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Contract Aerospace Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The QE responsible for interpreting Customer contract requirements, engineering drawings & data ... Knowledge of the Aerospace industry is preferred. * Inspection of detail parts, tooling and ...

The QE responsible for interpreting Customer contract requirements, engineering drawings & data ... Knowledge of the Aerospace industry is preferred. * Inspection of detail parts, tooling and ...

The QE responsible for interpreting Customer contract requirements, engineering drawings & data ... Knowledge of the Aerospace industry is preferred. * Inspection of detail parts, tooling and ...

Aerospace Engineer Level IV

Washington, DC ยท Hybrid

$154K - $211K/yr

KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology ... This is a contingent position based upon contract award. Position Overview The Aerospace Engineer ...

The QE responsible for interpreting Customer contract requirements, engineering drawings & data ... Knowledge of the Aerospace industry is preferred. * Inspection of detail parts, tooling and ...

Aerospace Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

If you want to solve real-world challenges and lead mission-critical engineering related to ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Aerospace Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site +1

$86K - $198K/yr

If you want to solve real-world challenges and lead mission-critical engineering related to ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Aerospace Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

If you want to solve real-world challenges and lead mission-critical engineering related to ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Aerospace Engineering information

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$30

$48

$99

How much do contract aerospace engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 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 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.
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Cities with the most Contract Aerospace Engineering job openings:

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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,781 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Quality Engineer - Aerospace Engineering

Sonaca

Vista, CA โ€ข On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

WHO ARE WE
Sonaca North America is driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence. As a leading provider of aerospace and defense solutions, we are dedicated to making air and space travel safe and sustainable. We have 13 locations across North America and our engineering expertise and operational excellence set us apart from the competition.
Since the beginning in 1948, we have a proven track record of delivering high-quality products and services that are reliable, safe, and efficient. Our team of experts is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve in the aerospace and defense industry, utilizing the latest technologies and processes to ensure that we deliver the best possible solutions to our customers.
POSITION SUMMARY
We are currently seeking a Quality Engineer (QE). The QE responsible for interpreting Customer contract requirements, engineering drawings & data sets, specifications, and other technical information to ensure compliance and proper implementation in the Quality Management System (QMS). The role of the QE spans the entire scope of the QMS, from contact/proposal review through final delivery and documentation of quality acceptance.
In all actions, the QE will support Strategy, Quality Policy, and Values by supporting our commitment to total customer satisfaction, quality products and services, and employee development.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
The essential duties and responsibilities of the QE will vary depending upon the assignment within a particular operation and manufacturing location at Sonaca North America. The following list represents the key activities typical of this role:
  • Identify and communicate Customer contractual requirements
  • Provide interface to the Customer for quality related activities
  • Host and provide support for customer or industry quality audit or certification activities
  • Create Quality Assurance Program Plans, as applicable
  • Update and maintain procedures and work instructions to ensure compliance with Customer requirements
  • Conduct process and product audits in support of quality compliance
  • Participate in design review, design verification, and Integrated Product Team (IPT) support, as required
  • Create inspection plans, and methods for the manufacturing operations, including inspection equipment and tools necessary to provide efficient inspection processes. This would include the creation of First Article Inspection (FAI) plans, as required.
  • Assist and train personnel in procedures and processes establishing and documenting inspection criteria and process improvements including process auditing
  • Participate in and lead team based corrective action and continuous improvement efforts related to continuous quality improvement
  • Utilize qualitative and statistical methods and tools to collect, summarize, analyze, interpret and communicate process capability and performance. This would include the use of key statistical process control (SPC) tools.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCES
  • Bachelor's degree from four-year College or University with major course work in engineering, quality, or science preferred along with 3-5 years Quality Engineering experience in the aerospace industry. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be accepted.
  • Knowledge of the Aerospace industry is preferred.
  • Inspection of detail parts, tooling and assemblies required. Aerospace inspection experience and knowledge of computer aided design systems and digital product definition o5r model based definition objects is preferred.
  • Auditing experience required, preferably to AS9000/AS9100. Lead Auditor certification for AS9000/AS9100 preferred.
  • Experience in performing root cause analysis and corrective action development.
  • Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to use enterprise applications (e.g., material resource planning, product lifecycle management) and a variety of special software applications on a daily basis.
  • Certification to the Body of Knowledge for ASQ Quality Engineering preferred.
  • US Citizenship.

WHY CHOOSE SONACA NORTH AMERICA?
We take care of our people.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with a percentage company-match contribution
  • Competitive wages
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid time off
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental insurance
  • Short-term disability
  • Long-term disability
  • Employee assistance plan - for access to counseling, consulting and other community resources
  • Wellness program
  • Tuition assistance

Subject to eligibility, terms, and conditions
Pay Range - $85,000-$95,000 annually
This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties may differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, may be required. This document does not create an employment contract. Employees of the Company are employed on an "at will" basis and may be terminated at any time.
Sonaca North America is an equal employment opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, Sonaca North America provides access and opportunities to those with disabilities. This includes providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans who seek to access the company's online application system. If an applicant is unable to fully access the online application system, Sonaca North America will provide a reasonable accommodation. Applicants with disabilities may contact us at 636-916-2400 for assistance accessing the on-line application system. Callers should have a detailed description of the requested accommodation, their name and preferred method of contact ready for Sonaca North America's Human Resources Department. Sonaca North America will make every effort to respond within two (2) business days. This phone number is not for the general submission of application materials.
Sonaca North America is an E-Verify Employer.
Sonaca North America is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Disability/Veterans Employer
NOTICE ON FRAUDULENT JOB OFFERS
It has been brought to our attention that there have been instances of fraudulent job offers, purporting to be from Sonaca North America and/or its affiliates ("LMI Aerospace").
This type of fraud is normally carried out through online services such as false websites, or through fake e-mails or call from people claiming to be from the company. These persons offer fraudulent employment opportunities to applicants and often ask for sensitive personal and financial information. The fraudsters may also request recipients to provide personal information and/or to make payments as part of their fake recruiting process.
Sonaca North America does not ask for any financial commitments from candidates as a pre-employment requirement and will always require candidates to formally apply for positions via the Careers Page or job postings.
Sonaca North America has no responsibility for fraudulent offers and if you believe you have been a victim of a fraudulent job offer concerning Sonaca North America, please email info@sonaca-na.com.