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Principal Aerospace Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Materials Engineer

Berthoud, CO · On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

As a Principal Materials & Processes Engineer at Ursa Major, you are a recognized technical leader ... Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on materials selection and processes for critical aerospace ...

The future of aerospace and defense starts here. Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how ... As a Principal Materials & Processes Engineer at Ursa Major, you are a recognized technical leader ...

Principal Materials Engineer

Berthoud, CO · On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

The future of aerospace and defense starts here. Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how ... As a Principal Materials & Processes Engineer at Ursa Major, you are a recognized technical leader ...

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Principal Aerospace Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal aerospace engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 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 engineers make $500,000?

Principal aerospace engineers and other senior-level engineers in high-demand industries can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly in large aerospace or defense companies.

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.

Do aerospace engineers make 800k a year?

Aerospace engineers typically do not earn $800,000 annually; their salaries generally range from $70,000 to $150,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. High-level aerospace engineers with extensive experience, leadership roles, or working in defense or private space companies may earn higher salaries, but reaching $800,000 is uncommon in the field. Such compensation usually involves executive or specialized positions combined with bonuses or profit sharing.

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.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Aerospace Engineers and other senior-level aerospace engineers can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in aerodynamics, propulsion, or systems engineering, and often hold advanced degrees or professional certifications. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and employer, with roles in defense, commercial aerospace, and space exploration typically offering higher salaries.

Can I make 200k as an Aerospace Engineer?

Principal Aerospace Engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-cost regions can earn salaries around or above $200,000 annually. Factors such as industry sector, certifications, and employer size influence compensation, with senior roles often reaching this level. Entry-level aerospace engineers typically earn less, but salaries increase with experience and specialization.
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What cities are hiring for Principal Aerospace Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Aerospace Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Aerospace Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Principal Aerospace Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Principal Aerospace Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Aerospace Engineer jobs include:
Principal Engineer, Software Engineering

Principal Engineer, Software Engineering

Collins Aerospace

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$133K - $203K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Collins Aerospace rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 243 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-05-04

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-105 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 105

Position Role Type:

Unspecified

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Security Clearance Type:

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

Rockwell Collins Inc. d/b/a Collins Aerospace has an opening for a Principal Engineer, Software Engineering in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Joining Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology.

What YOU will do

  • Develop, coordinate and conduct complex tests and debug control and diagnostic systems that contain logical and mathematical solutions.
  • Conduct multidisciplinary research and collaborate with other project team members in the planning, design, development and utilization of electronic data processing systems for product and commercial software to ensure smooth operations on software engineering activities.
  • Design and implement build procedures that are used to support hardware and software product development and function.
  • Recommend changes in the selection and application of software production components to improve and develop software engineering activities.
  • Determine end-user needs by analyzing system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements and input data acquisition.

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Must possess at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field and at least 8 years of progressive experience as a Software Engineer or related role in the Aerospace/Defense industry. In the alternative, at least a master’s degree or its equivalent in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field and at least 5 years of experience as a Software Engineer or related role in the Aerospace/Defense industry would be acceptable.
  • Must possess at least 5 years of experience in Development and certification of Safety critical Flight Deck Avionics software with Avionics regulatory and Certification requirements and processes such as TSO, DO-178 B/C, DO-160.
  • Must possess at least 5 years of software engineering project management experience with leading scrum teams, project data reporting for cost and schedule, working with Certification authorities, attending and/or leading SOI audits.
  • Must possess at least 5 years of experience with DOORS, Jama, Jira, Confluence, and/or Microsoft Project.
  • Must possess at least 5 years of experience working closely with multi-disciplinary engineering teams such as Software, Systems, Hardware, and Mechanical.
  • Non-US Person - Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the company’s immigration sponsorship now or in the future. The company will not offer immigration sponsorship for this position. The company will not seek an export authorization for this role. 

Learn More & Apply Now!

Avionics: Our Avionics team advances flight deck solutions, airborne communications, vision systems, sensors and fire protection for commercial and military customers around the world. That means we’re helping people reach their destination safely and keeping pilots, passengers, flight crews, airlines, airports and military personnel connected and informed. And we’re providing industry-leading fire protection and safety systems that our customers can count on when it matters most. Are you ready to learn from the most knowledgeable experts in the industry, develop the technologies of tomorrow and reach new heights in your career? Join our Avionics team today.

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work onsite. This

includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

The salary range is $133,494.00 to $203,000.00 USD per year. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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About Collins Aerospace

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Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

2018