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Senior Aerospace Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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Showing results 1-20

Senior Aerospace information

See salary details

$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior aerospace jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 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:
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:
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.
Aerospace Manufacturing SME

Aerospace Manufacturing SME

Leidos

Chantilly, VA

$139K - $251K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 426 rated business services


Job description

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 skilled team of SMEs providing analytic expertise in launch vehicle and missile systems, satellite technology, and C4ISR.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive industrial experience in the design, manufacturing, and testing of aerospace systems, including aircraft, spacecraft, launch vehicles, and missiles. This role requires both deep technical knowledge and the ability to advise, mentor, and engage with senior government stakeholders.

Primary Responsibilities
The Senior Aerospace Manufacturing SME will:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in aerospace manufacturing methods, materials, and tooling, with specific expertise in ballistic missile production.

  • Collaborate effectively in team environments while maintaining the ability to operate independently with minimal supervision.

  • Provide expert advice and support to government customers on materials, equipment, and infrastructure related to ballistic missile proliferation and production.

  • Deliver training and teach specialized courses on Missile Materials and Machine Tools.

  • Apply hands-on experience with missile and/or rocket engine manufacturing methods, tooling, procedures, and testing.

  • Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth.

  • Maintain the ability to travel as needed; a valid U.S. passport is required.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional experience in aerospace manufacturing, 13+ years experience required with a Mater's Degree.

  • At least a secret clearance and possess the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance with Full-Scope Polygraph.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in engineering, physics, or related technical discipline.

  • 15–20 years of direct experience in aerospace or missile manufacturing.

  • Familiarity with foreign ballistic missile systems.

  • Experience with U.S. military aerospace systems.

  • Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:September 8, 2025

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $139,100.00 - $251,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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