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Aerospace Engineering Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

GNC Aerospace Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline (Master's preferred) * 4+ years experience in GNC engineering, missile ...

K2 Space

Senior Dynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$140K - $175K/yr

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or mathematics * 5+ years of work experience in dynamics from industry or academia Nice to have * Master's degree in ...

K2 Space

Dynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$110K - $140K/yr

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or mathematics * 1+ years of work experience in dynamics either from industry, research, internships or academic projects ...

Toyon

Aerospace Systems Analyst

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$115K - $200K/yr

Bachelor's or advanced degree in engineering, physics, computer science, or math * 5 years of ... Exposure to aerospace vehicle dynamics, flight mechanics, or GNC systems * Contributions ...

Naval Air Systems Command

AEROSPACE ENGINEER

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$46K - $132K/yr

This position is for an Aerospace Engineer within the Fleet Readiness Center Southwest, located at ... engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain ...

True Anomaly

GNC Engineer II

Denver, CO · On-site

$90K - $155K/yr

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or related field * 2 - 4 years of relevant GNC Engineering experience in the aerospace and defense industry * Coursework ...

True Anomaly

GNC Engineer III

Denver, CO · On-site

$115K - $190K/yr

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or related field * 5 - 7 years of relevant GNC Engineering experience in the aerospace and defense industry * Coursework ...

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How much do aerospace engineering physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerospace engineering physics in the United States is $20.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do aerospace engineering physicists typically collaborate with engineers and other specialists during a project?

Aerospace engineering physicists often work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including aerospace engineers, materials scientists, and computer simulation experts. Their role is to bridge the gap between fundamental physics concepts and practical engineering solutions, such as optimizing aerodynamics or developing new propulsion systems. Effective collaboration involves regular design reviews, sharing simulation data, and integrating theoretical models into engineering workflows. This teamwork ensures that projects benefit from both a deep understanding of physical principles and practical engineering expertise.

What is the difference between Aerospace Engineering Physics vs Aerospace Engineering?

AspectAerospace Engineering PhysicsAerospace Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Physics or Aerospace Physics; often includes engineering fundamentalsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering; includes extensive engineering coursework
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, aerospace R&D centersDesign offices, manufacturing facilities, testing sites
Industry UsageResearch, development, theoretical modelingDesign, manufacturing, testing of aircraft and spacecraft

While Aerospace Engineering Physics focuses on applying physics principles to aerospace problems, Aerospace Engineering emphasizes designing and building aircraft and spacecraft. Both roles may overlap in research and development, but Aerospace Engineering is more engineering and application-oriented, whereas Aerospace Engineering Physics leans toward theoretical and experimental physics in aerospace contexts.

What is Aerospace Engineering Physics?

Aerospace Engineering Physics is an interdisciplinary field that combines principles of physics and engineering to solve problems related to the design, development, and analysis of aircraft and spacecraft. Professionals in this area apply advanced concepts from mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, and aerodynamics to create and improve aerospace technologies. The field prepares graduates to work on cutting-edge projects in aviation, space exploration, and defense, often requiring strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aerospace Engineering Physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerospace Engineering Physicist, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a degree in aerospace engineering or engineering physics. Familiarity with simulation software (such as MATLAB, ANSYS, or CATIA), computational modeling, and relevant industry certifications are highly valuable. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies are crucial for designing, analyzing, and optimizing complex aerospace systems to meet safety, efficiency, and innovation standards.
Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineering Physics job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,731 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
GNC Aerospace Engineer

GNC Aerospace Engineer

SAIC

Dahlgren, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 203 rated it services

Job description

Job Description
Description
SAIC is seeking a GNC Aerospace Engineer in Dahlgren, VA.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop, implement, and refine GNC algorithms for guidance laws, control loops, navigation filters, and state estimation
  • Support weapon system modeling and simulation, including 6 DOF (six degrees of freedom) simulation environments and subsystem integration
  • Perform trajectory analysis, mission performance evaluations, and control system stability assessments
  • Develop navigation solutions integrating IMUs, GPS, INS, seekers, and other sensor modalities
  • Conduct Monte Carlo analysis, uncertainty modeling, and system performance sensitivity studies
  • Implement GNC prototypes in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++, or equivalent simulation frameworks
  • Analyze telemetry, flight test data, and HWIL/SIL outputs to validate system performance
  • Support requirements decomposition, interface definition, and subsystem integration with E20 system engineering teams
  • Document models, test results, algorithm behavior, and performance in technical reports and presentations
  • Participate in technical reviews, design sessions, and engineering working groups with government and contractor personnel

Qualifications
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline (Master's preferred)
  • 4+ years experience in GNC engineering, missile guidance, flight controls, or related system modeling
  • Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and at least one programming language (Python or C/C++)
  • The successful candidate shall have experience with guidance algorithms (proportional navigation, pursuit guidance, optimal guidance, intercept geometry), navigation & estimation, Kalman filtering (EKF/UKF), inertial navigation, GPS/INS integration, sensor fusion, control engineering, PID, LQR, state space control, autopilot design, stability & robustness analysis, M&S (Modeling & Simulation), MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy/SciPy), C/C++ for embedded or real time simulation, and familiarity with 6 DOF modeling
  • Ability to work with E20 technical SMEs to develop or refine analytical tools, performance models, or algorithmic improvements
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with hardware in the loop (HWIL) or software in the loop (SIL) environments is a plus
  • Experience supporting missile systems, unmanned systems, or weapons/flight dynamics programs
  • Experience supporting NSWCDD, NAVSEA, or other DoD weapons engineering divisions
  • Experience with aerospace flight test data analysis or guidance law verification
  • Knowledge of seeker modeling, sensor suite integration, or autopilot tuning
Physical Demands:
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds
  • Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
  • Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically
SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED:
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location. Current active Secret clearance preferred

Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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