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Entry Level Aerospace Engineering Jobs in Raleigh, NC

FPGA Systems Development Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$125K - $161K/yr

We are seeking a motivated, entry-level FPGA System Development Engineer to our Aerospace, Défense and Communication Business Unit. The goal of the FPGA Team is to develop and deploy high quality ...

FPGA Systems Development Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$125K - $161K/yr

We are seeking a motivated, entry-level FPGA System Development Engineer to our Aerospace, Defense and Communication Business Unit. The goal of the FPGA Team is to develop and deploy high quality ...

Project Engineer I

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$67K - $86K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Construction Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field is ... Our work encompasses an array of industrial sectors, including aerospace, chemical, electric power ...

Project Engineer I

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$67K - $86K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Construction Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field is ... We will train an entry level graduate and/or hire an experienced industrial construction project ...

Project Engineer I

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$67K - $86K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Construction Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field is ... We will train an entry level graduate and/or hire an experienced industrial construction project ...

Entry Level Aerospace Engineering information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$29.2K

$67.4K

$114.7K

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

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level aerospace engineering in Raleigh, NC is $67,425.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,100.00 and $76,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an entry-level aerospace engineer?

As an entry-level aerospace engineer, you will typically support senior engineers on projects such as designing, testing, and analyzing aircraft or spacecraft components. Your daily tasks may include creating CAD models, running simulations, reviewing technical documentation, and participating in team meetings to discuss project progress. Collaboration is common, as you'll work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers. Over time, you may take on more complex assignments and gradually increase your responsibility within the team.

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 grasp of engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software (like CATIA or SolidWorks), MATLAB, and simulation tools is commonly expected, along with knowledge of relevant industry standards. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this collaborative and technically demanding field. These competencies are vital for designing safe, innovative aerospace systems and contributing effectively to multidisciplinary project teams.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

In aerospace engineering, high salaries reaching or exceeding $500,000 annually are typically associated with senior roles such as aerospace engineering managers or chief engineers, especially those working in leadership positions or in the defense and space sectors. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and management responsibilities, and may include bonuses or profit sharing that contribute to total compensation.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced aerospace engineers, especially those in senior management or specialized roles such as aerospace project directors or chief engineers, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and often working in leadership positions within aerospace companies or defense contractors.

What does an entry level aerospace engineer do?

An entry level aerospace engineer typically assists in designing, testing, and evaluating aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to analyze data, develop technical reports, and support the creation of prototypes. Responsibilities may also include using computer-aided design (CAD) software, performing calculations, and helping ensure projects meet safety and quality standards. This role is ideal for recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in the aerospace industry.

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

AspectEntry Level Aerospace EngineeringAerospace Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineeringAssociate's degree or technical certification
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, and development in offices or labsHands-on assembly, maintenance, and testing in labs or manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, aerospace companies, government agenciesManufacturers, maintenance facilities, aerospace service providers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level engineering roles in aerospaceTechnical roles supporting aerospace systems

Entry Level Aerospace Engineering focuses on designing and analyzing aerospace systems, requiring a bachelor's degree. Aerospace Technicians perform hands-on maintenance and testing, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the aerospace industry but differ in education, responsibilities, and work environment.

What are entry-level aerospace engineering jobs?

Entry-level aerospace engineering jobs typically include roles such as aerospace engineer, design engineer, or test engineer, often requiring a bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. These positions involve tasks like designing aircraft or spacecraft components, performing simulations, and supporting testing processes, with proficiency in CAD software and knowledge of industry standards. They usually offer on-the-job training and opportunities for professional development.

Is 3.3 a good GPA for aerospace engineering?

