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Aerospace Project Manager

Chesterfield, MI · On-site

... contract award through final delivery. This position requires a strong background in the aerospace ... between engineering, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, and production teams Monitor project ...

Parker

Contract Administrator

Kalamazoo, MI

Parker Hannifin At Parker Aerospace, we develop technologies and innovative solutions that enable ... Our passionate people with deep engineering expertise, together with our breadth of differentiated ...

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All JobsContract Aerospace Engineering JobsContract Aerospace Engineering Jobs in Michigan

Contract Aerospace Engineering information

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$26

$42

$86

How much do contract aerospace engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract aerospace engineering in Michigan is $42.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.82 and $44.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract aerospace engineer?

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.

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.

What does a contract aerospace engineer do?

A contract aerospace engineer designs, analyzes, and tests aircraft and spacecraft components on a temporary basis for clients or companies. They often work with CAD software, perform simulations, and ensure compliance with safety and industry standards within project deadlines. Their role involves applying engineering principles to develop innovative aerospace solutions under contract terms.

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

The most popular types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Aerospace Engineering jobs in Michigan?

For Contract Aerospace Engineering jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Aerospace Engineering jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Aerospace Engineering jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Contract Aerospace Engineering jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Contract Aerospace Engineering job openings:

Contract Aerospace Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Aerospace Engineering job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,712 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Sr. Program Manager-Aerospace

Troy Design Manufacturing Company

Plymouth, MI • On-site

$110K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description


POSITION OVERVIEW:

Troy Design and Manufacturing (TDM) is seeking a dynamic Senior Program Manager – Aerospace to lead precision hardware, structural components, and prototype/production assemblies for commercial aerospace and space customers. This position drives program execution in strict compliance with aerospace quality management standards (AS9100) and customer flow-down requirements.

In this position, you will lead and develop Program Managers (PM I, PM II, PM III), establish rigorous milestone tracking, manage high-value material supply chains, oversee First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR), and foster strong commercial partnerships with premier aerospace prime contractors.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Portfolio Leadership & Team Governance

• Directly supervise and mentor Program Managers (PM I, PM II, PM III) across aerospace product lines; build technical capabilities in compliance and customer communication.

• Oversee resource allocation, cross-project dependencies, and proactive risk assessments across the aerospace portfolio.

• Deliver transparent executive performance reporting on milestone progress, quality gate compliance, schedule performance index (SPI), and program profitability.


Aerospace Quality, Compliance & Gateway Execution

• Ensure all program activities align with AS9100 standards, customer flow-down requirements, NADCAP special processes, and export controls.

• Manage program lifecycles through strict aerospace gate reviews (PDR, CDR, PRR, First Article Inspection / FAIR signoff).

• Oversee precise interpretation of engineering drawings, customer Statement of Work (SOW), material specifications (titanium, aluminum alloys, composites), and strict revision control.


Aerospace Supply Chain & Traceability Oversight

• Lead procurement and MP&L teams in sourcing certified aerospace raw materials, long-lead hardware, and specialized heat-treat/coating processes with full lot traceability.

• Direct key supplier performance, timing, and quality audits to ensure alignment with strict delivery schedules.

• Lead Corrective Action Requests (CAR) and Material Review Board (MRB) non-conformance reviews to maintain flawless quality standards.


Commercial Strategy & Expansion

• Capture design revisions and out-of-scope customer requests; negotiate fair price adjustments and timing extensions.

• Manage overall aerospace portfolio profitability, non-recurring engineering (NRE) charges, and capital tooling spend.

• Serve as the primary focal point for aerospace customer program offices, driving high customer satisfaction and repeat contract awards.


QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:


Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business, or equivalent aerospace manufacturing experience.

• 7+ years of program management experience in aerospace precision machining, sheet metal, structural assemblies, or composite components.

• 3+ years of leadership experience supervising Program Managers (PM I/II/III) or technical project leaders.

• Deep knowledge of AS9100 quality management systems, First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR per AS9102), and aerospace gate rhythms (PDR/CDR).

• Proven background managing high-value aerospace raw materials, special processes (NADCAP), and material certification traceability.

• Proficiency with PLM/ERP tools, bill of materials (BOM) management, and advanced CAD/engineering change control.


Preferred:

• PMP (Project Management Professional) or PMI-ACP Certification.

• Familiarity with ITAR / EAR export regulations and defense program requirements.

• Experience leading growth in newly established aerospace manufacturing divisions.


WHAT WE OFFER:

• Competitive Salary + Performance Bonus

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• 401(k) with Company Match

• Career growth and leadership exposure in high-growth sectors (Automotive, Defense, Aerospace)

• Paid Time Off and Recognized Holidays