ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables ... junior engineers in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment. RESPONSIBILITIES * Optimize ...
ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables ... junior engineers in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment. RESPONSIBILITIES * Optimize ...
ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables ... Mentor junior engineers in estimation theory and flight software development * Author technical ...
ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables ... Mentor junior engineers in estimation theory and flight software development * Author technical ...
ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables ... junior engineers in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment. RESPONSIBILITIES * Optimize ...
ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables ... junior engineers in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment. RESPONSIBILITIES * Optimize ...
ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables ... Mentor junior engineers in estimation theory and flight software development * Author technical ...
ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables ... Mentor junior engineers in estimation theory and flight software development * Author technical ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
Mclean, VA · On-site
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
Mclean, VA · On-site
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
Mclean, VA · On-site
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
Mclean, VA · On-site
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables ... Mentor junior engineers in estimation theory and flight software development * Author technical ...
ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables ... Mentor junior engineers in estimation theory and flight software development * Author technical ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Principal Aerospace Engineer
Tampa, FL · On-site
They provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, contribute to project ... Aerospace Engineering. • Master's Degree preferred. Experience • Minimum of 10+ years of ...
Principal Aerospace Engineer
Tampa, FL · On-site
They provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, contribute to project ... Aerospace Engineering. • Master's Degree preferred. Experience • Minimum of 10+ years of ...
Principal Aerospace Engineer
Tampa, FL · On-site
They provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, contribute to project ... Aerospace Engineering. • Master's Degree preferred. Experience • Minimum of 10+ years of ...
Quick apply
Principal Aerospace Engineer
Tampa, FL · On-site
They provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, contribute to project ... Aerospace Engineering. • Master's Degree preferred. Experience • Minimum of 10+ years of ...
Establishing strong working relationships with government, program office, and contractor personnel as well as other members of Aerospace's engineering group. * Mentoring junior members of the ...
Establishing strong working relationships with government, program office, and contractor personnel as well as other members of Aerospace's engineering group. * Mentoring junior members of the ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Aerospace Manufacturing SME
$139K - $251K/yr
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth. * Maintain the ability ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional ...
Junior Aerospace Engineer information
See salary details
$33.5K - $40.4K
3% of jobs
$40.4K - $47.3K
20% of jobs
$48.8K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$47.3K - $54.2K
7% of jobs
$54.2K - $61.1K
6% of jobs
$61.1K - $68K
12% of jobs
The median wage is $68.5K / yr.
$68K - $75K
17% of jobs
$78.6K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$75K - $81.9K
17% of jobs
$81.9K - $88.8K
7% of jobs
$88.8K - $95.7K
4% of jobs
$95.7K - $102.6K
3% of jobs
$102.6K - $109.5K
2% of jobs
$33.5K
$71.8K
$109.5K
How much do junior aerospace engineer jobs pay per year?
As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior aerospace engineer in the United States is $71,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
Is 3.3 a good GPA for aerospace engineering?
A 3.3 GPA for a junior aerospace engineer is generally considered acceptable, especially if complemented by relevant internships, technical skills, and project experience. Employers often value practical experience and skills alongside GPA, but a higher GPA can improve competitiveness for internships and entry-level positions in the aerospace field.
What engineers make $500,000?
Senior aerospace engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in design and systems, and leadership roles can reach salaries around $500,000, especially in high-paying industries or companies. Achieving this level often requires advanced degrees, specialized certifications, and a track record of significant project contributions.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Junior Aerospace Engineer position, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Junior Aerospace Engineer, a solid understanding of aerospace engineering principles, mathematics, and physics is essential, often supported by a related bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CAD software, finite element analysis tools, and industry standards such as AS9100 or FAA regulations is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help junior engineers collaborate and contribute meaningfully in multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for delivering innovative solutions, ensuring safety and compliance, and advancing within the aerospace industry.
What engineers make $300,000 a year?
Senior aerospace engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in design and systems, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually. Such compensation often includes bonuses, profit sharing, or stock options, especially in large aerospace companies or specialized sectors like defense or commercial space exploration.
What is a Junior Aerospace Engineer job?
