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Aerospace Engineering Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Aerospace Engineering information

See Reston, VA salary details

$43.8K

$113.2K

$172K

How much do aerospace engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace engineering in Reston, VA is $113,231.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,200.00 and $138,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

In aerospace engineering, senior roles such as aerospace engineering managers or chief engineers can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require specialized skills, advanced degrees, and work in high-demand or high-cost regions.

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.

Can I make 200k as an aerospace engineer?

Earning a $200,000 salary as an aerospace engineer is possible but typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-paying sectors such as defense or aerospace management. Salaries vary by location, employer, and level of expertise, with senior engineers and those in managerial roles more likely to reach or exceed this figure.

What jobs can I do with an aerospace engineering degree?

Aerospace engineering graduates can work as aerospace engineers designing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They often work in research and development, manufacturing, or testing environments, utilizing skills in CAD software, aerodynamics, and propulsion systems. Certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) can enhance career prospects in this field.

What kind of jobs do aerospace engineers get?

Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They often work in research and development, manufacturing, or testing environments, using tools like CAD software and adhering to safety and industry standards. Employment can be found in government agencies, defense contractors, and private aerospace companies.

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.

What do aerospace engineers 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 most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Engineering jobs in Reston, VA? For Aerospace Engineering jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerospace Engineering jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Aerospace Engineering jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Aerospace Engineering jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Aerospace Engineering job openings:
Aerospace Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineering job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,231 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Mechanical / Aerospace System Engineer

BNH

Hyattsville, MD • On-site

$88K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Job Title:  Mechanical/Aerospace System Engineer

Location:  White Oak, MD

Function/Branch: Engineering / Tunnel 9

Directorate: Test Operations

Position Type: Regular, Full-Time

Pay Type:  Exempt

Grade: L06 / L07

Salary Range: Grade 06: $82,000 - $108,000; Grade 07: $88,000 - $125,000

 

**Current US Citizenship required**

 

**If you are seeing this posting on a job board, BNH highly recommends you apply directly on the Careers Center page of our business website (https://careers-bnh.icims.com/jobs). Job board applications are not always compatible with company applicant tracking systems.**

 

 

Overview

Beyond New Horizons, LLC (BNH) has an exciting opportunity for a Mechanical or Aerospace Systems Engineer, supporting TOS II, at Tunnel 9 in Silver Spring, MD. The Systems Engineer will be working as a member of an integrated team responsible for operating and maintaining, as well as supporting tests the United States Air Force Test Operations and Sustainment efforts.

Open to internal and external candidates.

Job Summary

Systems Engineers provide engineering functions to support hypersonic wind-tunnel testing at Tunnel 9. The candidate will take ownership of major systems; coordinate facility and equipment improvement projects; follow project lifecycle (planning, budgeting, schedule, execution); perform mechanical design of tunnel components and interface hardware; develop many design drawing packages; develop/review analysis for thermo-mechanical structural and stress analysis reports for components in the wind tunnel; and develop improvements to tunnel performance and maintainability.  Further, they will support external customer tests by working on test article designs; creating custom solutions to test requirements; review/approve test articles and supporting hardware for test safety by analyzing thermo-mechanical structural and stress; and working with technicians to correctly prepare/install test articles in the tunnel.

Job Duties:

  • Respond when systems malfunction during a test, troubleshooting and direct corrective maintenance activities (or calling in the appropriate systems engineer for additional support), ensuring a timely return to service to continue testing.
  • Perform root cause failure analyses and other equipment performance analyses when systems or processes fail and recommend remedial actions.
  • Analyze and write reports on equipment design for safety reviews.
  • Conduct and write up system safety hazard analyses and write clear work instructions.
  • Update and maintain system documentation for systems of responsibility.
  • Develop estimates for small improvement projects and test projects.
  • Communicate with internal & external customers and external model machine shops to optimize test article designs for thermo-structural safety, instrumentation installation, ease of assembly, and quick changes to configuration between test runs.
  • Design and analyze test article support hardware (e.g., stings) to meet test specific requirements.
  • Explain to test engineers the optimal selection of sting hardware to use for tests and recommend the best options for test article configurations.
  • Complete safety packages (e.g., write analysis reports, Test Hazard Analysis, and Safety Review Board presentations) prior to testing.
  • Assist skilled technical staff with troubleshooting and oversee their work; provide leadership and guidance.
  • Communicate clearly and utilize various methods of communication.
  • It is a condition of employment to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in accordance with supervisory direction and company policy.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Grade 06: Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
  • Grade 07: Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a minimum of 2 years of progressive and relevant experience or any equivalent combination of education and progressive and relevant experience.
  • Experience using solid modeling CAD software.
  • Any pre-screening/tests required (not including standard background/clearance checks).
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance and the AEDC local area network.
  • Current U. S. Citizenship required.
  •  

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master of Science degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
  • Active Secret clearance.
  • Hands on mechanical design, maintenance, or operations experience acquired through previous employment, education, or internship.
  • Experience using PTC Creo CAD software.
  • Experience performing Finite Element Analysis (FEA), especially using Ansys software.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salaries
  • Continuing education assistance
  • Multiple healthcare benefits packages
  • 401K with employer matching
  • Paid time off (PTO) along with a federally recognized holiday schedule

 

Who We Are

Beyond New Horizons (BNH) is a fully populated joint venture of Astrion and Fluor Federal Services, Inc. formed to provide unmatched Test Operations and Sustainment services for the Arnold Engineering Development Complex.

 We chose our name to serve as an enduring reminder of our commitment to AEDC’s rich aerospace research and development legacy anchored in AEDC’s Toward New Horizons founding study and the unprecedented opportunities to greatly expand AEDC’s capabilities and capacity Beyond those existing today. Leveraging the capabilities of our parent companies, BNH specializes in testing and evaluation for military and space systems combined with proven capability in large-scale Government program management, integration, engineering, and construction services for specialized and technically advanced high-hazard facilities.

Join our Team!

U.S. Citizenship is required. At this time BNH will not sponsor any applicants for employment authorization or offer any immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1b, F1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, E-2, E-3, L-1, or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).

The minimum and maximum full-time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations and refers to the amount BNH is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part-time jobs will be adjusted based upon the number of hours agreed to work.

Grade 06: $82,000-$108,000 or Grade 07: $88,000 - $125,000 /year at location Tunnel 9 White Oak, MD.

BNH is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, and any other grounds for discrimination prohibited by applicable law.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training


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