S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field * Approximately 3-8 ... Familiarity with NASA spacecraft thermal standards * Experience supporting spacecraft through ...
S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field * Approximately 3-8 ... Familiarity with NASA spacecraft thermal standards * Experience supporting spacecraft through ...
Professionals with Prior NASA Experience
$78K - $105K/yr
Design Engineer \n * Mechanical Engineer \n * Aerospace Engineer \n * Structural Engineer \n ... NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, MD). \n \n \n \n \n
Professionals with Prior NASA Experience
$78K - $105K/yr
Design Engineer \n * Mechanical Engineer \n * Aerospace Engineer \n * Structural Engineer \n ... NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, MD). \n \n \n \n \n
S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field * Approximately 38 ... Familiarity with NASA spacecraft thermal standards * Experience supporting spacecraft through ...
S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field * Approximately 38 ... Familiarity with NASA spacecraft thermal standards * Experience supporting spacecraft through ...
This role supports critical NASA mission activities in a dynamic operational environment that may ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or related ...
Quick apply
This role supports critical NASA mission activities in a dynamic operational environment that may ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or related ...
Spacecraft CA Operations Engineer
Greenbelt, MD · On-site
$85K - $95K/yr
This role supports critical NASA mission activities in a dynamic operational environment that may ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or related ...
Spacecraft CA Operations Engineer
Greenbelt, MD · On-site
$85K - $95K/yr
This role supports critical NASA mission activities in a dynamic operational environment that may ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or related ...
Aero-Mechanical Design Engineer - NASA
$100K - $130K/yr
American Systems Corp. is seeking an experienced Aero-Mechanical Design Engineer to support NASA ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. * Aero ...
Aero-Mechanical Design Engineer - NASA
$100K - $130K/yr
American Systems Corp. is seeking an experienced Aero-Mechanical Design Engineer to support NASA ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. * Aero ...
Spacecraft CA Operations Engineer with Security Clearance
Greenbelt, MD · On-site
$85K - $95K/yr
This role supports critical NASA mission activities in a dynamic operational environment that may ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or related ...
Spacecraft CA Operations Engineer with Security Clearance
Greenbelt, MD · On-site
$85K - $95K/yr
This role supports critical NASA mission activities in a dynamic operational environment that may ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or related ...
As NASA's largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the ... MS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. * Coursework or previous experience with ...
As NASA's largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the ... MS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. * Coursework or previous experience with ...
Aerospace Structural Engineer
Hampton, VA · On-site
... NASA Langley Research Center. These positions are expected to be onsite in Hampton, VA. Requirements: * A bachelor's degree in Structural, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited ...
Aerospace Structural Engineer
Hampton, VA · On-site
... NASA Langley Research Center. These positions are expected to be onsite in Hampton, VA. Requirements: * A bachelor's degree in Structural, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited ...
Aerospace Structural Engineer
Hampton, VA · On-site
... NASA Langley Research Center. These positions are expected to be onsite in Hampton, VA. Requirements: * A bachelor's degree in Structural, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited ...
Aerospace Structural Engineer
Hampton, VA · On-site
... NASA Langley Research Center. These positions are expected to be onsite in Hampton, VA. Requirements: * A bachelor's degree in Structural, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited ...
Project Engineer (NASA HHPC)
Houston, TX · On-site
$87K - $157K/yr
Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related ... Familiarity with NASA Johnson Space Center engineering and configuration management tools (e.g ...
Project Engineer (NASA HHPC)
Houston, TX · On-site
$87K - $157K/yr
Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related ... Familiarity with NASA Johnson Space Center engineering and configuration management tools (e.g ...
S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Aerospace ... Experience with NASA Core Flight Software (CFS) and Orion DEM packets * CI/CD automation with ...
Quick apply
S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Aerospace ... Experience with NASA Core Flight Software (CFS) and Orion DEM packets * CI/CD automation with ...
Adjunct Faculty - Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering
Morgantown, WV · On-site
... from NASA Centennial Challenges. The Department houses undergraduate and graduate programs in ... Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering, graduate programs in Materials Science ...
Adjunct Faculty - Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering
Morgantown, WV · On-site
... from NASA Centennial Challenges. The Department houses undergraduate and graduate programs in ... Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering, graduate programs in Materials Science ...
Aero-Mechanical Design Engineer - NASA
Edwards, CA · On-site
$100K - $130K/yr
Ensure airworthiness of aircraft and research/science assets per research objectives, NASA ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. * Aero ...
Aero-Mechanical Design Engineer - NASA
Edwards, CA · On-site
$100K - $130K/yr
Ensure airworthiness of aircraft and research/science assets per research objectives, NASA ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. * Aero ...
Aero-Mechanical Design Engineer - NASA
Edwards, CA · On-site
$85K - $110K/yr
Ensure airworthiness of aircraft and research/science assets per research objectives, NASA ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. * US ...
Aero-Mechanical Design Engineer - NASA
Edwards, CA · On-site
$85K - $110K/yr
Ensure airworthiness of aircraft and research/science assets per research objectives, NASA ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. * US ...
Learn and apply NASA software assurance, system safety, and airworthiness standards. Contribute to ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related ...
Learn and apply NASA software assurance, system safety, and airworthiness standards. Contribute to ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related ...
