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Principal Aerospace Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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

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 ...

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How much do principal aerospace engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 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 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Aerospace Engineer

Cummings Aerospace Inc

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Overview

The Principal Aerospace Engineer position is a full-time exempt position. The individual will be a technical leader for engineering activities including the development of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithms and modeling and simulation tools, performing GNC trade studies and performance assessments of aerospace systems, and leading engineering analysis. The individual will develop advanced technological ideas and guide their development into a final product, reporting to a Program Manager in our Air-Force Programs business unit.


Roles & Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of simulation models and software for aerospace or weapon system applications.
  • Lead the development of GNC concepts, provide robustness and stability analysis, establish performance limitations.
  • Have oversight of analysis of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) concepts for aerospace or weapon system applications.
  • Organize software implementation of complex guidance, navigation, and controls algorithms.
  • Lead a small team of scientists and engineers to model, simulate and study the performance of potential Air Force guided weapon systems, concepts and advanced weapon subsystem technologies.
  • Document and present results to technical leads, management and/or customers.
  • Lead the development and on-time delivery of technical products to our customers.
  • Ensure corporate policies and procedures are adhered to in the performance of duties.
  • Support other duties as assigned.


Skills and Competencies

  • BS degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or related field is required, MS degree or PhD is desired.
  • 15-20 years of engineering experience in guidance, navigation, and controls algorithm development and analyses; experience on DoD programs desired.
  • Extensive experience with the theory and design of feedback control systems.
  • Extensive experience with 6-DOF simulations of atmospheric flight vehicles (flight mechanics or flight dynamics).
  • Extensive experience developing Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithms.
  • Experience using Matlab, C++, or Python is desired.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Works under only general direction and independently develops solutions that are reviewed upon completion.


Physical Requirements 

  • Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time
  • Ability to bend, stretch and lift up to 10 pounds occasionally

 

Location

  • Niceville, Florida or the Washington DC area

 

Clearance: Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance is required


Cummings Aerospace provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Cummings Aerospace complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.


Cummings Aerospace expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Cummings Aerospace’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.