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Contract Aerospace Engineering Jobs in Washington

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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All JobsContract Aerospace Engineering JobsContract Aerospace Engineering Jobs in Washington

Contract Aerospace Engineering information

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$34

$55

$112

How much do contract aerospace engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract aerospace engineering in Washington is $55.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.54 and $57.45 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 Washington?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contract Aerospace Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Aerospace Engineering job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,277 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer

Ventus Solutions

Arlington, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Ventus Executive Solutions is a dynamic small business at the forefront of innovation and consulting. We believe our employees' success is integral to our mission, which is why we prioritize work-life balance, personal development, andfosteringa sense of belonging. In addition to providing opportunities to thrive, we offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits to attract andretaintop talent ready to make a meaningful impact.As part of the VentusSolutionsteam,you'llcollaborate with government and industry leaders to develop constructive architecture models that inform decision-making at the highest levels of the Department of Defense.As an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) we value curiosity, collaboration, and excellence, andwe'recommitted to supporting your professional growth through mentorship, career development, and a culture of continuous learning. Join a team where your ideas matter, yourexpertisedrives impact, and your work advances the mission.

Ventus Executive Solutions is seeking askilled Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to support an innovative program office. You will provide technical support and independent assessments to the Government Program Manager while supporting the development and execution of advanced aerospace technology initiatives. Responsibilities include evaluating technical progress across multiple performers, leading technical interchange meetings and design reviews, supporting experimentation and test activities, developing technical documentation and program briefings, and assisting with transition planning to military Services and Combatant Commands. You will possess extensive experience in GNC systems, flight control, navigation, autopilot technologies, or related aerospace vehicle subsystems and have demonstrated success leading complex technical development efforts within defense research, development, and acquisition environments. Join our innovative team and contribute to impactful national security initiatives.

Work Location:Onsite: Arlington, VA

Travel:Up to 25% local and domestic

Clearance:Active Secret required, TS/SCI preferred

Required Experience:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field.
  • Minimum 12 years of professional engineering or scientific experience.
  • 5+ years of experience developing guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), flight control, navigation, autopilot, and/or power electronics systems for aerospace vehicles.
  • Experience supporting a Department of War (DoW) research and development organization (DARPA, SCO, AFRL, JHTO, etc.), acquisition organization, or as a performer supporting such organizations.
  • Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional engineering teams and technical development efforts.
  • Experience supporting technical reviews, technical interchange meetings, experimentation activities, and test programs.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Desired Experience:

  • Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience supporting the development of hypersonic vehicles, re-entry systems, tactical missile systems, or other high-speed aerospace platforms.
  • Familiarity with Department of Defense programming, requirements development, science and technology initiatives, and acquisition processes.
  • Experience conducting system architecture trades, modeling and simulation activities, verification and validation efforts, or flight test campaigns.
  • Experience supporting transition planning and engagement with military Services, Combatant Commands, and other government stakeholders.

The expected salary range for this position is $150,000 - $200,00. This range represents a good-faith estimate and is not a guarantee; final compensation is determined by factors such as experience, qualifications, and government contract labor rate requirements and may fall outside the stated range. In addition to base pay, Ventus offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare benefits (medical, dental, and vision), ESOP participation, retirement plans, and generous paid time off.

Employment Type: Full-Time

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