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Aerospace Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Qualdoc

Engineering Director - Aerospace

Newport News, VA · On-site

$130K/yr

Engineering Director - Aerospace Location: Newport News, VA Job Type: Direct Hire Starting Salary: $130,000/year, with higher compensation available based on experience Position Overview Seeking an ...

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Aerospace Engineering information

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$41.6K

$107.7K

$163.6K

How much do aerospace engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace engineering in Virginia is $107,706.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,700.00 and $131,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an aerospace engineer do?

Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They are responsible for improving flight safety, fuel efficiency, speed, and weight, while ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Their work can involve designing new technologies for aviation and space exploration, analyzing project proposals, and overseeing manufacturing and maintenance processes. Aerospace engineers typically specialize in either aeronautical (aircraft) or astronautical (spacecraft) engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace engineer?

To thrive as an Aerospace Engineer, you need a strong background in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of industry standards like FAA regulations and certifications such as EIT or PE are commonly required. Problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for designing, testing, and collaborating on complex aerospace projects. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and innovation necessary in the demanding aerospace industry.

What are some common challenges aerospace engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Aerospace engineers often collaborate with professionals from various disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across different specialties, as each team may use distinct terminology and have unique technical priorities. Balancing conflicting requirements—like optimizing for both weight reduction and structural integrity—requires strong problem-solving and negotiation skills. Building effective working relationships and maintaining flexibility are key to overcoming these challenges and achieving successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Aerospace Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectAerospace EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace or Aeronautical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentAircraft, spacecraft, and defense industriesManufacturing, energy, automotive, and robotics sectors
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, aerospace firms, government agenciesManufacturers, engineering consultancies, research labs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering share foundational engineering principles, Aerospace Engineering specializes in aircraft and spacecraft design, aerodynamics, and propulsion systems. Mechanical Engineering offers a broader scope, covering various industries like automotive, energy, and manufacturing. The choice depends on your interest in aerospace-specific projects versus a wider range of mechanical systems.

Do aerospace engineers get paid well?

Aerospace engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary by experience, education, and location. According to industry data, the median annual wage is higher than the average for all occupations, reflecting the specialized skills and technical knowledge required in the field.

What type of jobs do aerospace engineers do?

Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They work on aerodynamics, propulsion systems, structural analysis, and control systems, often using CAD software and simulation tools. Their work can involve research, manufacturing, and testing in laboratories or on production floors.

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Engineering jobs in Virginia?

For Aerospace Engineering jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Aerospace Engineering jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Aerospace Engineering jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Aerospace Engineering jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Aerospace Engineering job openings:

Aerospace Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineering job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,706 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Engineering Director - Aerospace

Qualdoc

Newport News, VA • On-site

$130K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Engineering Director - Aerospace

Location: Newport News, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Salary: $130,000/year, with higher compensation available based on experience

Position Overview

Seeking an experienced engineering leader to oversee multidisciplinary teams spanning Mechanical, Structural, Electrical, and Aerodynamic engineering. This position owns engineering strategy, team development, program execution, and technical delivery from initial feasibility through design, qualification testing, and production.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead engineering programs, including staffing, scheduling, workload planning, estimates, budgets, and resource allocation.
  • Manage multiple engineering programs with varying scope and priorities.
  • Build, develop, and improve a high-performing engineering organization.
  • Provide coaching, career development, and technical leadership.
  • Monitor product development milestones and communicate progress to senior management.
  • Investigate missed targets and implement corrective actions, including training, process, and methodology improvements.
  • Establish and maintain engineering design review processes, technical guidelines, and development standards.
  • Conduct and oversee design reviews for technical quality and compliance.
  • Establish department goals, KPIs, priorities, and performance initiatives.
  • Serve as the primary engineering interface for Sales and Operations on technical strategy and delivery planning.
  • Support business development and proposals, including technical compliance matrices and engineering feasibility assessments.
  • Promote innovation while maintaining focus on product safety, manufacturability, and cost effectiveness.
  • Maintain current knowledge of aerospace engineering practices, tools, and methods.
  • Support AS9100, Lean, and other quality initiatives.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 10+ years of progressive engineering management experience, preferably in aerospace or defense.
  • Experience with aerospace product development, including STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) and FAA certification processes.
  • 5+ years of experience with FAR compliance and signature authority in an FAA and/or military certification environment.
  • Experience managing multiple concurrent engineering programs.
  • Strong project management, planning, organizational, and team leadership skills.
  • Ability to influence stakeholders across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Strong customer-facing relationship management and communication skills.
  • Ability to analyze complex technical and business requirements.
  • Proficiency with SolidWorks and Microsoft Office.
  • U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident status.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Business acumen; Business Administration or Finance background preferred.
  • Familiarity with commercial and Department of Defense (DOD) contracting processes.
  • Broad knowledge of engineering, aircraft modification, FAA certification, and STC processes.
Security Clearance
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required for clearance eligibility.
  • Clearance processing is handled through DISCO (Defense Industrial Security Clearance Office).
Performance Expectations

Success in this role will be measured through:

  • Engineering staff productivity and utilization.
  • Quality performance and FAA/MCO compliance.
  • Schedule and milestone performance across programs.
  • Effectiveness of design review, governance, and risk management.
  • On-time qualification testing and transition to production.
  • Continuous improvement, including root-cause closure, process adoption, and training effectiveness.
Additional Requirements
  • Ongoing technical and compliance training as required.
  • Certification, AS9100, and Lean training as applicable.
  • Up to 50% domestic and international travel.
  • Ability to occasionally lift or move bulky items weighing more than 50 lbs.
  • Participation in a Drug Free Workplace Drug Testing Program.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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About Qualdoc

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Industry

Strategic planning consulting services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

2020

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