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Contract Aerospace Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

CSG

Avionics Specialist

Sterling, VA · On-site

Contract Start Date: Immediate The Opportunity We are partnering with an innovative aerospace engineering company specialising in the design, development, integration, and testing of advanced ...

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Contract Aerospace Engineering information

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How much do contract aerospace engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contract Aerospace Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Aerospace Engineering job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,908 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Design Engineering Manager

The Structures Company

Mattaponi, VA • On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE: Design Engineering Manager
LOCATION: Mattaponi, VA
PAY RATE: $120K – 200K/year

We are a national aerospace and defense staffing agency seeking highly qualified candidates for a position with a top-tier client.

Job Details:

  • Job Type: Contract (Full Time)

  • Industry: Aerospace / Defense / Aviation

  • Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna)

  • Perks: Bonus potential + Priority access via Tier 1 supplier

  • Openings Nationwide: Thousands of opportunities across the U.S.

Qualifying Questions:

  • Are you a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined under ITAR regulations?

  • Do you meet the educational and experience requirements for this role?

  • Can you commute to the job location or relocate if necessary?

Summary: 

  • Leads the design engineering team in the development of mechanical, structural, and integrated product designs.

  • Provides technical oversight and guidance throughout concept development, detailed design, prototyping, testing, and production release.

  • Ensures engineering solutions meet customer requirements, performance objectives, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

  • Drives design reviews and technical decision-making processes for engineering projects.

  • Evaluates and approves technical approaches, trade studies, and design solutions.

  • Ensures Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Testability (DFT) principles are incorporated into designs.

  • Supports new product development efforts from initial concept through production transition.

  • Partners with Structural Analysis, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program teams to optimize product performance and producibility.

  • Supports prototype development, testing, and product qualification activities.

  • Identifies technical risks and develops mitigation plans for engineering programs.

Requirements:

  • Must be a U.S. Person (as defined by ITAR).

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.

  • 8+ years of design engineering experience.

  • 3+ years of engineering leadership or management experience.

  • Strong CAD experience (SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo, NX, or similar).

  • Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams for product development.

  • Experience supporting products through development and production release.

  • Aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, robotics, or complex engineered product experience strongly preferred.

  • Experience with Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Testability (DFT) principles.

  • Experience planning and allocating engineering resources across multiple programs.

About Us:

The Structures Company is a premier national aerospace and defense staffing agency specializing in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. We deliver expert workforce solutions across engineering, IT, production, maintenance, and support roles.

As trusted partners to leading aerospace and defense OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, we connect professionals with career opportunities to grow and excel in aviation, aerospace, and defense.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) to comply with ITAR regulations.

Keywords: aerospace, aviation, engineering, maintenance, aircraft design, defense

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