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Aerospace Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Aerospace Engineer/Scientist 4 (ES4) will conduct in-depth scientific and technical intelligence analysis supporting NASIC. The engineer will develop and maintain assessments of threat systems.

Aerospace Engineer

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering * 1-2 years' professional experience related to Aerospace Engineering * Experience with MATLAB and MATLAB scripting * Excellent documentation and ...

Aerospace Engineer

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

$65K - $105K/yr

Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. * 1-2 years' professional experience related to Aerospace Engineering. * Experience with MATLAB and MATLAB scripting. * Excellent documentation ...

Aerospace Engineer-SDA Requisition ID: TA189 Location: Dahlgren, VA Application Deadline: We are ... Our diverse talented staff of scientists, engineers, and business professionals support critical ...

Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. * 1-2 years' professional experience related to Aerospace Engineering. * Experience with MATLAB and MATLAB scripting. * Excellent documentation ...

Aerospace Engineer

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering * 1-2 years' professional experience related to Aerospace Engineering * Experience with MATLAB and MATLAB scripting * Excellent documentation and ...

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Aerospace Scientist information

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$37K

$91K

$160K

How much do aerospace scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace scientist in the United States is $90,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced aerospace engineers, especially those in senior leadership roles or working in defense contracting or private aerospace companies, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Such roles often require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and extensive industry experience. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What are some common challenges faced by aerospace scientists when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Aerospace scientists often collaborate with engineers, mathematicians, and software developers, which can present challenges such as aligning different technical languages, priorities, and project timelines. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial for integrating diverse perspectives and expertise to achieve shared objectives. Additionally, managing complex data and meeting strict regulatory standards can require extra coordination and flexibility. These challenges, while demanding, also offer valuable opportunities for professional growth and innovation.

Can I make 200k as an aerospace engineer?

Aerospace engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with advanced experience, specialized skills, or working in high-paying industries like defense or aerospace manufacturing. Salaries vary by location, education, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), but reaching this level is achievable for senior or lead engineers with significant expertise. Entry-level salaries are typically lower, but experienced professionals in certain roles can exceed $200,000.

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

To thrive as an Aerospace Scientist, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and engineering principles, usually supported by at least a master's or doctoral degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (such as MATLAB or ANSYS), CAD systems, and data analysis tools is typically required, along with relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in some roles. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective communication skills help drive innovation and facilitate teamwork in multidisciplinary projects. These skills and qualities are crucial for advancing aerospace technology, ensuring safety, and achieving project success in a highly technical and collaborative industry.

What is the difference between Aerospace Scientist vs Aerospace Engineer?

AspectAerospace ScientistAerospace Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Physics, or related fields; often a Ph.D. for research rolesBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Aeronautical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, government agencies, universitiesDesign, develop, test aircraft and spacecraft in labs and manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageNASA, aerospace research firms, government agenciesAircraft manufacturers, aerospace companies, defense contractors

While both roles focus on aerospace technology, Aerospace Scientists primarily conduct research and develop new theories or materials, whereas Aerospace Engineers apply engineering principles to design and build aerospace systems. Both roles often collaborate but serve different functions within the aerospace industry.

What are aerospace scientists?

Aerospace scientists are experts who research and develop technologies related to aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They often work on improving the performance, safety, and efficiency of aerospace systems by applying principles from physics, materials science, and engineering. Their work can include designing experiments, analyzing data from test flights, and developing new materials or propulsion methods. Aerospace scientists may be employed by government agencies, private companies, or research institutions, and they play a crucial role in advancing aerospace technology.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior aerospace engineers and aerospace scientists with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in leadership roles or within defense and commercial aerospace industries. High salaries often require advanced certifications, expertise in design or research, and work in high-demand sectors or companies.

What can you do with an aerospace science degree?

An aerospace scientist can work in aircraft and spacecraft design, research, and development, often using tools like CAD software and testing facilities. They may find employment in government agencies, defense contractors, or private aerospace companies, and typically require strong analytical skills and knowledge of aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science.
More about Aerospace Scientist jobs
What states have the most Aerospace Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerospace Scientist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Aerospace Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,961 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Aerospace Affiliate Instructor

Aerospace Affiliate Instructor

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

DepartmentAviation & Aerospace Science
By applying to this posting, you are entering an applicant pool for affiliate faculty. Screening of applicants will take place when positions come available. The number of these temporary, part-time, non-tenure track academic positions varies from semester to semester, depending on the needs of the program. As such, not everyone in the applicant pool for this position will be contacted and/or selected to teach.

About the University

Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado's extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today's college students.

Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.

Position Summary

The Department of Aviation and Aerospace Science at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) invites applications for future part-time afliate faculty teaching positions.

For more information about the Department of Aviation and Aerospace Science in our College of Aerospace, Computing, Engineering, and Design, please visit: https://www.msudenver.edu/aviation-aerospace.

Responsibilities

An affiliate faculty member's duties may include but are not limited to: teaching assigned classes in person or online by delivering course content to students, preparing course materials and lesson plans, grading student work, providing students with robust feedback in a timely manner, addressing student questions consistent with university, college/school, and department policies, and providing online or in person academic support to students as needed and appropriate for the teaching assignment; providing instruction in assigned classes consistent with the content and learning objectives of the regular course syllabus and, if required, with department course coordination policies; and complying with university-wide student evaluation of instruction policies and peer observation policies. The ability to adapt and learn new modes of instruction is highly encouraged. Candidates need to be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse student population.

Required Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree plus four years of relevant work experience or a master's degree or doctorate

  • Experience with space mission architecture, inclusive of aerospace systems engineering, spacecraft design and subsystem development, launch processes, ground station and mission operations, and/or space system automation

  • Experience with industry tools for mission simulation (e.g., STK), programming, system design, and/or data analysis

  • A fundamental understanding of orbital mechanics along with the space environment and its impact on crewed and uncrewed systems

  • Knowledge of historical spaceflight systems and future industry trends, inclusive of system automation, modular architectures, artificial intelligence integration, and/or aerospace workforce development

Terms of Employment

Afliate faculty are part-time, at-will employees hired to teach on a per credit hour basis for specic classes, usually on a semester-by-semester basis. Afliate faculty are not eligible for benet coverage under the University's benet program. All such teaching assignments are dependent on budget and enrollment.

Qualied candidates will be expected to teach in person/on campus upon hire.

Salary for Announcement

The nal salary is based on the number of credit hours assigned at a rate determined by university policy.
Rate of pay per credit hour assignment can be between $1264 - $1482.
For more information, please view pay rates under the College of Aerospace, Computing, Engineering, and Design: Affiliate-Rates-AY-25-26.

How to Apply

Candidates must apply online through MSU Denver's career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers. Complete applications must include the following required materials:


1. Curriculum vitae

2. Cover letter
3.Copies of certications, if applicable (please copy front and back)

There is one location (the resume/cover letter submission eld) in the application poral to upload all required materials. Multiple documents can be submitted into this one eld. Once submitted, you will not be able to edit your application.

Ofcial transcripts will be required of the candidates selected for hire.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting RepresentativeKatie Lynch Posting Representative Emailklynch24@msudenver.edu Benefits

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) plan.Visit MSU Denver'sbenefits websiteto learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator attotalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.