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Senior Aerospace Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior plc

Senior Program Manager

Burbank, CA

$124K - $124K/yr

Senior Aerospace SSP, a division of Senior plc, is the world's largest aerospace high-pressure ducting system supplier. Starting as 'Stainless Steel Products' in 1945, and acquired by Senior plc in ...

Senior plc

Senior Program Manager

Burbank, CA · On-site

$123K - $124K/yr

Senior Aerospace SSP, a division of Senior plc, is the world's largest aerospace high-pressure ducting system supplier. Starting as 'Stainless Steel Products' in 1945, and acquired by Senior plc in ...

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Senior Aerospace information

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$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior aerospace jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 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 is a senior aerospace engineer?

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:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace jobs? The most popular types of Aerospace jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Aerospace jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Aerospace jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Aerospace jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Aerospace jobs are:
Senior Aerospace jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Aerospace job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Aerospace Engineer - Performance and Design

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Sr. Aerospace Engineer - Performance and Design
Job Summary:
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) is seeking a full-time Senior Aerospace Engineer - Performance and Design, to join our team in San Luis Obispo, CA. The Senior Aerospace Engineer will assist in the multi-functional product development of new aircraft design and control systems while collaborating with other engineering disciplines and project personnel.
Responsibilities and Duties:
  • Conduct aircraft conceptual design and sizing studies.
  • Analysis of aerodynamics, propulsion, flight performance, etc.
  • Setting up and running vehicle and component optimizations.
  • Perform analysis, simulation, and engineering trade studies to support design decisions.
  • Research about technologies, analysis methods, standards, and regulations to guide aircraft design.
  • Develop, test, and implement custom software-based design tools.
  • May oversee or supervise or be responsible for the work of subordinates or less senior positions assigned to programs
  • or projects
  • Acts as a mentor or technical advisor to junior engineers
  • Clearly communicate engineering ideas, progress, and results using written reports and oral presentations to supervisors, project managers, and customers.
  • Collaborate with team members to accomplish project goals in a timely fashion.

Required Qualifications and Skills:
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or equivalent.
  • 5+ years of relevant engineering experience.
  • Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python.
  • Proficiency with aircraft flight performance analysis and conceptual design.
  • Fundamental understanding of related disciplines including aerodynamics, aircraft stability & control, thermal analysis, structures, electronics, systems engineering, computational optimization, etc.
  • Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Strong writing & presentation skills.
  • Willing to relocate to San Luis Obispo, CA .

Desired Qualifications and Skills:
  • Master's degree in aerospace engineering or equivalent and/or 5+ years of experience.
  • Experience with Simulink, Python, VBA, C++, and/or other coding languages.
  • Experience with OpenVSP / VSPAERO, XFOIL, AVL, etc..
  • Experience with CFD tools using Altair, OVERFLOW, or similar.
  • Experience performing flight loads analysis.
  • Experience setting up and running optimization tools.
  • Experience using programming version control software such as Git.
  • Experience with CAD modeling using SolidWorks or similar.
  • Experience with requirements capture at the aircraft and/or systems level.
  • Familiarity with the design of aircraft and common aircraft systems.
  • Familiarity with eVTOL aircraft.
  • Familiarity with civil and military regulations for fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft.
  • Familiarity with electric vertical takeoff / landing (eVTOL) design concepts.
  • Familiarity with the urban air mobility (UAM) market space.

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks:
  • Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.
  • Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day off.
  • Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
  • Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
  • Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
  • Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
  • Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
  • Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!

Company Overview:
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services.
At ESAero, we don't just build products, we engineer solutions that propel
the aerospace industry forward.
**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA**
ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.
E-Verify participation required for employment.
All ESAero positions require US citizenship or US resident status.
Must be able to pass background check and drug test.
Hiring Range: $100-150k Salary/Exempt

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