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Nasa Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

asrcfh

Scheduler - NASA Langley

Hampton, VA · On-site

ASRC Federal AFSS is seeking a Planner / Scheduler to support a NASA contract in Hampton, VA ... Bachelor's degree in a related field (such as Business, Engineering, or Project Management) and 2 ...

asrcfh

Scheduler - NASA Langley

Hampton, VA

ASRC Federal AFSS is seeking a Planner / Scheduler to support a NASA contract in Hampton, VA ... Bachelor's degree in a related field (such as Business, Engineering, or Project Management) and 2 ...

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All JobsNasa Engineer JobsNasa Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Nasa Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$20.4K

$96.6K

$170.2K

How much do nasa engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for nasa engineer in Virginia is $96,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,563.00 and $121,566.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior aerospace engineers, especially those working at NASA or in the aerospace industry, can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and profit sharing. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced degrees, specialized skills, and leadership roles in high-stakes projects.

What does a NASA engineer do?

A NASA engineer designs, builds, and tests spacecraft, satellites, rockets, and related technology for aeronautics and space exploration. Their work includes developing innovative solutions to complex technical challenges, collaborating with scientists and other engineers, and ensuring the safety and reliability of missions. NASA engineers may specialize in areas such as aerospace, mechanical, electrical, software, or systems engineering, and often work on projects that push the boundaries of science and technology.

How do I get into NASA as an engineer?

To become a NASA engineer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, physical science, or mathematics, with many roles requiring a master's or higher. Relevant skills include proficiency in engineering tools and software, and obtaining security clearances may be necessary for certain positions. Gaining experience through internships or co-op programs can also improve chances of employment at NASA.

What is the difference between Nasa Engineer vs Aerospace Engineer?

AspectNasa EngineerAerospace Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, often with specialized training in space systemsBachelor's or higher in aerospace or mechanical engineering, with focus on aircraft and spacecraft
Work EnvironmentGovernment space agencies, research labs, mission control centersAircraft manufacturing, aerospace firms, government agencies, research institutions
Employer & IndustryNASA, government space programs, space research organizationsPrivate aerospace companies, defense contractors, government agencies

While both Nasa Engineers and Aerospace Engineers work in the aerospace industry, Nasa Engineers specifically focus on space missions, spacecraft, and research for NASA. Aerospace Engineers have a broader scope, including aircraft design and space systems, often working in commercial or defense sectors. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and technical skills, but their work environments and project focus differ.

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

To thrive as a NASA Engineer, you generally need a strong background in engineering or physical sciences, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or advanced degree. Proficiency with specialized software like MATLAB, CAD tools, and familiarity with systems engineering processes is typically required, along with any necessary security clearances. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication set standout candidates apart in collaborative and interdisciplinary environments. These skills are crucial for developing innovative solutions to complex aerospace challenges and ensuring mission success.

What type of engineers work in NASA?

NASA employs various types of engineers, including aerospace, mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers, to design, develop, and maintain spacecraft, satellites, and related technology. These engineers typically hold degrees in their respective fields and work with specialized tools and simulations in a highly technical environment.

What is a NASA engineer's salary?

NASA engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and specific roles. Salaries can vary based on federal pay scales, location, and level of seniority, with additional benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What are some common challenges NASA engineers face when working on space missions?

NASA engineers often encounter unique challenges such as designing systems that can withstand extreme space environments, working within strict safety and reliability standards, and solving complex problems with limited resources or time. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams is crucial, as engineers need to coordinate with scientists, mission planners, and technicians to ensure mission success. Adapting to evolving project requirements and staying updated with cutting-edge technology are also key aspects of the role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Nasa Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Nasa Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Nasa Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Nasa Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Nasa Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Nasa Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Nasa Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Nasa Engineer job openings:
Nasa Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nasa Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,625 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Software Assurance Engineer

APT Research, Inc.

Wallops Island, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position Description Summary:

APT Research is hiring a Software Assurance Engineer for our SMAS III contract. This position supports the ARES Safety and Mission Assurance Support (SMAS) III contract to provide onsite software safety assurance support for the NASA Safety & Mission Assurance (S&MA) Division at Wallops Flight Facility (WFF). This work involves expertise and skills related to software safety engineering, hazard analyses, and software engineering process review with a focus on Commercial launch AFTU checks, WFF safety-critical software analysis updates, oversight of Wind Weighting and Balloons avionics development, and evaluation of control systems modifications.

APT is an employee-owned engineering services company specializing in conducting safety and quality analyses for the U.S. Government. APT offers competitive salaries, advancement opportunities that match your professional development interest, and excellent benefits including being voted as the best place for working parents. Our employees are owners, each share in the commitment to deliver safe, reliable, and innovative Analysis, Planning, & Test Solutions and services that exceed expectations, build employee pride of ownership, and optimize shareholder value.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide software assurance and safety engineering support for NASA mission and project software, with emphasis on safety-critical systems and Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) operations.
  • Support multiple small projects with compliance verification, hazard analysis, and lifecycle oversight in accordance with NASA standards (NPR 7150.2, NASA-STD-8739.8) and Range Commanders Council (RCC) requirements.
  • Software Assurance & Safety Analysis:
  • Classify software and assess criticality using NASA engineering requirements (NPR 7150.2, NASA-STD-8739.8)
  • Develop and maintain software assurance plans, hazard analyses, and risk assessments
  • Perform requirements, design, and implementation analyses for safety-critical systems, including code coverage, complexity metrics, and static analysis verification
  • Maintain bi-directional traceability between requirements, design, implementation, tests, and hazard analyses
  • Verification & Validation:
  • Conduct process audits for compliance with NASA and safety-critical software standards
  • Analyze test plans, procedures, and verification activities; witness safety-critical tests
  • Monitor product integration and confirm test sufficiency
  • Track non-conformances, perform root cause analysis, and maintain risk/concern logs
  • WFF Flight Safety Support:
  • Maintain safety-critical software inventory and support commercial launch provider evaluations
  • Review and assess RCC 319 document tailoring and compliance plans
  • Participate in Autonomous Flight Termination Unit (AFTU) development and provide launch operations support
  • Evaluate proposals for flight systems modifications and new developments
  • Program Support:
  • Participate in milestone and peer reviews representing software safety
  • Collect and analyze software assurance metrics; report task progress
  • Coordinate with government on project schedules and deliverables

Required Experience/Education:

  • Education: Bachelors degree in computer science or related
  • Experience: A minimum of seven years of related experience
  • Technical Knowledge: NASA software engineering standards and directives (NPR 7150.2, NASA-STD-8739.8, GSFC policies)
  • Active DOD Clearance Required
  • Software safety criticality assessment methodologies
  • Hazard analysis techniques and risk assessment frameworks
  • Software development lifecycle (SDLC) processes and best practices
  • Core Competencies:
  • Requirements analysis and traceability management
  • Verification and validation (V&V) methodologies
  • Process audit execution and compliance verification
  • Code quality analysis (code coverage, cyclomatic complexity, static analysis)
  • Safety-critical software identification and classification
  • Analytical & Communication:
  • Technical writing (software assurance plans, hazard analyses, audit reports, assessments)
  • Metrics collection, trending, and analysis
  • Stakeholder coordination and presentation skills
  • Root cause analysis and problem-solving
  • Multi-project coordination and prioritization
  • Will need to complete training courses on Software Safety for Practitioners, Intermediate Software Reliability, Systems Safety Engineering, and Software Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis and Fault Tree Analysis as well as 392-WI-7150.4 Software auditor skills training in order to perform process audits

Preferred Experience:

  • Range Commanders Council (RCC) standards, particularly RCC 319 and Appendix A
  • NASA Range Safety and Payload Safety requirements
  • Autonomous Flight Termination Unit (AFTU) systems knowledge
  • Flight safety systems and launch operations experience
  • Commercial launch vehicle operations and oversight
  • Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) activities
  • Government project support and contracting environments
  • Experience with safety-critical embedded systems
  • Familiarity with Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) operations
  • Experience with antenna control units, avionics systems, or flight termination systems
  • Software architecture and detailed design analysis for mission-critical applications
  • Prior participation in milestone reviews as software safety representative

Security Clearance Requirement:

  • Must have an active DOD clearance

Essential Job Functions:

Work Environment:

  • Full time, 40+ hours a week when required, including periodic extended shifts, weekends, holidays, and shift changes (1st, 2nd or 3rd as required).
  • Work in excess of 40 hours a week (comp time, or OT when approved by CO) will be frequently required.
  • Working in non-environmentally controlled areas.
  • Working at heights (with fall protection) sometimes required.
  • Working in confined spaces sometimes required.

Travel Requirements:

  • May Require ability to travel domestically <10%

Physical Requirements:

  • Extended periods of standing, stooping, and bending are expected.
  • Ability to climb stairs
  • Ability to lift >15 lbs.

Other Essential Functions:

  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgement
  • Work attire must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk / hazard to the employee or others

EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled

APT Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in its job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the following email address, hr@apt-research.com and/or phone number (256.327.3373) to contact us about your interest in employment with APT Research, Inc.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, citizenship, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. APT Research, Inc. participates in E-Verify.


Job Posted by ApplicantPro