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Contract Aerospace Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Contract Schedule: On-site (Remote work not available) Starting Pay: $50.00/hour (Higher pay may be available based on experience) Position Summary We are seeking an Aerospace Mechanical Engineer to ...

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Contract Aerospace Engineering information

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How much do contract aerospace engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract aerospace engineering in Virginia is $48.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.77 and $50.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a contract aerospace engineer do?

A contract aerospace engineer designs, develops, tests, and evaluates aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems on a temporary or project basis. They often work with CAD software, adhere to safety standards, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to meet project specifications and deadlines.

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 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 most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Contract Aerospace Engineering job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,908 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Aerospace Engineering Analyst

CACI International, Inc.

Charlottesville, VA โ€ข On-site

$82K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Aerospace Engineering Analyst
Job Category: Engineering
Time Type: Full time
Minimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCI
Employee Type: Regular
Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%
Type of Travel: Continental US
* * *
The Opportunity:
CACI is seeking an Aerospace Technologies Analyst to perform and manage the production of various products in coordination with project and program leadership at the National Ground Intelligence Center in Charlottesville VA.
This position will research and exploit key data sources to assess capabilities of foreign Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
You will leverage knowledge of aerospace engineering and UAV/UAS to develop analytical assessments to developing systems technologies, combat environments, concepts of operation, and tactics to develop assessments of intentions and capabilities, limitations, and vulnerabilities of foreign UAV and UAS technologies.
You will fully inform and ensure discussion advantage across multiple threshold and objective requirements.
Responsibilities:
โ€ข Must be capable of conducting analysis on foreign fixed wing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), specifically engineering analysis and characterization of system design and sub technologies, aerodynamic properties, flight performance (e.g., range, endurance, payload, etc.), and tactical effectiveness.
โ€ข Predict future capabilities and effectiveness based on modifications or evolutionary changes; and identification of vulnerabilities for exploitation/threat mitigation by US materiel solutions.
โ€ข Fully inform and ensure decision advantage across multiple threshold and objective requirements (e.g., Detect & Identify, Track, Defeat)
โ€ข Based on known and anticipated requirements, increase threat characterization, signature development and dissemination throughput to close standing informational gaps.
โ€ข Determine technical omissions, discrepancies, and reliability of all-source material by applying known technical constraints on equipment operation or technology application, and extrapolating from established data on foreign equipment characteristics, foreign research and development (R&D) and production capabilities.
Qualifications:
โ€ข BA/BS degree Aerospace, Aeronautic, or similar engineering discipline.
โ€ข 3+ years of experience serving in a technical analytical role on DoD related programs and projects.
โ€ข All source intelligence analysis experience is preferred.
โ€ข Must have demonstrated capability producing analytic assessments with experience in unmanned aerial systems.
โ€ข Must have strong verbal and written skills.
โ€ข Active in scope DoD TS/SCI security clearance is a requirement.
โ€ข Ability to conduct analysis and produce comprehensive technical assessments that include independent research and technical writing.
โ€ข U.S. Military experience is beneficial.
โ€ข Must have demonstrated capability producing analytic assessments.
โ€ข Must possess the ability to work independently with minimal oversight while maintaining focus on research objectives defined by the client.
โ€ข Analytical and/or hands-on experience with UAV and UAS.
Desired:
Insert 3-5 bullet points here
What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground - in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range:
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
The proposed salary range for this position is:
$82,100-$172,400
CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.