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$19

$49

$72

How much do astronautical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

In aerospace and astronautical engineering, senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in private aerospace companies or defense contractors. High compensation often correlates with specialized skills, such as spacecraft design, propulsion systems, or systems engineering, and may include bonuses and stock options.

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 engineers make $500,000?

In aerospace and astronautical engineering, senior-level engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000, especially in leadership roles or at major aerospace companies. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other incentives, typically in the context of large, established organizations or government agencies.

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.

Does NASA hire astronautical engineers?

Yes, NASA hires astronautical engineers to work on spacecraft design, propulsion systems, and space mission planning. These roles typically require a bachelor's or master's degree in aerospace or astronautical engineering, along with strong technical skills and experience with CAD software and testing environments.

What can you do with an astronautical engineering degree?

An astronautical engineering degree prepares individuals for careers in spacecraft design, satellite technology, and aerospace systems development. Graduates often work for government agencies, aerospace companies, or research institutions, utilizing skills in systems analysis, propulsion, and aerodynamics. Certification and hands-on experience with tools like CAD software and simulation programs are also valuable in this field.
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
Space Enterprise Optimization Analyst

Space Enterprise Optimization Analyst

The Aerospace Corporation

Chantilly, VA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 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 wide-ranging and 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 and space-enabled capabilities.

The Space Enterprise Design and Optimization Department (SEDOD) is in EED's Enterprise Design Subdivision (EDS). We bring to bearexpertisein a wide variety of fields to tackle tough problems and explore novel ideas, focusing on the performance modeling, analysis, and optimization of orbits, mission architectures, and acquisition portfolios to inform the future of the national space enterprise.

As part of SEDOD and EDS, a member of our technical staff will employ and develop sophisticated simulation tools to perform space and ground design, optimization, and analysis in support of architecture concept trade studies, requirements verification, analyses-of-alternatives, and performance modeling. Additionally, this staff member willleverageoptimization techniques to enable our customers to make data-driven decisionsregardingportfolio composition, budget planning, and commercial purchasing. They will act as a technical expert for a portfolio of high-impact projects, in addition to working on teams and collaborating with other analysts to expand their domain knowledge.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA; El Segundo, CA; or Colorado Springs, CO, offering an in-person work model that combines 4 or more regular onsite workdays per week and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

WhatYou'llBe Doing

  • Independently and collaboratively conducting deep dives, trade studies, and assessments to define and address customer needs in the areas of space architecture design and optimization, trade space exploration, and portfolio analysis

  • Leveraging in-house and commercial- and government-off-the-shelf engineering analysis tools to deliver technical insights through analytical deep dives, trade studies, and assessments in department focus areas

  • Contributing to the development of analysis software tools and actively pursuing opportunities to enhance and improve existing simulation and analysis capabilities for a wide range of customers

  • Developing and presentingtimelyand technicallyaccuratepresentations and reports that clearly communicate analysis results and provide recommended solutions to technical leads, management, and customers

  • Building andmaintaininga strong baseof customers and collaborators for the department through effective working relationships with cross-organization partners, government customers, and contractor teammates

What You Need to be Successful

MinimumRequirements:

  • B.S. degree in aerospace, astronautical, or mechanical engineering, physics, operations research, mathematics, or a related field of science or engineering

  • Advanced degree or 2 or more years of relevant and progressive professional or academic experience

  • Experience with constellation design, orbital mechanics, or mathematics related to satellite access geometry

  • Knowledge of Python, C, C++, MATLAB, or another programming language

  • 2 or more years of relevant and progressive professional or academic experience

  • Significant history of making effective contributions to a wide range of technical analysis or development projects

  • Ability to support multiple programs and/or activities, acting as a technicalconbtributoracross both individual and broader team efforts

  • This position requires the ability to obtain andmaintaina Top Secret/SCI security clearance with CI polygraph, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship isrequiredto obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, theminimumrequirements for the Sr. Member of the Technical Staff include:

  • 4 or more years of relevant and progressive professional experience and/or a Ph.D. in a field of study mentioned above

  • Significant experiencemaking effective contributions to a wide range of technical analysis or development projects

  • Ability to support multiple programs and/or activities, acting as atechnical advisorto help define and address customer needs

  • Lead and mentor small teams in conducting routine analysis and development tasks as part of larger project efforts

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

  • An advanced degree or extensive work experience in a field of study mentioned above

  • Work history in one of these specific national security space or intelligence mission areas: geo-spatial intelligence, signals intelligence, space surveillance, space protection, ground systems, or communications infrastructure

  • Background in one or more of the following areas: optimization techniques, genetic algorithms, space mission design, satellite constellation performance modeling, satellite orbit access analysis, simulation development, or payload/bus design

  • Experience working independently on creating, executing, and debugging modeling and simulation tools

  • Current TS/SCI access with a current CI polygraph

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)

$86,600.00 - $150,400.00Pay 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 emailatpeoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

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