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Elite Aerospace Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shield AI

Director, Structures X-BAT (R5047)

San Diego, CA · Remote

$210K - $320K/yr

This role requires a technically elite aerospace leader who thrives in fast-moving environments, can build and scale high-performing engineering organizations, and is energized by solving complex ...

Shield AI

Director, Structures X-BAT (R5047)

Dallas, TX · Remote

$210K - $320K/yr

This role requires a technically elite aerospace leader who thrives in fast-moving environments, can build and scale high-performing engineering organizations, and is energized by solving complex ...

Neon Aerospace

Senior Engineer, Propellers

Manchester, CT

$105K - $144K/yr

Work alongside elite engineering talent and innovators from across aerospace and tech. * Be part of a team moving faster than the industry standard. * Shape solutions that are lower-cost, autonomous ...

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Elite Aerospace information

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How much do elite aerospace jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for elite aerospace in the United States is $26.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Elite Aerospace vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectElite AerospaceAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsFAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license, specialized aerospace trainingFAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license, general aircraft maintenance training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, aerospace repair centers, aircraft assembly linesAirports, maintenance hangars, repair stations
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace manufacturing and high-precision aircraft assemblyAircraft repair, inspection, and routine maintenance

Elite Aerospace professionals focus on aerospace manufacturing and specialized assembly, often requiring advanced certifications. Aircraft Maintenance Technicians perform routine and repair work on aircraft in various settings. While both roles require FAA A&P certification, Elite Aerospace roles emphasize manufacturing expertise, whereas Aircraft Maintenance Technicians focus on maintenance and repair tasks.

What is an Elite Aerospace engineer?

An Elite Aerospace engineer is a highly skilled professional who designs, develops, tests, and supervises the manufacturing of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They often work on cutting-edge technology and advanced systems, ensuring safety, efficiency, and performance in aerospace vehicles. These engineers may specialize in fields like aerodynamics, avionics, propulsion, or structural design, and usually have advanced degrees and extensive experience in the aerospace industry.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in elite aerospace roles, and how can they prepare for them?

Professionals in elite aerospace positions often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving technology, stringent regulatory requirements, and high expectations for accuracy and safety. Staying current with industry advancements, maintaining strong attention to detail, and regularly participating in training can help address these demands. Additionally, effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is essential, as projects often involve engineers, designers, and compliance experts working together to solve complex problems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aerospace Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as an Aerospace Engineer, you need a strong background in aerodynamics, structural analysis, and engineering principles, typically backed by a bachelor's or master's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB or ANSYS, and familiarity with industry certifications such as EIT or PE is crucial. Excellent problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate on complex projects and convey technical concepts clearly. These competencies are essential to ensure the safety, innovation, and efficiency required in designing and maintaining advanced aerospace systems.
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What job categories do people searching Elite Aerospace jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Elite Aerospace jobs are:
Elite Aerospace jobs near you
Infographic showing various Elite Aerospace job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,862 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Sales Manager

Elite Engineering and Manufacturing LLC

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$90K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Director of Aerospace and Defense Sales

Elite Engineering & Manufacturing, LLC
Location: Southern California (preferred)

Elite Engineering & Manufacturing is a precision manufacturing company built to support the most demanding industrial environments. We partner with leading high-tech companies to produce complex, high-mix components where precision, speed, and execution discipline are non-negotiable. Our work sits at the intersection of advanced machining, fabrication, and engineering collaboration — delivering parts that matter in industries where failure is not an option.

We are now making a deliberate and strategic expansion into aerospace and defense. With newly obtained AS9100 certification and established ITAR compliance, Elite is positioned to compete for and win serious aerospace and defense programs. We are seeking a Director of Aerospace and Defense Sales to help build this vertical from the ground up — identifying high-value opportunities, securing program wins, and establishing long-term customer partnerships that define the next phase of the company’s growth.

This is not a maintenance role. It is a build role. The right candidate will directly shape the trajectory of Elite’s aerospace and defense business — influencing revenue scale, customer mix, and market position. We require a "Commercial Hunter" who thrives on high-stakes influence. The ideal candidate is a Persuader: someone who can leverage deep relationships to fast-track procurement processes and build trust directly with decision makers. We need a deal-architect, not just a bidder.

This role involves navigating long, program-based sales cycles and working through rigorous customer qualification processes common to aerospace and defense programs. Success will come from the ability to earn trust over time, convert technical capability into awarded programs, and grow those wins into repeat production and long-term partnerships.

While headquartered in Santa Clara, our primary aerospace/defense focus is Southern California, and we strongly prefer candidates embedded in that ecosystem.

What You’ll Do
  • Own business development efforts across aerospace/defense on the West Coast
  • Build and expand trusted relationships with OEMs, Tier 1s, and Tier 2 suppliers
  • Identify high-value opportunities and convert them from initial conversation through RFQ, award, and repeat production
  • Act as the commercial face of Elite with customers — on-site visits, technical discussions, and program follow-through
  • Partner closely with engineering, estimating, and operations to align customer needs with manufacturing execution
  • Recruit, mentor, and scale a high-performing aerospace and defense sales team as the vertical expands
  • Build and manage a disciplined opportunity pipeline with clear visibility into timing, value, and probability


This is a field-driven, quota-carrying role — not inside sales, and not a lead-passing position.

What We’re Looking For
  • 5+ years of outside sales experience in aerospace/defense manufacturing
  • Strong understanding of CNC machining and/or sheet metal fabrication in an AS9100 environment
  • Existing access to decision-makers within potential aerospace/defense customers is required
  • Comfortable discussing prints, tolerances, materials, processes, and lead times with engineering and supply chain teams
  • Self-directed, commercially sharp, and motivated by closing real production work
  • High "Task" and High "Relationship" orientation. You must be able to open doors through charisma and close deals through rigorous commercial discipline
  • Willing to travel locally and regionally to support customers and programs
Compensation

For this role, the target salary range is $80,000-$125,000 (actual range may vary based on experience and performance) plus material performance-based incentives tied directly to revenue and project awards. This role is designed for significant upside — top performers who build meaningful, recurring aerospace/defense programs will be compensated accordingly. Total earnings will scale directly with revenue generated and margin delivered.

This is the lowest to highest salary we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Ideal Fit

This role is best suited for a builder — someone who enjoys turning technical conversations into awarded programs and long-term customer partnerships. We are looking for a producer who measures success in closed orders, repeat work, and program wins, not just meetings booked. This position is suited for someone seeking a well-capitalized business, upper-market compensation, and a role with real authority and impact. As aerospace/defense revenue scales, this role is expected to evolve into a broader leadership role at the company.