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Entry Level Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

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Entry Level Aerospace Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$34K

$78.6K

$133.7K

How much do entry level aerospace engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level aerospace engineer in Washington, DC is $78,599.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,400.00 and $89,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level aerospace engineer do?

An entry-level aerospace engineer works with a team of senior staff members to develop and design aircraft or spacecraft, depending on their specialization. Your responsibilities in this career include supporting other engineers to ensure that the product or prototype meets the necessary safety and environmental regulations. Your duties involve troubleshooting any problems with the project and evaluating its financial and practical feasibility. You can find entry-level aerospace engineer positions in both the private and public sectors, with jobs available in manufacturing and R&D services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level aerospace engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Aerospace Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, strong mathematical and analytical skills, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CAD software, finite element analysis tools, and industry-specific standards is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help set you apart in this role. These skills are crucial for designing safe, efficient aerospace systems and collaborating effectively on complex engineering projects.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level aerospace engineers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level aerospace engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to complex technical projects, learning specialized software tools, and understanding rigorous industry standards. It can also be daunting to work on multidisciplinary teams where clear communication is essential. To overcome these hurdles, new engineers should actively seek mentorship, participate in training programs, and take initiative in asking questions. Building strong relationships with colleagues and being open to feedback will help accelerate professional growth and integration into the team.

What is the difference between Entry Level Aerospace Engineer vs Aerospace Technician?

AspectEntry Level Aerospace EngineerAerospace Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineeringAssociate's degree or technical certification
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, and development in offices and labsTesting, assembly, and maintenance in labs and manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace design firms, government agencies, and manufacturingManufacturers, maintenance facilities, and testing centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Aerospace Engineers focus on designing and analyzing aircraft and spacecraft, requiring a bachelor's degree. Aerospace Technicians assist in testing and maintenance, typically with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the aerospace industry but differ in education, responsibilities, and work environment.

More about Entry Level Aerospace Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Aerospace Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Aerospace Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

For Entry Level Aerospace Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Aerospace Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Aerospace Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Entry Level Aerospace Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Aerospace Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,599 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Aerospace Software Engineer/Developer

Laurel, MD • On-site

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 74 rated research

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratoryexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Description
Are you interested in taking missile system models and translating their design characteristics into algorithms and methodologies that can be used in flight-ready software?
Do you like working with a team to take innovative ideas from proof of concept to program ready final products?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a software engineer/developer to help us develop and translate algorithms, concepts and approaches for the mission planning, fire control and guidance of missile systems to flight-ready software.
As an Aerospace Software Engineer/Developer you will...
  • Develop software for mission planning, weapon control, and guidance systems using advanced methodologies
  • Design methods for evaluating and testing developed software
  • Algorithmically model the challenging dynamics of hypersonic vehicles in varying environments
  • Interact with sponsors and external representative to formulate concepts of operation for these novel and advanced technologies
  • Document and present work to sponsors and third-party collaborators

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; Computer Science; applied mathematics; or related technical field and 2+ years of relevant experience
  • Have significant experience in programming languages such as C++, MATLAB, or Python
  • Are familiar with software repositories, bug tracking systems, and collaboration tools.
  • Have knowledge of flight dynamics, navigation, guidance, and control
  • Are able to obtain a Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Hold a M.S. or PhD. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; Computer Science; applied mathematics; or related technical field with relevant experience in modeling and simulation of flight systems
  • Have experience developing 3-DoF and/or 6-DoF flight simulations
  • Have some knowledge of optimization techniques/optimal control
  • Have worked with solvers such as SNOPT, IPOPT, ECOS, etc.
  • Are willing and able to travel 10 to 20 days a year
  • Hold an active Top Secret security clearance or higher

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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