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$72

How much do astronautical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for astronautical engineering in Reston, VA is $49.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.24 and $58.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by astronautical engineers in their daily work?

Astronautical engineers often tackle complex challenges related to designing reliable spacecraft and systems that can withstand the harsh conditions of space. They must account for strict safety requirements, severe environmental factors like radiation and vacuum, and extremely tight tolerances for weight and cost. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, including scientists, project managers, and manufacturing specialists, is essential to meet project objectives. Successfully addressing these challenges requires creative problem-solving and a commitment to continuous learning, making the work both demanding and rewarding.

What is an Astronautical Engineering job?

An Astronautical Engineering job involves the design, development, and testing of spacecraft, satellites, and other space-related technology. Engineers in this field work on propulsion systems, navigation, communications, and structural design to ensure spacecraft can operate in the harsh conditions of space. They may be employed by government agencies like NASA, private aerospace companies, or defense contractors. Their work contributes to space exploration, satellite communications, and national defense.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Astronautical Engineering position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Astronautical Engineer, you need a strong background in mathematics, physics, aerospace fundamentals, and typically a bachelor's or higher degree in astronautical or aerospace engineering. Proficiency with tools like CAD software, systems simulation platforms, and familiarity with industry standards such as NASA or ESA protocols is important. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, teamwork, and effective communication skills help set top performers apart. These capabilities are crucial for designing, testing, and managing spacecraft, ensuring mission safety, performance, and innovation in a highly technical field.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

In aerospace and astronautical engineering, senior engineers, project managers, and executives with extensive experience and advanced degrees can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially in leadership roles or specialized fields such as spacecraft design or defense systems. High compensation often correlates with years of experience, advanced certifications, and working for large aerospace corporations or government agencies.
What job categories do people searching Astronautical Engineering jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Astronautical Engineering jobs in Reston, VA are:
Astronautical Engineering jobs near you
Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis Engineer

Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

Chantilly, VA

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace's strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The divisionleveragesa broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space-enabled mission effects.

As a member of theCross-Mission Effectiveness Department, you will provide technical capabilities to support our customers in modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) of space, air, and ground-basedsystems of systemsto investigate architecture and concept of operations (CONOPS) performance in nominal and contested operating environments. MS&A focus areas include agent-based modeling, red vs blue simulations, militaryutilityand capability drawdown,killchaineffectiveness,enterprise architecture resiliency,and command and control (C2) evaluation. We support a variety of customers with diverse program portfolios, and we are looking for curious and innovative teammates to help us address our customers' hardest problems!

This100% onsiteposition can be filled ineither ourEl Segundo, CAorChantilly, VAoffices.

WhatYou'llBe Doing

  • Represent the Cross-Mission Effectiveness Department as a technical authority in your area(s) of expertise.

  • Independently leadand contribute to technicalanalysisprojects toensuretimely,accurate, andconsistent team deliveries.

  • Exercise yourexpertisein understanding, modeling, and analyzing enterprise-level integratedmissions.

  • Use and contribute to the development of in-house and commercial/government-off-the-shelf engineering analysis tools and analysis products.

  • Develop and present briefings and reports for program offices and customers.

  • Mentor junior staff members on technical and professional development subjects and contribute to a learning environment where it is encouraged to share ideas and feedback.

  • Travel occasionally asrequired.

What You Need to be Successful

MinimumRequirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering (aerospace, astronautical, mechanical,electrical,or software), computer science, physics, operations research, or closely related technical field from an accredited school.

  • 5or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management environments.

  • Technical understanding of space operations, red vs blue simulations, militaryutilityand capability drawdown,killchaineffectiveness, enterprise architecture resiliency, and/or command and control (C2).

  • Experience in one or more of thefollowing:space systems,space surveillance, spacecraft ground systems,communications infrastructure,command and control (C2),spacecraft maneuvering,space protection, or space-drivenkillchains.

  • Experiencewith multi-phenomenology remote sensing techniquessuch asEOIRandradarsignalprocessing,especially in the context of object detection,characterization,tracking, and estimation.

  • Experience with one or more software languages that may include Python, C++, or MATLAB.

  • Experience leading a team toaccomplishan objective.

  • Ability to work on dynamic assignments and adapt to changing customer expectations.

  • Excellent interpersonal skills with effective oral and written communication skills.

  • CurrentTop Secretclearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if youhaveone or more of these:

  • An advanced degree inanapplicable STEM area or other relevant discipline.

  • Experiencemodeling the space domain usinga toolkit or frameworksuch asAFSIM, STK, or GMAT.

  • Direct experiencewithagent-based modeling, red vs blue simulations, militaryutilityand capability drawdown analysis,killchaineffectiveness, enterprise architecture resiliency, and/orcommand and control (C2.

  • Knowledge ofIntelligence Community,Department of War,and/orDepartment of the Air Force business practices and programs.

  • Experience briefing senior government leaders.

  • CurrentTop Secretclearance with SCI accessandpolygraph.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$110,400.00 - $165,500.00Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

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