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Entry Level Aerospace Engineering Jobs in Reston, VA

Digital Engineer, Mid

Arlington, VA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

You Have: 1+ years of experienceengineering on aDoW, national security, or aerospace program ... Master's degree in Engineering * Entry level digital tool Certification such as STK Level 1, OCSMP ...

New

COMSEC Test Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

From entry-level engineers to mission program leads, we create space for every employee to thrive ... Born in Huntsville and built for speed, Aurex brings together aerospace veterans, combat-tested ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Aerospace Engineering information

See Reston, VA salary details

$31.2K

$72.2K

$122.8K

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

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level aerospace engineering in Reston, VA is $72,161.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,600.00 and $81,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level aerospace engineer?

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 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 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.

Does NASA hire entry-level aerospace engineers?

NASA hires entry-level aerospace engineers through competitive internship and recent graduate programs, often requiring a relevant degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering and knowledge of tools like CAD and MATLAB. These positions provide opportunities for new graduates to gain experience in spacecraft design, aerodynamics, and propulsion systems.

Is it hard to get hired as an entry level aerospace engineer?

Entry level aerospace engineering positions can be competitive, often requiring a relevant bachelor's degree, strong technical skills, and internships or project experience. Employers look for candidates with knowledge of CAD software, aerodynamics, and basic systems analysis, but the hiring process generally favors those with practical experience and a solid academic background.

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Aerospace Engineering jobs in Reston, VA?

For Entry Level Aerospace Engineering jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Aerospace Engineering jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Aerospace Engineering jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Entry Level Aerospace Engineering jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Entry Level Aerospace Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Aerospace Engineering job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $72,161 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

DARPA - Tactical Technology Office (TTO) Entry-Level Engineer / Scientist

Amentum

Arlington, VA • On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

*** Please note, positions are contingent upon award ***

Amentum is a leading provider of engineering, scientific, and program management support services to some of the top agencies in the U.S. government, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the intelligence community.

The mission of DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office (TTO) is to reimagine every aspect of military hardware design, development, test, manufacture, and sustainment – with a focus on rapid, affordable, and scalable deployment – to create and prevent technological surprise. TTO’s goal is to demonstrate compelling hardware at the smallest scale that traces to disruptive capability, with designs that reduce risk and cost by managing complexity and that can be manufactured responsively and affordably. Additional information on TTO is available here: https://www.darpa.mil/about/offices/tto.

*** Please note, positions are contingent upon award ***

Amentum is seeking entry-level engineers to support the development and execution of technology demonstration programs in TTO. This position will provide support to Government Program Managers (PMs) as part of an interdisciplinary team. This is a full-time position with the requirement to work on-site at the client location (Ballston neighborhood of Arlington, VA). Some domestic travel (~20%) may be required.

Responsibilities May Include:
  • Providing Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) to DARPA in the execution of advanced technology, research, and prototype demonstration programs
  • Providing technical support to DARPA PMs, performers, integrated product teams (IPTs), and associated research and development communities across industry, academia, and government
  • Identifying and translating requirements into technology research and development objectives
  • Providing overarching support to program/s to include, as needed, attending biweekly calls for performers, attending major reviews, drafting programmatic documentation for DARPA and transition partners, attending transition partner meetings and internal DARPA team meetings
  • Supporting technical interchange meetings and design reviews
  • Supporting program experimentation and testing efforts, including preparation of experiment/test plans and coordination with performers, government agents, and test facilities
  • Contributing to program briefings and technical documentation and reports
Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering, scientific, or technical discipline
  • 1 year of relevant experience
  • Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance. Please note US citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  • A basic understanding of technologies related to systems/equipment support and test & evaluation for Department of War (DoW) programs
  • Demonstrated experience in a TTO relevant area, including systems engineering, aerospace and propulsion engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, physical and chemical science, material science, hypersonics and aerothermodynamics, advanced strategic systems, aircraft design, naval architecture and marine engineering, autonomy, unmanned systems, robotics, sensors and remote sensing, computational fluid dynamics, human-machine learning, AI/ML, and other relevant scientific areas (see TTO website linked above)
  • The demonstrated professionalism, maturity, sound judgement, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary for daily interactions with executive-level audiences in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work independently or in a team setting as circumstances dictate
  • Strong writing skills; highly organized with excellent attention to detail
Highly Desired Attributes:
  • Master’s degree in a relevant engineering, scientific, or technical discipline
  • Active Secret security clearance, with ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance. Please note US citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  • Familiarity with technology assessment for military or commercial system applications
  • DARPA or other ARPA agency (ARPA-H, IARPA, ARPA-E, etc.) experience
Compensation Details:

$100K-$135K depending on qualifications and experience

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
  • Educational reimbursement
  • Parental leave
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tax-saving options
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

09/03/2026 - 09/06/2026

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.

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