Aerospace Engineering Manager Jobs in Reston, VA

Ventus Executive Solutions is a dynamic small business at the forefront of innovation and consulting. We believe our employees’ success is integral to our mission, which is why we prioritize work-life balance, personal development, and fostering a sense of belonging. In addition to providing opportunities to thrive, we offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits to attract and retain top talent ready to make a meaningful impact. As part of the Ventus Solutions team, you’ll collaborate with government and industry leaders to develop constructive architecture models that inform decision-making at the highest levels of the Department of Defense. As an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) we value curiosity, collaboration, and excellence, and we’re committed to supporting your professional growth through mentorship, career development, and a culture of continuous learning. Join a team where your ideas matter, your expertise drives impact, and your work advances the mission. 

Ventus Executive Solutions is seeking a skilled Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to support an innovative program office. You will provide technical support and independent assessments to the Government Program Manager while supporting the development and execution of advanced aerospace technology initiatives. Responsibilities include evaluating technical progress across multiple performers, leading technical interchange meetings and design reviews, supporting experimentation and test activities, developing technical documentation and program briefings, and assisting with transition planning to military Services and Combatant Commands. You will possess extensive experience in GNC systems, flight control, navigation, autopilot technologies, or related aerospace vehicle subsystems and have demonstrated success leading complex technical development efforts within defense research, development, and acquisition environments. Join our innovative team and contribute to impactful national security initiatives. 

Work Location: Onsite: Arlington, VA  

Travel: Up to 25% local and domestic

Clearance: Active Secret required, TS/SCI preferred

Required Experience: 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field.
• Minimum 12 years of professional engineering or scientific experience.
• 5+ years of experience developing guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), flight control, navigation, autopilot, and/or power electronics systems for aerospace vehicles.
• Experience supporting a Department of War (DoW) research and development organization (DARPA, SCO, AFRL, JHTO, etc.), acquisition organization, or as a performer supporting such organizations.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional engineering teams and technical development efforts.
• Experience supporting technical reviews, technical interchange meetings, experimentation activities, and test programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Desired Experience: 

• Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience supporting the development of hypersonic vehicles, re-entry systems, tactical missile systems, or other high-speed aerospace platforms.
• Familiarity with Department of Defense programming, requirements development, science and technology initiatives, and acquisition processes.
• Experience conducting system architecture trades, modeling and simulation activities, verification and validation efforts, or flight test campaigns.
• Experience supporting transition planning and engagement with military Services, Combatant Commands, and other government stakeholders.

The expected salary range for this position is $150,000 - $200,00. This range represents a good-faith estimate and is not a guarantee; final compensation is determined by factors such as experience, qualifications, and government contract labor rate requirements and may fall outside the stated range. In addition to base pay, Ventus offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare benefits (medical, dental, and vision), ESOP participation, retirement plans, and generous paid time off.