What aerospace jobs are and where they exist

Aerospace jobs are positions in companies and government agencies that design, build, test, and maintain aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. The work ranges from engineering and manufacturing to quality control, logistics, and administration. Most aerospace jobs are concentrated in a handful of states: California, Texas, Florida, Washington, and Arizona host the largest employers, though aerospace work exists in nearly every state.

The industry includes both commercial aircraft manufacturers (Boeing, Airbus), defense contractors (Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon), space companies (SpaceX, Blue Origin), and government agencies (NASA, the Air Force). Each sector has different hiring patterns, security clearance requirements, and career paths. Understanding which sector interests you narrows your search significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • Aerospace jobs exist in engineering, manufacturing, quality control, supply chain, and administrative roles, not just design.
  • Most positions require either a relevant degree (engineering, physics, materials science) or a trade certification (welding, machining, avionics).
  • Defense and government aerospace work often requires a security clearance, which takes weeks to months and disqualifies you for certain criminal or financial history.
  • Job boards specific to aerospace (like those run by the Society of Aerospace Engineers) and company career pages list openings faster than general job sites.
  • Manufacturing and assembly roles often do not require a degree but do require demonstrated technical skill or willingness to complete on-the-job training.

The main types of aerospace jobs and what they require

Engineering roles—including aeronautical engineer, systems engineer, and structural engineer—typically require a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. These positions involve designing components, running simulations, and solving technical problems. Entry-level engineers often start in junior or associate roles and work under senior engineers before moving into independent project leadership.

Manufacturing and assembly jobs include aircraft assembler, machinist, welder, and composite technician. These roles do not always require a four-year degree. Many aerospace manufacturers hire people with high school diplomas and provide on-the-job training or expect candidates to hold a trade certification (such as a welding certification from a community college or trade school). Pay for skilled trades in aerospace is often competitive with or higher than entry-level engineering salaries.

Quality control and inspection roles verify that parts and assemblies meet strict standards. These positions typically require a high school diploma plus technical training or experience, though some companies prefer candidates with some college coursework in quality assurance or metrology. Technician roles—avionics technician, electrical technician, mechanical technician—support engineers and manufacturing teams and usually require a two-year degree or equivalent certification.

Supply chain, logistics, and administrative roles exist in every aerospace company. These positions do not require aerospace-specific knowledge but benefit from familiarity with manufacturing environments and regulatory requirements. Many people enter aerospace through these roles and transition into technical positions later.

Education and certification paths

A four-year degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or physics is the standard entry point for engineering roles. Some schools offer aerospace engineering specifically; others offer mechanical engineering with aerospace electives. If you are deciding between schools, look for programs accredited by ABET (the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), which signals that the curriculum meets industry standards.

A two-year associate degree in aerospace technology, avionics, or a related field qualifies you for technician roles and some manufacturing positions. Community colleges and technical schools offer these programs, often at lower cost than four-year universities and with more direct job placement support.

Trade certifications—welding, machining, composite repair—are valuable in aerospace manufacturing. These typically take six months to two years through community colleges, trade schools, or apprenticeships. Some aerospace companies run their own apprenticeship programs that combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training.

If you already have a degree in a non-technical field, you can still enter aerospace through manufacturing or administrative roles and move into technical positions over time. Some companies offer tuition reimbursement for employees who pursue relevant certifications or degrees while working.

Security clearances and background requirements

Many aerospace jobs, especially those with defense contractors or government agencies, require a security clearance. A Secret clearance is the most common; Top Secret clearances are required for more sensitive work. The clearance process involves a background investigation that examines your criminal history, financial record, drug use, and foreign contacts. The investigation typically takes two to six months, though it can take longer if issues arise.

You cannot obtain a clearance if you have certain felony convictions, active drug use, or significant financial delinquency (unpaid debts, bankruptcy). Minor infractions, old misdemeanors, and resolved financial issues do not automatically disqualify you, but you must disclose them honestly on the clearance process. Lying on a clearance form is itself a federal crime and will result in permanent disqualification.

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you are may be able to access to hold a clearance. Non-citizens generally cannot. Some companies will hire you before your clearance is granted and assign you to unclassified work while the investigation proceeds; others will not extend an offer until the clearance is complete. Ask during the interview process what the company's policy is.

Where to search for aerospace job openings

Company career pages are the most direct source. Visit the websites of Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, SpaceX, Blue Origin, and NASA and look for a "Careers" or "Jobs" link. Larger companies post hundreds of openings; smaller suppliers and subcontractors post dozens. You can set up job alerts on most company sites so new postings arrive in your email.