HLS Navigation Aerospace Engineer
Huntsville, AL · On-site
$90K - $110K/yr
We are searching for highly qualified candidates to support NASA's Flight Dynamics Team in the ... Qualifications A degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related field ...
HLS Navigation Aerospace Engineer
Huntsville, AL · On-site
$90K - $110K/yr
We are searching for highly qualified candidates to support NASA's Flight Dynamics Team in the ... Qualifications A degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related field ...
2026 Human Spaceflight Engineer
Houston, TX · On-site
$75K - $90K/yr
Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems engineering, physics, or another related STEM discipline (pursuing or conferred within the last 12 months) * Experience with NASA processes and teams
2026 Human Spaceflight Engineer
Houston, TX · On-site
$75K - $90K/yr
Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems engineering, physics, or another related STEM discipline (pursuing or conferred within the last 12 months) * Experience with NASA processes and teams
HLS Navigation Aerospace Engineer
Huntsville, AL · On-site
$90K - $110K/yr
We are searching for highly qualified candidates to support NASA's Flight Dynamics Team in the ... Qualifications A degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related field ...
HLS Navigation Aerospace Engineer
Huntsville, AL · On-site
$90K - $110K/yr
We are searching for highly qualified candidates to support NASA's Flight Dynamics Team in the ... Qualifications A degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related field ...
2026 Human Spaceflight Engineer
$75K - $90K/yr
Review contractor deliverables and NASA requirements to ensure compliance and system ... Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems engineering, physics, or another ...
2026 Human Spaceflight Engineer
$75K - $90K/yr
Review contractor deliverables and NASA requirements to ensure compliance and system ... Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems engineering, physics, or another ...
Aerospace Engineering Nasa information
See salary details
$42K - $53.2K
5% of jobs
$53.2K - $64.4K
1% of jobs
$64.4K - $75.5K
5% of jobs
$75.5K - $86.7K
10% of jobs
$89.5K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$86.7K - $97.9K
14% of jobs
The median wage is $107.3K / yr.
$97.9K - $109.1K
17% of jobs
$109.1K - $120.3K
17% of jobs
$130.9K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$120.3K - $131.5K
5% of jobs
$131.5K - $142.6K
20% of jobs
$142.6K - $153.8K
1% of jobs
$153.8K - $165K
3% of jobs
$42K
$108.6K
$165K
How much do aerospace engineering nasa jobs pay per year?
What is the difference between Aerospace Engineering Nasa vs Aerospace Engineering Contractor?
| Aspect | Aerospace Engineering Nasa | Aerospace Engineering Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Bachelor's or higher in aerospace engineering, often with security clearances | Similar educational background, may require specific certifications depending on client |
| Work Environment | Government facilities, research centers, mission control | Various locations, including private offices, labs, or client sites |
| Employer & Industry | NASA, government agencies | Private aerospace firms, defense contractors |
| Work Focus | Research, space missions, government projects | Design, development, testing for clients' aerospace projects |
Both roles require strong aerospace engineering skills and similar credentials, but NASA engineers focus on government-led space missions and research, while contractors work on client-specific projects across private industry.
What does an aerospace engineer at NASA do?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace engineer at NASA?
What are some common challenges that aerospace engineers face when working on NASA projects?
Does NASA hire aerospace engineers?
How hard is it to get a job as an aerospace engineer?

Full-time
Re-posted 7 days ago
Firefly Aerospace rating
6.9
Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
65th of 71 rated aerospace companies
Job description
ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.
SUMMARY
Firefly Thermal Engineers apply advanced simulation and heat transfer expertise to solve complex spacecraft thermal challenges from concept development through flight operations. Engineers in this role independently own subsystem thermal analyses, develop validated thermal models, and influence engineering decisions through high-quality analytical work.
Successful candidates are expected to drive thermal analyses from problem definition through documentation while collaborating across multiple engineering disciplines.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Independently develop and maintain subsystem and vehicle-level spacecraft thermal models.
- Own thermal analyses from model setup through documentation with minimal oversight.
- Execute thermal trade studies supporting design, integration, testing, and mission operations.
- Develop thermal control solutions including MLI, radiator sizing, heater strategies, coatings, and other passive and active thermal control technologies.
- Coordinate thermal environments with internal engineering teams and external customers.
- Organize and support testing, including vehicle-level thermal vacuum testing.
- Support the thermal control subsystem on console during launch operations.
- Correlate analytical models using thermal vacuum and environmental test data.
- Break large analytical efforts into actionable tasks while managing priorities across multiple programs.
- Document analysis results for internal and customer design reviews.
- Mentor entry-level engineers by reviewing models, analyses, and reports.
- Identify model sensitivities, uncertainties, and technical risks while recommending mitigation strategies.
- Contribute to process improvements, automation, and modeling best practices.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field
- Approximately 3–8 years of spacecraft or aerospace thermal analysis experience
- Strong experience with Thermal Desktop and related thermal analysis software
- Strong understanding of spacecraft thermal control systems
- Experience correlating analytical models with test data
- Working knowledge of Python and MATLAB
- Excellent technical communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to independently execute complex engineering analyses
Desired
- M.S. degree
- Experience with ANSYS SpaceClaim, NX, or Simcenter
- Experience developing thermal test plans and coordinating thermal vacuum tests
- Familiarity with NASA spacecraft thermal standards
- Experience supporting spacecraft through integration and environmental testing
What Firefly Aerospace employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
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