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Aerospace Project Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aerospace Project Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$125K - $190K/yr

The Project Engineer on the Aerospace Hardware Team will lead and manage the planning, execution, and oversight of projects focused on the design, integration, and testing of advanced ...

Project Manager

Oro Valley, AZ · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Manage aerospace engineering projects, leading teams of 5+ members. * Interface with customers and facilitate technical discussions. * Develop, track, and maintain project plans using Microsoft ...

Aerospace/Spacecraft Experience preferred This is a mid to Junior Level role. All Qualified resumes will be responded to in 24 hours or less. The Project Manager will be responsible for: • Leading ...

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Aerospace Project Manager information

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$79.5K

$119K

$239.5K

How much do aerospace project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace project manager in the United States is $119,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $123,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Aerospace Project Manager do?

An Aerospace Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of aerospace projects, ensuring they meet technical, budgetary, and scheduling requirements. They coordinate teams, manage risks, and communicate with stakeholders to deliver aircraft, spacecraft, or defense-related systems. Their role requires strong leadership, problem-solving, and industry knowledge to navigate regulatory and engineering challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Aerospace Project Manager position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerospace Project Manager, you need a solid background in engineering or aerospace disciplines, strong project management skills, and often a relevant bachelor's degree or higher. Familiarity with project management software (such as Microsoft Project or Primavera), aerospace industry standards, and certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) are typically beneficial. Exceptional leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities set top candidates apart in this role. These competencies ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to strict safety and quality standards in a highly regulated environment.

What are some common challenges Aerospace Project Managers face in their daily work?

Aerospace Project Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating large, multi-disciplinary teams, managing complex schedules, and navigating strict regulatory requirements. They must frequently adapt to evolving project scopes, unforeseen technical issues, and shifting stakeholder priorities. Balancing cost, quality, and safety while maintaining clear communication between engineers, clients, and vendors is a critical part of the job. Successfully meeting these challenges requires both technical knowledge and strong organizational skills, which also provides valuable experience and career growth opportunities within the aerospace industry.

More about Aerospace Project Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Aerospace Project Manager jobs? Cities with the most Aerospace Project Manager job openings:
What states have the most Aerospace Project Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerospace Project Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Aerospace Project Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,000 per year, or $57.2 per hour.
Aerospace Project Manager - 031QE

Aerospace Project Manager - 031QE

Quartus Engineering

San Diego, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

About Quartus
Quartus Engineering Incorporated (www.quartus.com) is a leading provider of engineering services and integrated hardware solutions for a wide range of clients and industries. We employ advanced computer-aided engineering tools in the areas of optics, structural, thermal, and coupled analyses. We couple our engineering analysis capabilities with design, prototype, integration and test capabilities to create solutions for our clients that are of extraordinary value.
About Aerospace Project Management Department
Development of custom optical systems for aerospace applications is a core business area for Quartus. Our work includes spaceborne, airborne, and ground-based systems for imaging, spectrography, lasercom, LiDAR, energy transfer, and other applications. Typical development processes start with mission objectives definition, progresses through all stages of design and analysis, and concludes with hardware build and test. Our clients are very diverse - from well-established large government organizations such as NASA to agile "new space" start-ups. We pride ourselves on our ability to find common language with diverse groups of people and to develop new advanced technical systems while meeting the budget and schedule that each particular program can sustain. Our team includes optical, opto-mechanical, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers working in a highly collaborative environment where communication and team ethics are key.
What will you do?
As a Technical Project Manager in our San Diego office, you will lead small to mid-sizedengineering projects and may support larger programs as a deputy to a Program Manager. You will serve as the primary point of contact between Quartus and our clients, managing expectations while planning and executing projects from start to finish. Responsibilities include overseeing scope, schedule, and budget; delegating tasks and ensuring quality; mentoring junior team members; and applying strong technical expertise to drive complex, challenging work. Success in this role requires excellent communication, leadership, and time management skills in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This is a dynamic position in which time management of yourself and your project team members is critical for success.
Essential Job Functions:
Project Execution
  • Responsible for all phases of project(s) from conception through completion, including:
    • Proposal/project planning
    • Managing project performance to ensure quality, business, and financial objectives are met
  • Participate with engineering to establish engineering technical approach that aligns with project budget and schedule, typically including generation and maintenance of requirements verification/validation strategy and risk mitigation planning
  • Planning project staffing
  • Track labor, material, and expense costs against developed cost estimate baselines
  • Manage bill of material suppliers and subcontractors based on project needs to mitigate impact of cost and schedule constraints
  • Responsible for handling issues or nonconformances as they occur and reacting quickly towards resolution
  • Communicate with client and manage their expectations
  • Organize and lead internal and external weekly project status meetings
  • May be a key technical contributor on project work. For example, perform engineering tasks such as design, analysis, hardware build and test, etc.

Staff Leadership
  • Deliver project performance feedback - both directly to engineers and to their respective managers
  • Foster a collaborative and transparent work environment, encouraging effective communication and knowledge sharing across project teams and departments
  • May be expected to mentor Project Administrators

Sales
  • Work with program managers, engineering, and sales to write effective proposals, which includes defining scope, estimating costs, generating a schedule, and defining technical content for a variety of contract vehicles

Training and Continuous Improvement
  • Process improvement:
    • Champion a culture of continuous improvement by evaluating and enhancing program management methodologies, tools, and processes
Location
Position is based in San Diego with a hybrid schedule.*
*The hybrid work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs including but not limited to training, performance, or other operational requirements. Any physical location change may impact future employment.
What are we looking for?
Required:
  • BS in engineering field - Aerospace, Mechanical, Optical, Electrical or similar discipline
  • 6+ years of experience in one or more of the following areas: Aerospace Optical Systems (preferred), Opto-Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechanical, Optical, Electrical or similar
  • Experience managing a team of interdisciplinary engineers on technical development programs
  • Including scope, budget and schedule management
  • Strong aptitude for customer interaction and communication
  • Demonstrated understanding of engineering fundamentals
  • Demonstrates a positive attitude and willingness to learn
  • Must be a US Person (US Citizen or US Permanent Resident)

Preferred:
  • Experience with proposal development (lead or assisting)

Compensation and Benefits
Project Manager pay range: $104,190 - 160,000*
*This range represents base pay. In addition, you may be eligible for additional benefits and compensation.
Referral eligibility: Tier 2
Quartus is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to employing a diverse workforce, including, but not limited to, minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Quartus provides comprehensive benefits including competitive salary, discretionary performance-based bonus, employee stock ownership plan, medical, dental, vision, and 401k plan with company match.