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Aerospace Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

TRG

Sales Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

The ideal candidate brings experience working with defense system companies, aerospace engineering organizations, or military procurement programs, and understands how to align technical solutions ...

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All JobsAerospace Engineering JobsAerospace Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL

Aerospace Engineering information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.3K

$111.9K

$170K

How much do aerospace engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace engineering in Chicago, IL is $111,913.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,200.00 and $136,500.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Aerospace Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Aerospace Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Aerospace Engineering jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Aerospace Engineering job openings:

Aerospace Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineering job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,511 per year, or $54.1 per hour.

Aerospace Engineer

Career Fields | Federal Aviation Administration

Des Plaines, IL • On-site

$112K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

The Aerospace Engineer serves as a Compliance and Airworthiness (C&A) Technical Advisor and is called upon to provide leadership for highly complex and challenging activities under the minimal direction of a manager or an executive in the Compliance & Airworthiness Division.Qualifications:

To view the complete OPM qualification standard for the Group Coverage Qualification Standard for General Engineer, Series 801, please refer to:

General Engineering Series 0801

Basic Requirements: Degree in Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelors degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.

To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-J, FG/GS 14. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

Specialized Experience is: Experience applying engineering principles applicable to certification and continued operational safety programs, as it relates to 14 Code of Federal Regulations parts 23, 27, and/or 29, to include experience in performing and evaluating risk analysis following appropriate risk analysis methodologies.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

Interview: If the Agency decides to interview any qualified employee on the selection list, then all on the list who are qualified must be interviewed. If the selection list is shortened to a best qualified list through a comparative process, then the best qualified list shall be considered to be the selection list.

Education:This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcripts(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcement to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. You may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS or fax it to fax number provided in the announcement (please include announcement number on each page).
Failure to do so will result in loss of consideration.
Schools must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation may be verified at the following website: www.ed.gov/accreditation.
Foreign education must be evaluated by a private professional organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials or an accredited U.S. educational institution in terms of equivalence to a degree acquired at an American college or university. A copy of the evaluation results must be included, otherwise your foreign education will not be considered.
Make sure your Resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.Employment Type: OTHER

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