A Junior Aerospace Engineer assists in the design, analysis, testing, and development of aircraft, spacecraft, or related systems. They work under the supervision of senior engineers, performing calculations, simulations, and technical documentation. Their role may involve researching new materials, troubleshooting performance issues, and ensuring designs meet safety and regulatory standards. This entry-level position helps engineers gain hands-on experience in aerodynamics, propulsion, and structural analysis.
What types of projects or tasks can a Junior Aerospace Engineer expect to work on during their first year?
As a Junior Aerospace Engineer, you can expect to assist with tasks such as drafting designs, performing basic engineering analyses, running simulations, and preparing technical documentation under the guidance of senior engineers. You may be involved in supporting the development and testing of components for aircraft or spacecraft, troubleshooting engineering issues, and participating in team meetings or reviews. Typically, you'll work within a structured team, gaining exposure to every stage of the design and development process. This hands-on experience is vital for building foundational skills, understanding industry standards, and growing your expertise for future advancement.
What does a junior aerospace engineer do?
A junior aerospace engineer assists in designing, testing, and analyzing aircraft and spacecraft components under the supervision of senior engineers. They often work with CAD software, perform simulations, and contribute to project documentation to support aerospace development efforts.
More about Junior Aerospace Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Junior Aerospace Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Junior Aerospace Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Aerospace Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Junior Aerospace Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Aerospace Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Junior Aerospace Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Aerospace Engineer jobs are:
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO
Posted 21 days ago
Firefly Aerospace rating
8.4
Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
28th of 60 rated aerospace companies
Job description
ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space - anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.
SUMMARY
As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer specializing in trajectory and maneuver design at Firefly, you will design and optimize spacecraft trajectories and maneuver sequences for operational missions spanning LEO and cislunar space. In this role, you will develop targeting algorithms, create error budgets, and serve as a flight dynamics operator while collaborating with cross-functional teams to translate mission designs into executable operations. This position combines advanced mission design with hands-on operational support while mentoring junior engineers in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space - anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.
SUMMARY
As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer specializing in trajectory and maneuver design at Firefly, you will design and optimize spacecraft trajectories and maneuver sequences for operational missions spanning LEO and cislunar space. In this role, you will develop targeting algorithms, create error budgets, and serve as a flight dynamics operator while collaborating with cross-functional teams to translate mission designs into executable operations. This position combines advanced mission design with hands-on operational support while mentoring junior engineers in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Optimize spacecraft trajectories to satisfy mission requirements while balancing delta-V budgets, mission duration, and payload constraints
- Design and maintain mission designs from the conceptual phase through the end of spacecraft mission operations
- Develop algorithms to target maneuvers that achieve spacecraft mission objectives
- Create maneuver error budgets and perform sensitivity analysis to assess robustness to execution uncertainties
- Formulate and analyze contingency maneuver plans and abort scenarios for off-nominal conditions
- Interface with cross-discipline teams to translate maneuver plans into executable command sequences and operational procedures
- Serve as a flight dynamics operator for spacecraft missions and perform maneuver reconstruction to improve spacecraft models
- Perform verification and validation of flight dynamics models and software using analytical solutions, benchmarks, flight data, and unit tests
- Author technical documentation and analysis reports that communicate flight dynamics concepts and results to diverse audiences
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field
- 5-8 years of experience in spacecraft flight dynamics with significant depth in mission design or maneuver planning
- Experience supporting operational spacecraft missions through multiple mission phases
- Advanced understanding of orbital mechanics theory and applications
- Understanding of spacecraft attitude control and its impact on maneuver execution accuracy
- Strong understanding of targeting and optimization methods
- Knowledge of estimation theory and uncertainty modeling
- Experience in software development and modeling/simulation for spaceflight applications
- Working knowledge of Python and Linux
- Proficiency with one or more commercial trajectory design software tools (STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or similar)
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Advanced degree (master's or PhD) in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field
- Expert-level proficiency in STK for spacecraft trajectory design
- Python proficiency and experience with JPL's MONTE software suite
- Software engineering expertise including skills in version control (Git), code review, automated testing, documentation, and CI/CD workflows
- Comprehensive knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and their impact on trajectory design and maneuver planning
- Proven ability to mentor and develop junior engineers while managing technical responsibilities
Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.