The Society of Aerospace Engineers (SAE) maintains a job board at sae.org that lists aerospace-specific positions. LinkedIn's job search function lets you filter by industry (aerospace and defense) and location. General job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor also list aerospace positions, though they mix them with unrelated roles.

Networking within the industry accelerates your search. Attend aerospace industry conferences, join professional groups like SAE or the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and connect with people working at companies you are interested in. Many aerospace companies fill positions through referrals before posting them publicly.

If you are early in your career, check whether your school has a career services office that maintains relationships with aerospace employers. Many companies recruit directly from universities and technical schools, and your school's career office can connect you with those recruiters.

What to expect in the hiring process

Aerospace companies typically require a resume, cover letter, and often a technical assessment or coding test (for engineering roles). The assessment tests your knowledge of physics, mathematics, or programming depending on the position. If you pass the initial screening, you will interview with a hiring manager and often with technical staff who will ask detailed questions about your education and past projects.

For manufacturing and technician roles, you may be asked to demonstrate hands-on skills or complete a practical test. For example, a welding position might include a welding test; a machinist role might include a test on a CNC machine. These tests show whether you can actually do the work, not just talk about it.

Background checks and security clearance investigations happen after a conditional job offer. The company will ask for references, previous employment history, and personal information needed for the clearance process. Be prepared to provide detailed information about where you have lived, worked, and traveled for the past ten years.

The entire hiring process—from process to start date—typically takes two to four months for positions that do not require a clearance, and four to eight months for positions that do. Some aerospace companies are faster; others slower. Ask the recruiter for a timeline during your first interview so you can plan accordingly.

Starting your aerospace career with no prior experience

If you have no aerospace experience but have a relevant degree or certification, explore for entry-level or junior positions. These roles exist specifically for new graduates and career changers. Emphasize any projects you completed in school, internships, or volunteer work that demonstrate technical skills or problem-solving ability.

If you do not yet have a degree or certification, enroll in a community college program or trade school. Many aerospace companies will hire you upon graduation, especially if you have done an internship with them during school. Some companies offer tuition reimbursement or scholarships for students pursuing aerospace-related degrees.

Internships are one of the fastest ways to enter aerospace. Most large aerospace companies run internship programs for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. An internship gives you real experience, a foot in the door, and often leads to a full-time offer after graduation. explore for internships through company career pages or your school's career office.

If you are already working in manufacturing, quality control, or logistics outside aerospace, your experience transfers. Aerospace manufacturing is more precise and regulated than many other industries, but the core skills—reading blueprints, operating machinery, managing inventory—are the same. Use your existing experience to move into an aerospace company, then pursue additional certifications or degrees if you want to advance into engineering or specialized technical roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree to work in aerospace?

No. Manufacturing, assembly, quality control, and many technician roles do not require a four-year degree. A high school diploma plus a trade certification (welding, machining) or on-the-job training is sufficient. Engineering roles do require a bachelor's degree. Technician roles typically require a two-year degree or equivalent certification.

How long does a security clearance take?

A Secret clearance investigation typically takes two to six months. Top Secret clearances take longer, sometimes nine months or more. The timeline depends on how quickly the government can complete the background investigation and whether any issues require additional review. Some companies will hire you and assign you to unclassified work while your clearance is pending.

What if I have a criminal record?

Felony convictions, especially recent ones, will disqualify you from most aerospace positions, particularly those requiring a security clearance. Misdemeanors and older convictions may not disqualify you, but you must disclose them on any process or clearance form. Contact the company's human resources department to ask whether your specific situation would be a barrier before investing time in the process.

Can I work in aerospace without being a U.S. citizen?

Yes, but with limitations. Permanent residents can work in most aerospace roles. Positions requiring a security clearance are restricted to U.S. citizens and some permanent residents. If you are on a visa, you can work for aerospace companies in roles that do not require a clearance, but clearance-required positions are closed to you. Check with the company's human resources department about your specific visa status.

What is the typical starting salary for aerospace jobs?

Starting salaries vary by role, location, and company. Entry-level engineers typically start between $55,000 and $75,000 per year. Skilled trades (welding, machining) often start between $45,000 and $65,000. Technician roles typically start between $40,000 and $55,000. Salaries are generally higher in California, Texas, and Washington than in other states. Check Glassdoor, PayScale, or the Bureau of Labor Statistics for current salary data for specific roles and locations.