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Aerospace information

What is an aerospace job?

An aerospace job is a position that focuses on either aeronautical and astronautical technology. Aeronautical engineers develop aircrafts that stay in the earth’s atmosphere, such as helicopters, jets, and commercial airplanes. Astronautical engineers work on aircrafts that can break the atmosphere, such as missiles, rockets, satellites, and spacecraft. An aerospace job may fill any role vital to a company’s development of new flight technologies.

What is an aerospace engineer?

Aerospace engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They work on the science and technology behind flight within the Earth's atmosphere (aeronautical engineering) and beyond (astronautical engineering). Their responsibilities often include improving fuel efficiency, safety, and environmental impact of flight vehicles. Aerospace engineers work for government agencies, defense contractors, and private companies involved in aviation and space exploration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an aerospace engineering role?

To thrive in aerospace engineering, you need a solid foundation in physics, mathematics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor’s or advanced degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB or ANSYS, and relevant industry certifications such as EIT or PE are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and tackle complex design challenges. These skills are crucial for ensuring innovation, safety, and reliability in the development of aerospace systems and technologies.

What are some common challenges faced when working on multidisciplinary teams in the aerospace industry?

In the aerospace industry, professionals often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams that include engineers, project managers, technicians, and specialists from various fields. One common challenge is effective communication, as each discipline may use different technical language or have distinct priorities. Coordinating complex projects requires strong organizational skills and adaptability to shifting requirements or deadlines. Successfully navigating these challenges can lead to more innovative solutions and provides valuable experience for career advancement.

What is the difference between Aerospace vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAerospaceMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Aerospace Engineering or related field; often requires FAA certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; licensure optional
Work EnvironmentAircraft, spacecraft, defense systems; labs and manufacturing facilitiesFactories, design firms, R&D labs; diverse industries
Industry UsagePrimarily aerospace, defense, space explorationAutomotive, energy, manufacturing, robotics

While both aerospace and mechanical engineers design and develop complex systems, aerospace engineers specialize in aircraft and spacecraft, often requiring specific certifications and working in aerospace-focused environments. Mechanical engineers have a broader scope across various industries, focusing on mechanical systems and machinery.

More about Aerospace jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Aerospace jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Aerospace jobs in Iowa?

For Aerospace jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Aerospace jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Aerospace jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Aerospace jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Aerospace job openings:

Aerospace jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Aerospace Engineer (SME)

Global Systems Technologies, Inc

Nevada, IA • On-site

$84 - $137/hr

Other

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Serve as the principal technical authority on aerospace engineering matters related to fighter aircraft systems and operational test and evaluation

  • Lead development of advanced engineering methodologies, analytical frameworks, and evaluation approaches for complex system assessments

  • Oversee and perform high-level analyses of aircraft performance, system integration, and mission effectiveness in operational environments

Job description

Full Time Nellis AFB, NV, US

Salary Range: $84,000.00 To $137,000.00 Annually

JRAD is seeking candidates for an upcoming Aerospace Engineer (Subject Matter Expert) position supporting the U.S. Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC), Detachment 6 (DET 6) – Fighter Test Services (FTS). This position is located at Nellis AFB, NV.

The Aerospace Engineer (Subject Matter Expert) serves as a recognized technical authority providing expert-level aerospace engineering support to operational test and evaluation (OT&E) of fighter aircraft systems under the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC) Detachment 6 Fighter Test Services contract.

Applies extensive knowledge of aeronautical engineering, aircraft systems, mission integration, and operational environments to lead complex technical analyses and evaluations. Provides authoritative guidance on aircraft performance, system integration, survivability, and mission effectiveness across live flight testing, distributed test environments, and the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE).

Establishes analytical frameworks, engineering methodologies, and evaluation strategies to support AFOTEC’s independent assessment of system effectiveness and suitability. Advises senior government leadership and contractor management on critical technical issues, risks, and operational implications.

Roles/Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the principal technical authority on aerospace engineering matters related to fighter aircraft systems and operational test and evaluation
  • Lead development of advanced engineering methodologies, analytical frameworks, and evaluation approaches for complex system assessments
  • Oversee and perform high-level analyses of aircraft performance, system integration, and mission effectiveness in operational environments
  • Provide expert evaluation of aircraft subsystems, including avionics, propulsion, weapons systems, sensors, communications, and mission systems integration
  • Direct correlation and validation efforts between flight test data, modeling and simulation (M&S) outputs, and operational performance results
  • Lead technical assessments, trade studies, and risk analyses to inform acquisition decisions and operational evaluations
  • Identify and resolve complex technical issues, anomalies, and performance deficiencies, and provide recommendations for mitigation or further investigation
  • Advise government leadership on technical findings, implications, and recommended courses of action
  • Provide technical oversight and guidance to senior, journeyman, and junior engineering personnel
  • Lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts and ensure integration across engineering, operations research, intelligence, and test teams
  • Support development and review of high-level technical documentation, including evaluation reports, engineering assessments, and executive briefings
  • Contribute to strategic planning, test design, and long-term capability development initiatives
  • Ensure compliance with engineering standards, safety requirements, and security protocols

Required Skills and Education:

  • Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
  • 20 or more years of relevant professional experience in aerospace engineering, flight test, aircraft systems analysis, or related technical fields
  • Experience supporting operational test and evaluation (OT&E) activities within AFOTEC or similar test organizations
  • Familiarity with fighter aircraft systems (e.g., F-35, F-16, F-15) and air combat operations
  • Experience with Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) or other modeling and simulation environments
  • Experience with advanced modeling and simulation, digital engineering, or mission-level analysis
  • Familiarity with the following tools and technologies: engineering analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent); data analysis tools and programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB); modeling and simulation environments and tools; data visualization and reporting tools
  • Demonstrated expertise in aerospace engineering principles applied to advanced aircraft systems and mission environments
  • Extensive experience supporting operational test and evaluation (OT&E), flight test, or aircraft systems integration programs
  • Experience leading complex technical analyses, modeling and simulation efforts, and engineering evaluations
  • Experience providing technical leadership and guidance across multidisciplinary teams
  • Experience advising senior leadership on technical issues, risks, and program decisions

Security Clearance:

  • SCI Preferred

When you work for JRAD you will never be just a number. We put people before profits!

JRAD is committed to the health and well-being of its employees. We offer more paid time off than the average company upon hire and the following benefits are available to all full-time employees:

  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
  • Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts for unreimbursed medical & dependent day care
  • Disability Insurance
  • 401K Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement

JRAD is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The JRAD salary range for this position is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. There are many factors considered when determining the compensation provided in an offer. These factors include, but are not limited to position responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and contract terms and conditions.

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