Aerospace Engineer Careers & Jobs
Discover aerospace engineer career paths across eVTOL, Advanced Air Mobility, defense, commercial aviation, and space. Browse live openings, compare salaries, and learn the degrees and certifications that get you hired.
Live Job Listings
Aerospace engineering roles from eVTOL startups, primes, and defense contractors.
Salary Benchmarks
Compare compensation by role, experience level, and location.
Education Paths
Find aerospace engineering colleges and degree programs.
Global Opportunities
Positions across the US and international aerospace hubs.
Building a Career as an Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace engineers design, develop, test, and maintain aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and the emerging fleet of eVTOL and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) vehicles. It is one of the most in-demand engineering disciplines, with strong growth driven by electric aviation, autonomous systems, and renewed space investment.
Most aerospace engineering roles require a bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering, while senior and specialized positions often call for a master's degree or PhD. Concentrations include aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, avionics, flight dynamics, and systems integration. Professional licensure (PE) and security clearances can significantly expand opportunities, especially in defense.
Compensation is competitive: entry-level aerospace engineers typically start in the $75,000-$95,000 range, mid-career engineers earn $100,000-$160,000, and principal engineers and chief engineers can exceed $250,000 at leading eVTOL and defense companies. Top hiring hubs include Seattle, Southern California, Dallas-Fort Worth, Wichita, and the Washington D.C. area.
WWAEN connects aerospace engineers with employers across the entire industry, from established primes like Boeing to fast-growing eVTOL startups. Browse current openings below, set up job alerts, and explore aerospace engineering degree programs to map your next move.
Related Roles & Specialties
Aerospace Engineer Careers & Jobs Salary Guide
Aerospace engineer salaries in the United States by career stage. Compensation rises sharply with specialization, security clearance, and leadership scope.
| Experience Level | Typical Salary Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level Aerospace Engineer0-2 years | $75,000 – $95,000 |
| Mid-Level Aerospace Engineer3-7 years | $100,000 – $135,000 |
| Senior Aerospace Engineer8-12 years | $135,000 – $165,000 |
| Lead / Principal Engineer12+ years | $160,000 – $210,000 |
| Chief Engineer / Engineering DirectorLeadership | $200,000 – $280,000+ |
Salary ranges are estimates based on aggregated industry data and vary by location, employer, clearance, and experience. Source: WWAEN aerospace labor market analysis.
Featured Open Positions
Live listings matching this career path
Design Subject Matter Expert
Design Subject Matter Expert (Remote)
Flight Controls Engineer
Flight Dynamics Engineer
Weights Engineer
Cost Engineer
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do I need to become an aerospace engineer?
Most positions require at least a bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering. Senior, research, and specialized roles often prefer a master's degree or PhD. Explore accredited programs on our aerospace engineering colleges page.
How much do aerospace engineers earn?
Entry-level aerospace engineers typically earn $75,000-$95,000, mid-career engineers $100,000-$160,000, and principal or chief engineers can exceed $250,000. Salaries vary by specialization, location, and security clearance.
Which industries hire aerospace engineers?
Aerospace engineers are hired across eVTOL and Advanced Air Mobility, commercial aviation, defense and military, space and satellites, unmanned systems, and aviation MRO.
Do aerospace engineering jobs require a security clearance?
Many defense and government roles require a security clearance. Holding an active clearance can substantially increase your job opportunities and earning potential.
Is aerospace engineering a good career in 2026?
Yes. Demand is strong and growing, driven by the rapid scale-up of electric aviation (eVTOL), Advanced Air Mobility, satellite constellations, and renewed defense spending. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth, and the wave of new AAM companies has created thousands of roles that did not exist a decade ago.
What is the difference between aerospace and aeronautical engineering?
Aeronautical engineering focuses on vehicles that operate within Earth's atmosphere, such as aircraft and eVTOL. Astronautical engineering focuses on spacecraft and systems that operate in space. Aerospace engineering is the broader discipline that encompasses both.
Which cities have the most aerospace engineering jobs?
Top U.S. hiring hubs include Seattle, Southern California (Los Angeles and the Mojave aerospace corridor), Dallas-Fort Worth, Wichita, Huntsville, and the Washington D.C. metro area. Remote and hybrid roles are also increasingly common for design and analysis work.
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