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Aerospace Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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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 5, 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 cities in Virginia are hiring for Aerospace Engineering jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Aerospace Engineering job openings:

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.

Aerospace Engr Chief (Senior Technical Advisor)

SAIC

Chantilly, VA • On-site, Remote

$118K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide technical oversight and strategic alignment for satellite system procurement, development, and fielding.

  • Coordinate and align program efforts across multiple workstreams, ensuring stakeholder communication and collaboration.

  • Serve as a trusted technical advisor, addressing complex engineering challenges and supporting decision-making processes.


SAIC rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 226 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: 2615509

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-08-11

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Aerospace Engr

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national defense innovation. Our team is developing cutting edge technologies that directly support critical Department of War priorities, combining both proven and first-of-their-kind capabilities that have never been applied in space. Operating within a fast-paced acquisition environment, we benefit from streamlined authorities and direct access to senior Government decisionmakers, enabling us to move quickly and execute aggressive schedules using the most innovative contracting strategies available.

SAIC is seeking self-directed leaders who skillfully navigate ambiguity, solve complex challenges, and bring diverse expertise to a dynamic environment focused on delivering capability rapidly. Success here requires adaptability, initiative, and a willingness to wear multiple hats in support of a high impact mission. 

Job Description:

This position is for a Systems Engineering (SE) Senior Technical Advisor in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The Senior Technical Advisor provides technical oversight and strategic alignment to plan and execute the procurement, development, and fielding of satellite systems while balancing technical requirements with budget constraints. This individual will play a key advisory and operational role, ensuring the seamless execution of complex technical and programmatic efforts while acting as a trusted partner to senior leadership and the government customer.  

The SE Senior Technical Advisor will focus on integrating and balancing diverse workstreams, maintaining alignment with the customer’s objectives, and facilitating proactive communication among stakeholders. In addition, this role demands a high level of technical expertise combined with strategic insight to oversee technical systems, processes, and data while enabling cohesive collaboration between internal teams and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to balance competing priorities, ensure technical excellence across the program, and provide the guidance necessary to keep all workstreams progressing smoothly and effectively. 

Role Responsibilities

Strategic Consultation and Organizational Alignment

  • Serve as a trusted partner to the Project Management Office (PMO) in aligning program objectives with the customer’s priorities while managing competing demands and fostering operational balance.

  • Provide high-level advisory support to align technical and operational initiatives with the overarching goals and requirements of the program and the customer.

  • Coordinate programmatic efforts across multiple workstreams to ensure alignment and collaboration between engineering, design, construction, and other technical teams.

  • Identify and evaluate critical risks, challenges, and opportunities across the program to maintain focus on priority actions and effective solutions.

  • Deliver concise, accurate, and actionable reporting on technical and operational progress, ensuring that the right stakeholders are informed and engaged at key milestones.

Professional Guidance and Technical Proficiency

  • Serve as the senior technical advisor, providing subject matter expertise to address complex design, engineering, and construction challenges.
  • Ensure that all technical solutions meet the customer’s performance, quality, and compliance requirements while balancing operational feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
  • Provide input and oversight during technical reviews and key decision points, ensuring alignment to program objectives and organizational priorities.
  • Promote the use of leading practices, innovation, and professional excellence across all technical and engineering workstreams.

Engaging Stakeholders and Communicating

  • Act as a trusted point of contact for high-level communications and technical briefings, ensuring the timely dissemination of updates and performance insights to the customer and key stakeholders.

  • Build and maintain trust-based relationships with government and external stakeholders to ensure mutual alignment, confidence, and collaboration throughout the program.

  • Proactively identify stakeholder concerns, evolving requirements, and feedback to ensure the effective adjustment of technical and operational efforts.

Qualifications

TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors and eighteen (18) years or more experience; Masters and sixteen (16) years or more experience; PhD or JD and fifteen years or more experience.

 Required Qualifications:

  • Technical expertise across systems engineering discipline, capable of consulting on and resolving complex challenges.
  • Strong ability to manage competing demands, coordinate diverse workstreams, and ensure alignment with overarching objectives.
  • Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills to serve as a trusted advisor for leadership and government partners.
  • Skilled in analyzing data, assessing risks, and identifying actionable insights to maintain program health and efficiency.
  • Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment.

  • Experience providing systems engineering support and technical guidance in the acquisition, development, and deployment of satellite systems.

  • Ability to work in a very dynamic environment and effectively interact with numerous DOD, military/civilian personnel and industry partners.

  • Ability to facilitate technical discussions with SMEs.

  • Ability to communicate with a diverse audience of senior decision makers with varying levels of programmatic and technical expertise. 

•    Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills. 

•    Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment with no supervision.

•    TS/SCI (Poly preferred)

•    Previous SAP experience desired. 

Target salary range: $200,001 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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