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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 · 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 ...

AEVEX

Principal Aerospace Engineer

Tampa, FL

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 ...

SAIC

Aerospace Engineer Principal

Crane, IN · Hybrid

ORA_HYBRID Description SAIC is seeking a Principal Aerospace Engineer to support the US Navy in Crane, IN. NOTE: This is a hybrid position requiring the candidate to be onsite approximately 1-4 days ...

SAIC

Aerospace Engineer Principal

Crane, IN · Hybrid

ORA_HYBRID Description SAIC is seeking a Principal Aerospace Engineer to support the US Navy in Crane, IN. NOTE: This is a hybrid position requiring the candidate to be onsite approximately 1-4 days ...

AllSTEM Connections

Sr. Principal Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$172K/yr

Senior Principal Aerospace Engineer (Structural Repair) Role Overview We are seeking a high-level Senior Principal Engineer to serve as the technical authority for the design, analysis, and ...

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How much do principal aerospace engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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 job?

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 in the Principal Aerospace Engineer position, and why are they important?

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

Principal Aerospace Engineer

Approach Venture LLC

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

$160K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Principal Aerospace Engineer - Fixed-Wing UAS Design and Production
Fort Worth, Texas | On-site
Opportunity Summary
A venture-backed aerospace and defense startup developing advanced unmanned aircraft systems is seeking a Principal Aerospace Engineer to lead fixed-wing aircraft design efforts across development, flight validation, and production readiness activities. Backed by active government programs and early customer engagement, the company is focused on building scalable air vehicle platforms capable of rapid iteration, manufacturability, and operational deployment. This is a principal-level technical leadership role responsible for major air vehicle design decisions spanning conceptual development, aerodynamic configuration, structural integration, and production-aligned engineering execution. The engineer will help guide aircraft architecture from early concepts through prototype and production configurations while balancing performance, manufacturability, structural integrity, and mission requirements. The position is highly hands-on and ideal for someone experienced operating in fast-paced aerospace environments where engineering decisions directly influence flight capability, manufacturability, and long-term platform scalability.
About Us
We are an early-stage aerospace and defense company building advanced unmanned aircraft systems for government and commercial applications. The team operates in a highly collaborative engineering environment focused on rapid aircraft development, scalable manufacturing, and mission-driven system performance. Engineers work closely across disciplines to bring production-capable aerospace platforms from concept through testing and operational deployment.
Job Duties
  • Lead fixed-wing aircraft design activities including air vehicle configuration, aerodynamic layout, structural integration, and mass properties development
  • Own major aircraft trade studies related to payload integration, endurance, range, manufacturability, and overall system performance
  • Translate mission requirements into executable aircraft architectures and technical design baselines
  • Support conceptual aircraft sizing studies, performance analysis, and configuration down-select activities
  • Lead or oversee structural design efforts including material selection, load paths, joint concepts, and primary airframe architecture
  • Coordinate with analysis and manufacturing teams to ensure designs support scalable production and assembly efficiency
  • Drive design maturity from early prototype configurations through production-ready aircraft systems
  • Support engineering release activities, configuration management, and production readiness reviews
  • Work closely with manufacturing, avionics, systems engineering, supply chain, and quality teams to resolve design and producibility issues
  • Support ground and flight test planning, execution, and post-test design validation activities
  • Investigate test findings and implement corrective design improvements based on flight and hardware data
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering teams
  • Support future platform definition, proposal efforts, and long-term technical roadmap planning

Qualifications
  • 10+ years of aerospace engineering experience with direct fixed-wing aircraft or unmanned aircraft system experience
  • Strong background in aircraft configuration development, aerodynamic design, or aerospace structural design
  • Experience owning major air vehicle design decisions from concept through prototype and production phases
  • Familiarity with manufacturability-driven aerospace design and production-aligned engineering practices
  • Experience supporting rapid aerospace development and iterative hardware programs
  • Strong first-principles engineering capability and technical decision-making judgment
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related technical discipline
  • Ability to travel to test sites, production facilities, and customer locations as needed
  • Strong communication and cross-functional technical leadership skills

Preferred Experience
  • Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field
  • Experience with aluminum or composite aerospace structures
  • Familiarity with aircraft loads development, structural validation, or airworthiness processes
  • Experience supporting rapid flight test campaigns or operational aerospace programs
  • Exposure to design-to-cost initiatives and scalable aerospace manufacturing environments
  • Experience supporting missionized aerospace platforms or government-funded development programs

Why Join Us
  • Opportunity to help define next-generation unmanned aircraft systems from early development through production
  • Principal-level ownership with direct influence on aircraft architecture, performance, and manufacturability
  • Exposure to rapid aerospace development, flight testing, and scalable production environments
  • Collaborative engineering culture centered around real hardware execution and technical problem solving
  • Early-stage environment with significant technical ownership, visibility, and long-term growth opportunity

Compensation Details
$160,000 - $195,000
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