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Aerospace System Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

System Engineer

Jessup, MD · On-site

$102K - $153K/yr

Worker Type Regular Summary The Systems Engineer will play a critical role in maintaining the ... Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace ...

Aerospace Engineer Position Type: Full-time (ON-SITE) Position Location: Chantilly, VA Clearance ... Develop and maintain physics-based simulation models of spacecraft systems, including structures ...

Showing results 21-40

Aerospace System Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$60.6K

$144.1K

$189.1K

How much do aerospace system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace system engineer in Washington is $144,083.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,000.00 and $177,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Aerospace System Engineer vs Aerospace Design Engineer?

AspectAerospace System EngineerAerospace Design Engineer
Primary FocusSystems integration, functionality, and overall system performanceComponent and subsystem design, development, and optimization
Required SkillsSystems engineering, systems architecture, integration, testingCAD, structural analysis, aerodynamics, materials
Work EnvironmentCollaborates across teams, often in systems labs or on aircraft/spacecraft projectsDesign studios, CAD environments, prototype labs
CertificationsTypically none specific, but systems engineering certifications are commonOften requires engineering licenses or design certifications

In summary, Aerospace System Engineers focus on integrating and managing entire aerospace systems, ensuring all components work together effectively. Aerospace Design Engineers concentrate on creating and refining individual components and subsystems. Both roles are essential and often collaborate closely in aerospace projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace system engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerospace System Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering principles, systems integration, and problem-solving, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with CAD tools, simulation software (such as MATLAB/Simulink), and industry standards like DO-178C, as well as relevant certifications, is often required. Strong collaboration, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for working across multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects. These competencies ensure the delivery of safe, reliable, and innovative aerospace systems in a highly regulated and technologically advanced industry.

How does an aerospace system engineer typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during a project?

Aerospace System Engineers frequently work alongside specialists in avionics, propulsion, structural engineering, and software development to ensure that all systems integrate seamlessly. Effective communication and coordination are essential, as engineers must align requirements, resolve technical conflicts, and validate system interfaces. Regular meetings, design reviews, and documentation updates are common practices that facilitate this collaboration. By engaging with diverse teams, Aerospace System Engineers play a pivotal role in delivering safe, reliable, and high-performing aerospace solutions.

What is an aerospace system engineer?

Aerospace System Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and oversee complex systems used in aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They integrate various engineering disciplines to ensure all components of an aerospace system work effectively together. Their work involves requirements analysis, system modeling, testing, troubleshooting, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Aerospace System Engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve challenging technical problems and optimize system performance throughout a project's lifecycle.
What cities in Washington are hiring for Aerospace System Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Aerospace System Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Aerospace System Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,083 per year, or $69.3 per hour.

$102K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


AeroVironment rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
Summary
The Systems Engineer will play a critical role in maintaining the integrity, performance, and security of complex client/server environments. This position requires strong system administration expertise, a solid understanding of automation and security compliance, and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues in a fast-paced, mission-focused setting. The engineer will work closely with a small team that regularly collaborates with end users and customers, making strong communication skills essential.
Position Responsibilities
  • Maintain and enhance system integrity, performance, and security across critical client/server environments
  • Implement and manage system administration automation to improve efficiency and reliability
  • Ensure compliance with security standards, policies, and best practices
  • Support and troubleshoot networking devices and infrastructure
  • Administer and maintain Windows and Linux systems
  • Manage identity and access services including Active Directory, LDAP, Centrify, and Group Policy
  • Support containerized environments and Kubernetes-based deployments
  • Oversee patching, vulnerability remediation, and security protocol enforcement
  • Collaborate with team members, users, and customers to resolve issues and deliver high-quality support
  • Escalate critical issues to management with clear communication and documentation

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
  • Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
  • 6+ years of experience in a systems engineering role
  • Strong experience in System Engineering and System Administration
  • Deep understanding of security compliance frameworks and practices
  • Hands-on experience with networking devices such as Cisco, Juniper, and Arista
  • Proficiency in Windows and Linux system administration
  • Familiarity with Kubernetes and containerization technologies
  • Experience with Active Directory, LDAP, Centrify, Group Policy, and core network services
  • Strong knowledge of security protocols, patching processes, and vulnerability management
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly escalate issues to management
  • Active TS/SCI with Polygraph

Salary Range: $102,000 - $153,000
The AV pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors including, but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity as well as alignment with market data.
ITAR Requirement:
This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A "U.S. person" according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.
Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.
We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.
Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.
Who We Are
Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we've been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world's most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution's permanent collection in Washington, DC.
Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty - and succeed.
What We Do
Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company's hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.
ITAR

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