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Senior Aerospace Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Turion Space

Senior Aerospace Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

As a Senior Aerospace Engineer you will lead the design, system trades, integration, and testing of both Independent Research and Development (IRAD) and hosted payload projects. You will also be ...

Turion Space

Senior Aerospace Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

As a Senior Aerospace Engineer you will lead the design, system trades, integration, and testing of both Independent Research and Development (IRAD) and hosted payload projects. You will also be ...

Leidos

Aerospace Manufacturing SME

Mclean, VA · On-site

$139K - $251K/yr

Leidos has an exciting opening for a Senior Aerospace Manufacturing Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support a customer on-site in Northern Virginia. This position is part of a highly skilled team of ...

Leidos

Aerospace Manufacturing SME

Mclean, VA · On-site

$139K - $251K/yr

Leidos has an exciting opening for a Senior Aerospace Manufacturing Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support a customer on-site in Northern Virginia. This position is part of a highly skilled team of ...

Nwis

Aerospace Engineer

Sterling, VA

The Senior Aerospace Engineer will serve as a member of a team responsible for monitoring and facilitating technical development and production projects being performed for a government customer. Job ...

Nightwing

Aerospace Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

The Senior Aerospace Engineer will serve as a member of a team responsible for monitoring and facilitating technical development and production projects being performed for a government customer. Job ...

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Aerospace Engineer, Sr

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

$115K - $200K/yr

As a Senior Aerospace Engineer with AMERICAN SYSTEMS you will have the opportunity to do the following: * Be the engineering lead in support of flight control system development; aircraft modeling ...

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Aerospace Engineer, Sr

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

$115K - $200K/yr

Responsibilities As a Senior Aerospace Engineer with AMERICAN SYSTEMS you will have the opportunity to do the following: * Be the engineering lead in support of flight control system development ...

Leidos

Aerospace Manufacturing SME

Springfield, VA

$139K - $251K/yr

Description Leidos has an exciting opening for a Senior Aerospace Manufacturing Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support a customer on-site in Northern Virginia. This position is part of a highly ...

Leidos

Aerospace Manufacturing SME

Burke, VA

$139K - $251K/yr

Description Leidos has an exciting opening for a Senior Aerospace Manufacturing Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support a customer on-site in Northern Virginia. This position is part of a highly ...

Leidos

Aerospace Manufacturing SME

Germantown, MD

$139K - $251K/yr

Description Leidos has an exciting opening for a Senior Aerospace Manufacturing Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support a customer on-site in Northern Virginia. This position is part of a highly ...

Leidos

Aerospace Manufacturing SME

Potomac, MD

$139K - $251K/yr

Description Leidos has an exciting opening for a Senior Aerospace Manufacturing Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support a customer on-site in Northern Virginia. This position is part of a highly ...

Leidos

Aerospace Manufacturing SME

Chantilly, VA

$139K - $251K/yr

Description Leidos has an exciting opening for a Senior Aerospace Manufacturing Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support a customer on-site in Northern Virginia. This position is part of a highly ...

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Senior Aerospace information

See salary details

$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior aerospace jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior aerospace in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Aerospace Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering principles, advanced mathematics, and physics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and several years of industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software, finite element analysis tools, and aerospace-specific certifications like a Professional Engineer (PE) license are often required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you manage complex projects and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are essential for developing innovative, safe, and reliable aerospace systems in a highly regulated and technologically advanced industry.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Senior Aerospace Engineer, and how do they differ from those of junior team members?

As a Senior Aerospace Engineer, you will typically oversee complex projects, lead design and analysis efforts, and mentor junior engineers. Your role often involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and project management, to ensure design feasibility and compliance with regulations. Unlike junior engineers, you are expected to make critical technical decisions, manage project timelines, and contribute to strategic planning. This position offers opportunities to shape project direction and advance into leadership or specialized technical roles.

What is the difference between Senior Aerospace vs Aerospace Engineer?

AspectSenior AerospaceAerospace Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Engineering, experience preferredBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, testing in aerospace companies or government agenciesDesign, analysis, and testing of aerospace systems in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for experienced professionals leading projects or teamsEntry to mid-level professionals involved in aerospace projects

Senior Aerospace roles typically require more experience and involve leadership responsibilities, while Aerospace Engineers focus on designing and analyzing aerospace systems at various experience levels. Both roles are integral to the aerospace industry, but Senior Aerospace positions emphasize oversight and strategic planning.

What are Senior Aerospace Engineers?

Senior Aerospace Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They lead engineering teams, oversee projects, and ensure that designs meet safety and performance standards. Their work involves applying advanced principles of aerodynamics, materials science, and structural analysis. Typically, they also mentor junior engineers and contribute to research and development efforts within the aerospace industry.
More about Senior Aerospace jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Aerospace jobs? Cities with the most Senior Aerospace job openings:
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Senior Aerospace jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Aerospace job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Sr Aerospace Engineer

Pennant Solutions Group

Mukilteo, WA

$175K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Sr Aerospace Engineer
Job Description

Overview
The Sr Aerospace Engineer applies advanced principles of physics—including classical mechanics, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism—to support the design, development, and validation of aerospace systems. This role is responsible for leading structural design and analysis efforts from early concept through final engineering release, including detailed drawings and stress reports.

This individual plays a key role in test planning, technical documentation, and solving complex engineering problems such as pyrotechnic and pneumatic gas dynamics, multi-body kinematics, and heat transfer.

Key Responsibilities

  • Apply physics-based analysis to evaluate and predict system performance, inform concept of operations, and define subsystem requirements
  • Lead structural assessments of systems, components, and mechanisms using established aerospace analysis methods (hand calculations, finite element analysis, fatigue, and damage tolerance)
  • Provide technical leadership at the program level to ensure designs meet all performance and compliance requirements
  • Verify and document system compliance with applicable standards and specifications
  • Develop and deliver detailed engineering reports, analyses, and presentations
  • Establish and maintain engineering standards, best practices, and training materials
  • Mentor and support the development of junior engineers

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
  • 8+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or a similar high-performance engineering environment, including at least 1 year of leadership or management experience
  • Strong proficiency with engineering tools such as FEMAP, NASTRAN, LS-DYNA, CATIA V5, SolidWorks, and Microsoft Office
  • Deep expertise in structural analysis, finite element methods, dynamics/kinematics, materials, and test methodologies
  • Strong foundation in core engineering principles and analytical methods
  • Proven ability to lead complex, multidisciplinary engineering efforts from concept through execution
  • Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently with minimal oversight
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation and reporting
  • U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance