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Aerospace Structural Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Aerospace Structural Engineering information

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$50K

$99.4K

$152K

How much do aerospace structural engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace structural engineering in the United States is $99,400.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by aerospace structural engineers during the development of new aircraft designs?

Aerospace structural engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing weight reduction with structural integrity, adhering to strict safety and regulatory standards, and integrating new materials or technologies. They must also work closely with multidisciplinary teams—including aerodynamics, manufacturing, and systems engineers—to ensure all components fit together seamlessly. Navigating tight project timelines and budget constraints while ensuring the highest levels of quality and reliability is a key part of the role.

What is the difference between Aerospace Structural Engineering vs Aerospace Mechanical Engineering?

AspectAerospace Structural EngineeringAerospace Mechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace or Civil Engineering, certifications in structural analysisBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, certifications in thermodynamics and materials
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, testing facilities, aircraft and spacecraft manufacturingDesign labs, testing facilities, propulsion systems, and component manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsageAircraft, spacecraft, defense contractors, aerospace manufacturersAircraft systems, propulsion, thermal systems, aerospace companies

While both roles involve aerospace engineering principles, Aerospace Structural Engineering focuses on designing and analyzing the structural components of aircraft and spacecraft, ensuring safety and durability. Aerospace Mechanical Engineering covers a broader range of systems, including propulsion, thermal, and mechanical systems, often overlapping but with different core focuses.

What is aerospace structural engineering?

Aerospace structural engineering is a specialized field within aerospace engineering focused on the design, analysis, and testing of structures that make up aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites. Structural engineers in this field ensure that these vehicles can withstand the stresses and forces encountered during flight and space missions while minimizing weight and maximizing safety. They use advanced materials and simulation tools to create efficient, durable structures that meet strict regulatory and performance standards. Careers in this area often involve collaboration with other engineers and professionals to bring innovative aerospace designs to fruition.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace structural engineer?

To thrive as an Aerospace Structural Engineer, you need a strong background in structural analysis, materials science, and engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Proficiency with CAD software, finite element analysis (FEA) tools, and familiarity with industry standards and certifications such as AS9100 are essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities set top professionals apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of aerospace structures under demanding operational conditions.
What cities are hiring for Aerospace Structural Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Aerospace Structural Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Aerospace Structural Engineering 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, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,400 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Structural Engineer (Aerospace)

Prolim Global

Melbourne, FL • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Prolim is hiring for a Structural Engineer for a leading client
 
Location: Melbourne, FL
Contract: Long term
WORK SHIFT: 1st Shift (9/80A) - 7:30 am-5:00 pm
 

Responsibilities for Engineer Structural - Level 4

Performing static, dynamic, and DaDT structural analyses of metallic and composite airframe structure, mechanical systems, and equipment, by hand and by using the automated methods and procedures approved for the program
May derive non-flight applied loads, create, extract, and distribute internal loads utilizing tools such as FEMAP, NX, Teamcenter and other software applications
Candidate must be able to collaborate in a team environment, prioritize and adjust tasks to accomplish the project result, prioritize multiple responsibilities and/or accomplish them simultaneously, and comprehend and analyze complex problems and develop solutions.
Basic Qualifications for Engineer Structural - Level 4

Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university with a minimum of 10 years’ experience to include a background in aerospace structural analysis; OR Master’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 8 years’ experience to include a background in aerospace structural analysis; OR Ph.D. degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 5 years’ experience to include a background in aerospace structural analysis
Your ability to obtain and/or transfer and maintain the final adjudicated government Secret clearance, and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company.
This position is intended to be contracted to hire. While this is our intent, this is not a promise to hire by Northrop Grumman. This contract position aligns with our full-time role of Sr Principal Structural Engineer.