structures, propulsion, avionics, GNC, flight software, dynamics, launch and mission operations, and integration. Practical experience in real world development of these systems is highly desired
  • Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction
  • Passion for advancing the commercial space industry
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
GNC Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
GNC Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply