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Principal Aerospace Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Enigma Aerospace

Principal Aerospace Engineer

Burlington, MA · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Enigma Aerospace is seeking a highly experienced Principal Aerospace Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of our large, next-generation autonomous aircraft system. This is a ...

AEVEX

Principal Aerospace Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

Job Overview The Principal Aeromechanical Engineer is responsible for leading and overseeing the ... Aerospace Engineering. Master's Degree preferred. Experience Minimum of 10+ years of experience in ...

AEVEX

Principal Aerospace Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Job Overview The Principal Aeromechanical Engineer is responsible for leading and overseeing the ... Aerospace Engineering. • Master's Degree preferred. Experience • Minimum of 10+ years of ...

AEVEX

Principal Aerospace Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

Job Overview The Principal Aeromechanical Engineer is responsible for leading and overseeing the ... Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. * Master's Degree preferred. Experience

Henkel

Scientific Principal, Aerospace

Bay Point, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering or closely related discipline * 7+ years' experience in scientific research or product development * 5+ years ...

HEICO

Mechanical/Aerospace Engineer

Temecula, CA

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or ... Ability to apply mathematical concepts related to engineering principals needed to perform the job ...

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How much do principal aerospace engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal aerospace engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal aerospace engineer?

A Principal Aerospace Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for leading the design, analysis, and development of aerospace systems, including aircraft, spacecraft, and related technologies. They oversee engineering teams, ensure compliance with industry standards, and contribute to innovative solutions for aerospace challenges. Their role often involves project management, technical mentorship, and collaboration with other engineering disciplines. Additionally, they may work on research and development to advance aerospace technology and improve system performance.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as a principal aerospace engineer?

As a Principal Aerospace Engineer, you will typically oversee the design, development, and testing of advanced aerospace systems, such as aircraft, spacecraft, or satellites. Your responsibilities often include leading engineering teams, managing technical reviews, coordinating with cross-functional departments, and ensuring projects meet regulatory and safety standards. You may also mentor junior engineers, contribute to strategic planning, and interface directly with clients or stakeholders. The role is both technically challenging and highly collaborative, requiring a mix of hands-on engineering work and high-level project leadership.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal aerospace engineer?

To thrive as a Principal Aerospace Engineer, a strong background in aerospace engineering, advanced problem-solving, and leadership skills are required, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and extensive industry experience. Proficiency with design software such as CATIA or SolidWorks, familiarity with simulation tools, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are highly valued. Outstanding project management, communication, and mentoring abilities distinguish top performers in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for driving innovation, ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards, and successfully leading complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.

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Principal Aerospace Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Aerospace Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Aerospace Engineer

Enigma Aerospace

Burlington, MA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Enigma Aerospace is seeking a highly experienced Principal Aerospace Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of our large, next-generation autonomous aircraft system. This is a unique opportunity to join the founding team of a venture-backed aerospace company at the ground level. We're looking for a hands-on technical leader with a passion for aviation and a track record of delivering complex aerospace technologies. In this role, you will have primary responsibility for the aircraft design, systems architecture, significantly contribute to the development and integration efforts, establish and manage vendor relationships, and help grow a high-performing technical team. Success in this role requires deep experience in system architecture, cross-functional design and development, systems integration, test, and operational readiness of large autonomous aircraft platforms.
 
 
Responsibilities
  • Lead the aircraft and systems design from initial development through build, test, and delivery to the manufacturing team
  • Define and track key system-level design parameters throughout the design
  • Develop and validate simulation models for fixed wing aircraft dynamics, integrating aerodynamics, propulsion systems, avionics, and environmental factors
  • Architect, model, simulate, and implement structural, avionics, propulsion, and flight controls systems to meet aircraft performance and stability
  • Lead detailed structural, thermal, and electromagnetic analysis of critical airframe components to ensure durability, reliability, and compliance
  • Forge and manage strong vendor relationships
  • Ensure all sub-systems work harmoniously together by defining, developing, and testing robust interfaces
  • Embody a proactive and optimistic approach, bringing a can-do attitude to the workplace every day, fostering a positive and dynamic work environment
  • Travel up to 30% of the time including domestic and international
Desired Qualifications
  • MS or higher degree in a relevant engineering field
  • 10+ years of technical experience in the aerospace and/or defense industry, with experience working on large (>500 lbs. MTOW) fixed wing unmanned and/or autonomous aircraft systems
  • Proven experience leading an aircraft design from requirements through prototyping to manufacturing
  • Deep and broad knowledge of UAS sub-systems from avionics to structures, mission software, and systems integration
  • Experience with government programs or development of DoD technology
  • Experience in the development and delivery to a schedule of a complex hardware and software system
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate problems and solutions to both technical and non-technical individuals
  • Excels at collaborating in a fast-paced startup environment with changing priorities, technical requirements, and a growing team
  • Must be eligible to work in the US
Great to have Qualifications and Skills
  • Experience successfully delivering large, fixed wing UAS or autonomous aircraft(s) in a similar function
  • Strong ability to quickly perform trade studies along design, components, systems, vendor dimensions and present to leadership
  • Experience with lab and flight testing of aircraft and/or major subsystems
  • Broad understanding across major aircraft systems (aerodynamics, flight controls, structures, avionics, propulsion including IC engines, mission software, etc.) with meaningful depth in at least one
  • Experience with systems engineering, requirements management, CAD, software engineering, and program management tools
  • You are an empathetic team-player, who is an excellent listener and can persuasively communicate their ideas and plans to parties of all backgrounds
  • You are an ambitious and self-motivated individual who eagerly approaches ambiguity and is committed to delivering a high-quality work product
  • You are a highly detail-oriented with a track record of sound judgement
  • You are an avid aviation enthusiast, private pilot, and have flight experience
  • You have military experience and hold a security clearance

Benefits, Equity, & Work Location

Enigma Aerospace offers a competitive benefits package including generous healthcare with the option to include an HSA, a 401k plan with a company match component, unlimited PTO, flexible work-from-home policies, stock options, free parking on-site, and a well-stocked snacks and coffee environment.

This position is eligible for equity compensation.

Our headquarters is currently located in Burlington, MA. This position is primarily on-site with an expectation that commuting to our test sites will be required often.

About Enigma Aerospace

Enigma Aerospace is building the next-generation autonomous air cargo solution for military and commercial markets. By combining a novel fixed-wing aircraft design with advanced mission and flight autonomy software, Enigma enables runway-independent resupply in vast, contested theaters and dramatically reduces the cost of commercial cargo delivery. Our technologies deliver charter-level performance at freight prices, redefining what's possible in the $150B air cargo market.

Headquartered in Burlington, MA, Enigma is a venture-backed company founded by UAS and logistics experts, including a U.S. Air Force veteran. The founding team brings experience from leading organizations such as American Robotics, Airobotics, Exponent, the United States Air Force, Parsons, DIU, and Apple.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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