A 3.3 GPA for an entry-level aerospace engineering position is generally considered acceptable, especially if complemented by strong technical skills, internships, or project experience. Employers often look for a GPA of 3.0 or higher, but practical experience and relevant skills can be equally important in this field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Aerospace Engineering jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Aerospace Engineering jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Entry Level Aerospace Engineering jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Entry Level Aerospace Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Aerospace Engineering job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,425 per year, or $32.4 per hour.
Aerospace Structural Engineer

Aerospace Structural Engineer

Collier Aerospace

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Our Why
At Collier Aerospace, our mission is to help our customers reach their unique structural analysis and design goals with more accurate results in less time. We are a team of passionate employees who want to contribute to each customer's goal in the best way possible across space launch, reusable rocket, commercial airframe, business jet, eVTOL, bike frame, and speed boat applications. We accomplish this with our leading software, HyperX, through software development and engineering support. As you join our team, you join our company mission and become an integral partner in increasing efficiency and innovation throughout the world.
Our Culture
We foster a highly supportive and collaborative environment where our meetings are a mix of brainstorming, analysis, and humor. When you're stuck, our employees are always eager to lend a helping hand. We offer a relaxed and casual dress code to promote a comfortable atmosphere. Our passion and drive fuel us as we strive to make a lasting impact on our company, customers, and industry.
Requirements
  • Candidates should have comprehensive experience in performing aerospace structural stress analysis and design. The candidates should have many of the following capabilities:
  • Bachelor's Required; Master's Preferred
  • (0-2) years' experience - entry level
  • Following aerospace industry practices, capability to perform structural analysis and design with composite materials. Additionally experience with metals a plus.
  • Understanding of overall load paths and an intuitive feel for the efficient use of structural concepts and materials. Experience performing classical hand stress analysis and finite element analysis (FEA) with either Nastran/Abaqus/Optistruct; FEM meshers Hyperworks/FEMAP/Ansa; and a plus to have CAD competence with Catia/3DX/NX.
  • Proficiency in applying appropriate failure theories, preparing structural analysis reports, and identifying critical load conditions and margins-of-safety.
  • Knowledge of panel buckling, local buckling, crippling, and material strength as well as classical in-plane laminate stress analysis. Experience with both ply based (max strain, Tsai-Wu) and laminate based (AML, polynomial) strength prediction approaches and associated material allowables, including damage.
  • Experience with analysis of composite fasteners for bearing and bypass, and bonded joints for out-of-plane interlaminar shear and peel stress analysis, or residual strength energy solutions.
  • Experience sizing structures for minimum weight and practical design experience of composite laminates, including ply drop ratios and layup patterns on complicated surfaces, such as padups around cutouts and bolted joints.
  • Strong documentation, communication, and presentation skills.
  • US Citizen.

Roles and Responsibilities
  • Ability to learn and use HyperX for preliminary and detail analysis/design sizing optimization of full airframe and space vehicles. Candidates must be adept at using engineering software tools, learning new software and analysis methods, and working in a Windows OS environment.
  • Use HyperX and other software tools to analyze and design customer airframes and space launch vehicles.
  • Perform trade studies for weight savings and part producibility. Perform both preliminary and detail design and analysis. Document design and analyses results.
  • Candidates will be reporting directly to NASA and industry OEM customers and must be able to verify and describe the application of external loadings and their resolution into critical internal mechanical and thermal load paths, and to the resulting optimum design and their margins of safety.
  • Ensure project issues are resolved in a timely fashion with your related experience and competence and an ability to create workaround procedures when needed. Escalate urgent problems requiring more in-depth knowledge to appropriate engineering leads.
  • Participate in overall HyperX software testing and provide your suggestions to development and modification of the software.

Benefits
  • Competitive salary and benefits (PTO, 401(k), health insurance, HSA/HRA eligibility, life and disability insurances)
  • Exposure and involvement with many companies and their current aircraft designs (commercial transports/UAM eVTOLS/military planes) and space launch designs (commercial rockets/space tourism vehicles/demonstrator X planes)
  • Occasional travel to customer facilities
  • Small company, large impact
  • Passionate coworkers
  • Company events and conferences