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Contract Aerospace Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role provides deep engineering expertise to the development, integration, and sustainment of ... If the contract is awarded, another position posting will be available on the Company Careers ...

This role provides deep engineering expertise across the missile warning ground processing, mission ... If the contract is awarded, another position posting will be available on the Company Careers ...

This role brings deep, recognized expertise in aerospace systems engineering and serves as a ... If the contract is awarded, another position posting will be available on the Company Careers ...

... contracts and understanding of job assignments, budgets, and taskings Experience in writing basis ... in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or other applicable degree required Master's degree in ...

... contracts and understanding of job assignments, budgets, and taskings • Experience in writing basis of estimates and proposals Education / Certifications • BS in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering ...

... contracts and understanding of job assignments, budgets, and taskings • Experience in writing basis of estimates and proposals Education / Certifications • BS in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering ...

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

This position will lead engineering reviews of ground system designs, contribute to ground ... If the contract is awarded, another position posting will be available on the Company Careers ...

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$190K - $240K/yr

Lead engineering reviews of ground processing architectures, mission management systems, and ... If the contract is awarded, another position posting will be available on the Company Careers ...

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$195K - $250K/yr

This role brings deep, recognized expertise in aerospace systems engineering and serves as a ... If the contract is awarded, another position posting will be available on the Company Careers ...

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Contract Aerospace Engineering information

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$30

$48

$99

How much do contract aerospace engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract aerospace engineering in the United States is $48.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.11 and $50.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Aerospace Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Aerospace Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering principles, experience with aircraft or spacecraft design, and at least a bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard CAD software (such as CATIA or SolidWorks), finite element analysis tools, and relevant certifications (like PE or PMP) is often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and excellent communication skills help you adapt to diverse project environments and collaborate effectively. These competencies ensure you can deliver high-quality engineering solutions within tight deadlines and varied client requirements.

How to become an aerospace contractor?

To become an aerospace contractor, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field, along with relevant experience in aerospace projects. Building a strong network, obtaining industry certifications, and understanding government contracting processes can also improve chances of success in securing contracts.

What are some common challenges faced by contract aerospace engineers, and how can they best prepare for them?

Contract aerospace engineers often face challenges such as quickly adapting to new teams, rapidly understanding project-specific requirements, and managing fluctuating workloads due to project-based timelines. To succeed, it's important to develop strong communication skills, stay up-to-date with industry standards, and remain flexible in your approach to problem-solving. Building a robust professional network and being proactive in learning about different company cultures can also help contract engineers quickly integrate and add value to each assignment.

Can I make 200k as an Aerospace Engineer?

Senior aerospace engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-paying industries or locations can earn salaries around or above $200,000 annually. Entry-level or mid-career aerospace engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000, with salaries increasing with specialization, certifications, and leadership roles.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior aerospace engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-cost regions or with bonuses and stock options. Achieving this level often requires advanced degrees, certifications, and a track record of significant project contributions.

What is contract aerospace engineering?

Contract aerospace engineering refers to hiring engineers on a temporary or project-based basis to work on aerospace projects such as aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, or defense systems. These engineers may be brought in to provide specialized expertise, assist with peak workloads, or complete specific phases of a project. Unlike permanent employees, contract aerospace engineers typically work for a set period or until project completion. This arrangement provides flexibility for both employers and engineers, allowing companies to access specific skills as needed while giving engineers diverse work experiences.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior aerospace engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in leadership roles or at major defense and aerospace companies. High salaries often reflect expertise in areas like propulsion, avionics, or systems engineering, along with a strong track record of project management and innovation.
More about Contract Aerospace Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Aerospace Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Contract Aerospace Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Aerospace Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Aerospace Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Aerospace Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Aerospace 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 $101,781 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Aerospace Engineer

$170K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

McCallie Associates, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Alutiiq, LLC, is accepting applications for a Subject Matter Expert (SME) Aerospace Engineer - Space Force Mission Ground Systems to support the U.S. Space Force's mission ground systems for a critical Space Sensing mission area. This role provides deep engineering expertise to the development, integration, and sustainment of ground systems supporting missile warning satellite constellations - including command and control infrastructure, mission processing, and ground segment architecture across multiple operational locations

This position will lead engineering reviews of ground system designs, contribute to ground architecture decisions, and support integration of ground segments with the broader missile warning system-of-systems. Provide SME-level aerospace engineering expertise for missile warning mission ground systems including command and control, mission processing, and ground segment architecture Lead engineering reviews of ground system designs, technical baselines, and architecture decisions Support ground system integration with satellite segments and user segment systems Provide engineering oversight for Life Cycle Sustainment Plan execution including Ground System Architecture (GSA) sustainment Engage with contractor program teams developing or sustaining ground processing, control, and dissemination systems Review and contribute to engineering change proposals, task change proposals, and configuration change board activities Support engineering coordination with operational sites (Buckley SFB, Schriever SFB, Boulder CO) and program contractor facilities Prepare technical briefings, engineering position papers, and architecture assessments for senior Government audiences This opportunity is for a POTENTIAL CONTRACT award and is contingent upon the contract being awarded. Consideration for a potential contract may require a signed letter of intent.

If the contract is awarded, another position posting will be available on the Company Careers portal.Active Secret clearance (TS or TS/SCI eligibility preferred; ability to obtain TS/SCI required) U.S. Citizenship Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline from an ABET-accredited institution Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible aerospace engineering experience, with demonstrated SME-level depth in satellite ground systems, command and control, or mission ground processing Demonstrated experience with DoD satellite ground systems - command and control infrastructure, mission processing, ground architecture, or ground sustainment Experience with ground system Life Cycle Sustainment Plan execution Strong written and verbal communication; demonstrated ability to brief senior Government audiences Preferred Qualifications Master's degree or PhD in a technical discipline Prior direct support to SSC/SN, SMC, or predecessor Space Force / Air Force space organizations Experience with SBIRS ground systems, Next-Gen OPIR ground, or modernization of legacy missile warning ground infrastructure Familiarity with Ground System Architecture (GSA) and associated sustainment frameworks Expected salary range: $170,000 to $210,000 per yearActive Secret clearance (TS or TS/SCI eligibility preferred; ability to obtain TS/SCI required) U.S. Citizenship Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline from an ABET-accredited institution Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible aerospace engineering experience, with demonstrated SME-level depth in satellite ground systems, command and control, or mission ground processing Demonstrated experience with DoD satellite ground systems - command and control infrastructure, mission processing, ground architecture, or ground sustainment Experience with ground system Life Cycle Sustainment Plan execution Strong written and verbal communication; demonstrated ability to brief senior Government audiences Preferred Qualifications Master's degree or PhD in a technical discipline Prior direct support to SSC/SN, SMC, or predecessor Space Force / Air Force space organizations Experience with SBIRS ground systems, Next-Gen OPIR ground, or modernization of legacy missile warning ground infrastructure Familiarity with Ground System Architecture (GSA) and associated sustainment frameworks Expected salary range: $170,000 to $210,000 per year


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About Alutiiq

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Anchorage, AK, US

Year founded

1999

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