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Senior Project Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Our operations management, engineering, and project management services provide our customers with ... The Senior Project Manager will be responsible for coordinating, reviewing and coordinating with ...

Senior Blast Project Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$115K - $135K/yr

The Role We are seeking a Senior Project Engineer to join the Protective Design & Security Practice at Thornton Tomasetti, supporting projects that protect people and assets from security threats in ...

Assistant Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$82K - $100K/yr

Project Manager Job Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of a Project Engineer, Senior Project Engineer, or Project Manager: * Performs structural calculations. * Assists in creating ...

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Senior Project Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$69.2K

$119.4K

$163.3K

How much do senior project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior project engineer in Reston, VA is $119,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,000.00 and $134,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To excel as a Senior Project Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, project management, and relevant industry experience—often supported by a bachelor’s degree in engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with project management software (such as MS Project or Primavera), CAD tools, and industry-specific standards is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring successful project delivery, team coordination, and compliance with technical and safety standards.

What are some common challenges Senior Project Engineers face when managing cross-functional teams?

Senior Project Engineers often oversee projects that require collaboration among diverse teams such as design, procurement, and construction. A common challenge is aligning different priorities and communication styles, which can lead to misunderstandings or delays. To overcome this, Senior Project Engineers use strong leadership and organizational skills, facilitating clear communication and establishing structured workflows. Building trust and fostering a collaborative environment are essential for ensuring all team members work toward shared objectives and project milestones.

What are Senior Project Engineers?

Senior Project Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for overseeing and managing complex engineering projects from conception to completion. They coordinate between various teams, ensure project milestones are met, and address technical challenges that arise during the project lifecycle. Senior Project Engineers also play a key role in budgeting, quality assurance, and maintaining safety standards. Their expertise ensures that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and meet the required specifications.

What is the difference between Senior Project Engineer vs Project Engineer?

AspectSenior Project EngineerProject Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, 5+ years experience, professional engineering license often preferredBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, 1-3 years experience
Work EnvironmentLeading project teams, overseeing multiple phases, coordinating with clients and vendorsAssisting in project planning, executing tasks under supervision, supporting senior staff
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, infrastructure projectsConstruction, civil engineering, industrial projects

Senior Project Engineers typically have more experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities compared to Project Engineers. They oversee entire projects, coordinate teams, and liaise with clients, whereas Project Engineers focus on supporting project execution under supervision. The roles are distinct but interconnected within engineering and construction industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Project Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Senior Project Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Project Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Project Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Senior Project Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Senior Project Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Project Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,397 per year, or $57.4 per hour.
Mission Engineering Research and Operations Project Engineer/Sen with Security Clearance

Mission Engineering Research and Operations Project Engineer/Sen with Security Clearance

Aerospace Corporation

Chantilly, VA

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch. The Mission Engineering Research and Operations Support Engineer (Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer - Flight Mechanics) will serve as a senior technical authority and team leader for critical mission engineering, space domain awareness, and spacecraft operations projects. This position acts as principal technical representative to customers, coordinates large-scale technical efforts across program/project lines, and leads or organizes interfaces between customers' and Aerospace technical and management staff. The successful candidate will undertake major program segments, lead diverse technical teams, mentor less experienced staff, and demonstrate widely recognized expertise both internally and externally. The selected candidate will be required to work full time, on-site at our facility in Chantilly, VA. What You'll Be Doing * Lead teams that oversee major program segments such as system-level architectural analysis, conceptual design of new vehicles or major payloads, or comprehensive mission architecture development
* Serve as principal technical representative to customer, coordinating efforts on several concurrent projects or major multi-phase/multi-disciplinary initiatives
* As Aerospace representative in customer or contractor environment, provide nondirective advice, accept action items, and coordinate pertinent budgets, tasks, and priorities
* Lead/coordinate teams comprised of diversely skilled engineers servicing major portions of large projects or working across multiple projects
* Interface regularly with customer and contractor program management as senior technical authority What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer - Flight Mechanics * Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field with 6+ years relevant experience
* Proficiency in one or more languages (Python, MATLAB, and multiple programming languages for complex software development)
* Experience in specialized aerospace engineering tools (STK, GMAT, Orekit) and mission planning/analysis software
* Demonstrated expertise in spacecraft operations, astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, and space mission design
* Extensive experience with data pipeline architectures, distributed computing, and big data technologies
* Advanced knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, systems engineering principles, and model-based systems engineering
* Willing to travel approx. 10-15%
* This position requires a current and active TS/SBI/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer - Flight Mechanicsinclude : * Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field with 10+ years relevant experience
* Proven track record developing innovative analytical techniques and breakthrough technical solutions
* Expert proficiency in one of the following (Python, MATLAB, JAVA, C/C++, and/or other programming languages for complex software development)
* Mastery of specialized aerospace engineering tools (STK, GMAT, Orekit) and mission planning/analysis software
* Deep understanding of space situational awareness architectures, sensor fusion, and space traffic management How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: * Masters or PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field
* Expert proficiency in multiple programming languages (Python, MATLAB, and multiple programming languages for complex software development)
* 10+ years of experience in relevant aerospace engineering or operations experience
* Demonstrated experience leading major program segments or complex multi-disciplinary projects
* Proven track record as principal technical representative to government customers and contractor teams
* Extensive experience coordinating large-scale technical efforts across organizational boundaries
* Experience leading diverse technical teams and interfacing with senior program management
* Demonstrated ability to independently conduct long-range technical studies and drive strategic technical direction We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. (Min - Max)
$117,300.00 - $249,600.00 Pay Basis: Annual Leadership Competencies Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who: * Operate Strategically * Lead Change * Engage with Impact * Foster Innovation * Deliver Results Ways We Reward Our Employees During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits. Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include: * Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
* Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
* Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
* 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
* Flexible spending accounts
* Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
* Relocation assistance
* Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
* Education assistance programs
* An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation. Equal Opportunity Commitment The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .