Aerospace and Defense Engineering Career Guide: From Entry to Expert
Top Entry-Level Roles in Aerospace and Defense Engineering
Breaking into the aerospace and defense industry offers exciting career paths for engineering graduates. The sector provides exceptional opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies that protect nations and expand humanity’s reach beyond Earth. Let’s explore three high-demand entry-level roles that serve as launching points for rewarding careers in this dynamic field.
AI/ML Engineer: Starting with Data and Autonomy
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning engineers represent the fastest-growing specialty in defense technology. These professionals develop algorithms and models that enable autonomous systems to make decisions without human intervention. Entry-level AI/ML engineers often work on creating perception and motion planning algorithms for unmanned aircraft, satellites, and ground vehicles.
At companies like Lockheed Martin, AI/ML engineers design novel software architectures that fuse terrain data with real-time sensor information to create environmental models for aircraft navigation. These roles require strong coding skills in languages like Python, C++, and MATLAB, alongside expertise in computer vision, mapping, and object detection systems.
“Autonomy will re-baseline the way we do business,” explains Kristen Baldwin, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Science, Technology, and Engineering. This transformation is creating tremendous demand for entry-level engineers who can apply machine learning to complex aerospace challenges.
Recent graduates typically start as associate-level engineers, gaining experience with sensor fusion algorithms and working on teams that integrate multiple perception systems including cameras, LiDAR, and radar. Many defense contractors offer rotational programs that allow new AI/ML engineers to experience different applications across their business units.
Avionics Technician: The Gateway to Aircraft Systems
Avionics technicians represent one of the most accessible entry points into aerospace engineering. These specialists install, maintain, and repair electronic systems in aircraft, focusing on communication, navigation, and flight control systems.
Educational requirements are more flexible than for other engineering roles, with many avionics technicians obtaining skills through FAA-Certified Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools. Programs typically last 18 to 24 months and provide training with tools and equipment used on the job. Coursework emphasizes mathematics, physics, chemical engineering, electronics, computer science, and mechanical drawing.
The career offers solid compensation, with median annual wages reaching $65,230 as of May 2020. Moreover, the field enjoys exceptional job security due to increasing technological complexity in modern aircraft.
“The increase in embedded functionality in areas of microprocessors, interfaces, communication protocols, cyber security, encryption, AI, and edge computing will enhance the end product with rich new features and increased safety,” notes one industry assessment. This evolution creates substantial opportunities for those with both mechanical and electronics expertise.
FPGA Engineer: Building the Digital Backbone
Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) engineers design the reconfigurable hardware that forms the “digital backbone” of modern defense systems. These versatile components enable quick adaptation of hardware functionality without physical redesign—critical for military technologies with decades-long lifecycles.
Entry-level FPGA engineers typically work on developing architecture designs for RF sensor and processing systems. They implement interfaces with various peripherals like I2C, SPI, PCIe, DDR SDRAM, and Ethernet. Proficiency in hardware description languages such as VHDL and Verilog is essential for these positions.
“The Digital Backbone environment is one answer to these problems. It’s the hardware, software, standards, and interface that allow a more complicated version of ‘plug and play’ on platforms,” explains industry documentation. FPGA engineers help create this infrastructure, enabling rapid integration of new capabilities into existing systems.
JOBSwithDOD, the nation’s leading defense industry job board, features numerous entry-level positions across these specializations at companies like Allen Control Systems, Aurelius Systems, Leonardo DRS, Boeing, CACI, Raytheon, and Lockheed Martin. These defense technology leaders offer competitive benefits packages, including tuition assistance, clearance sponsorship, and career advancement opportunities through structured development programs.
Mid-Level Career Paths and Specializations
After several years of experience in entry-level positions, aerospace professionals typically advance to mid-level roles that offer greater responsibility and specialized expertise. These positions demand a deeper technical understanding and often involve leading small teams or coordinating cross-functional projects. Let’s explore three pivotal mid-level career paths in the aerospace and defense sector.
Aerospace Systems Engineer: Integrating Complex Platforms
Aerospace Systems Engineers serve as the technical backbone of complex platform development. These professionals synthesize high-level functional goals, coordinate multiple teams, and oversee subsystem integration across entire projects. They essentially function as the connective tissue between various engineering disciplines.
The daily responsibilities of systems engineers include conducting trade studies, allocating functional requirements across hardware and software domains, and ensuring different components work seamlessly together. As one job posting states, they “coordinate system design, implementation, integration, verification and validation activities”.
Systems engineers typically need 5+ years of progressively complex experience in aviation or aerospace systems integration. Boeing specifically seeks professionals who can “develop architectures to integrate complex systems and components into higher level systems and platforms”. This role requires strong collaboration skills, as systems engineers interface with program management, customers, and cross-functional teams to resolve complex issues.
Electronic Warfare Engineer: Mastering the Electromagnetic Spectrum
Electronic Warfare (EW) Engineers develop technologies that exploit, attack, protect, and manage the electromagnetic environment. These specialists create systems that serve as the “ears” of tactical aircraft—detecting and locating threats while ensuring friendly forces maintain electromagnetic spectrum superiority.
According to Department of Defense documentation, EW encompasses “military actions using electromagnetic and directed energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum or to attack the enemy”. This work involves three primary divisions: electromagnetic attack (EA), electromagnetic protection (EP), and electromagnetic support (ES).
Mid-level EW engineers design and implement systems for electronic attack (jamming enemy communications), electronic protection (shielding friendly systems), and electronic support (signal detection and collection). L3Harris seeks professionals with “experience designing and fielding EW Systems, especially Electronic Support (signal detect, classification, direction finding, geolocation, and collection)”.
Job requirements typically include a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related fields, plus several years of experience with radio frequency systems. Many positions demand an active security clearance, reflecting the sensitive nature of this work.
Software Engineer: Powering Secure Defense Systems
Software Engineers in defense develop mission-critical applications where security is paramount. These professionals apply DevSecOps practices—integrating security throughout the development lifecycle rather than treating it as an afterthought.
The Department of Defense emphasizes that “software is critical to national security, an integral part of every Department of Defense (DoD) weapon system, and vital to future battlefield dominance”. Defense software engineers must deliver capabilities that meet strict security requirements while maintaining pace with rapidly evolving threats.
Mid-level software engineers implement continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines with built-in security testing. They develop applications using approved frameworks, follow cryptographic policies, and ensure software supply chain security through rigorous verification.
JOBSwithDOD, the nation’s leading defense industry job board, features numerous mid-level positions across these specializations at companies like Leonardo DRS, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, ACS, and Aurelius Systems, and many others. These defense technology leaders offer competitive benefits, including professional development opportunities, comprehensive health coverage, and retirement plans. Furthermore, many provide security clearance sponsorship, which significantly enhances career advancement potential in the defense sector.
Advanced Roles and Expert-Level Opportunities
For seasoned professionals with extensive expertise, the aerospace and defense industry offers challenging expert-level opportunities that drive innovation and technological advancement. These advanced roles require specialized knowledge, years of experience, and often security clearances. Let’s examine three prestigious expert-level positions at the forefront of defense technology.
Nuclear Engineer: Energy and Propulsion Systems
Nuclear Engineers in defense specialize in designing and developing propulsion systems and energy conversion technologies that power naval vessels and potentially future spacecraft. These specialists work on critical components for nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, submarines, and research into advanced propulsion concepts.
The U.S. Air Force characterizes these roles as requiring “knowledge of Air Force operations, requirements and policies as they relate to the specific scientific specialty”. Nuclear Engineers typically need bachelor’s or master’s degrees in Nuclear Engineering, Engineering Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics, or Physics.
Their responsibilities include:
- Conducting and managing research experiments
- Developing new concepts and methods to solve scientific problems
- Recommending research and development projects
- Managing scientific programs and activities
Nuclear Engineers at expert levels often work in environments requiring active security clearances, particularly those involved in propulsion systems for naval vessels. Consequently, these positions typically command salaries ranging from $105,000 to $180,000, based on experience level.
Combat Systems Engineer: Coordinating Naval Technologies
Combat Systems Engineers design, develop, and integrate critical components used in warfare equipment, weapons, and sensor systems. These specialists coordinate complex naval technologies including radar systems, infrared targeting systems, and other advanced warfare equipment.
The Navy ManTech program, managed by the Office of Naval Research, supports Combat Systems Engineers through centers of excellence that develop manufacturing technology for implementation on Department of Navy weapon systems production lines. Additionally, these specialists oversee “the leadership and wellbeing of a large team of highly trained technical professionals who perform systems analysis, fault-finding and maintenance”.
Combat Systems Engineers typically hold degrees in Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Automation and Robotics Engineering, or Software Engineering. Their expertise extends across multiple domains, encompassing sonar technology, undersea warfare, and coordinated underwater operations.
Materials Engineer: Innovating with Advanced Composites
Materials Engineers in aerospace pioneer breakthrough applications of advanced composites, revolutionizing aircraft performance while reducing weight. These experts develop and implement thermoplastic and thermoset composites that reduce carbon emissions and enhance structural integrity.
GKN Aerospace, a leader in this field, notes that lightweight composite materials “reduce the weight of aircraft structures up to 20% compared to traditional solutions like metal”. Meanwhile, Daher’s Materials Engineers develop “improved manufacturing processes for composite-based components” that eliminate the need for autoclaves, dramatically reducing production costs while maintaining performance.
Expert Materials Engineers typically work on multiple-meter composite structures for aircraft wings, engine components, and fuselage sections. Their innovations have enabled significant advancements like “air intake bulkheads for Rolls-Royce UltraFan engine demonstrators” – revolutionary components that help reduce fuel consumption by approximately 25%.
JOBSwithDOD, the nation’s leading defense industry job board, features numerous expert-level positions across these specializations at companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, and other defense technology leaders. These companies offer exceptional benefits including tuition assistance, security clearance sponsorship, and structured career advancement programs. Their engineers work at the forefront of aviation innovation, “contributing to the design and development of some of the world’s most advanced aircraft”.
Key Employers and Where to Find These Jobs
Finding the right employer is crucial for aerospace and defense engineers seeking to maximize their career potential. The industry offers remarkable opportunities across numerous specializations, with several pathways to discover your ideal position.
JOBSwithDOD: The Leading Defense Technology Job Board
JOBSwithDOD stands out as the nation’s premier job board specializing in defense industry opportunities. This platform connects talented engineers with positions across all experience levels—from entry-level roles to executive positions requiring decades of expertise. Engineers can efficiently browse openings filtered by clearance level, location, and technical specialty.
Unlike general job sites, JOBSwithDOD focuses exclusively on defense-related positions, providing specialized insights into security clearance requirements and defense-specific qualifications. The platform features positions from small specialized contractors to major defense prime contractors, offering a comprehensive view of available opportunities.
Top Companies Hiring: Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Leonardo DRS, and more
The aerospace and defense sector is dominated by several major employers consistently seeking engineering talent. Lockheed Martin, with operations spanning aircraft, space systems, and advanced technologies, employs over 35,000 professionals in its Aeronautics division alone. The company maintains facilities across the United States, including major sites in Fort Worth, Texas; Palmdale, California; and Marietta, Georgia.
Similarly, Raytheon Technologies (RTX) employs approximately 52,000 people across 58 countries, including 28,000 engineers. Boeing, another industry giant, regularly recruits for positions in electronic and electrical engineering, flight engineering, systems engineering, and software engineering.
Other significant employers include:
- Aurelius Systems
- Northrop Grumman
- General Dynamics
- BAE Systems
- CACI
- ACS
Benefits and Career Growth at Defense Tech Companies
Defense employers typically offer comprehensive benefits packages that exceed national averages. For instance, Boeing provides health insurance, retirement plans, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, and disability insurance. Many defense contractors also offer generous paid time off, annual cash bonuses, and 100% tuition reimbursement for approved coursework.
Career advancement opportunities abound in this sector. Engineers often progress through clearly defined technical ladders or transition into program management and leadership roles. Indeed, many companies have structured development programs specifically designed to nurture technical talent into leadership positions.
For those seeking stability, aerospace and defense careers offer exceptional job security. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, aerospace engineer employment is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, surpassing the average for all occupations.
Skills, Education, and Certifications You’ll Need
Success in aerospace and defense engineering hinges on acquiring the right qualifications and credentials. Understanding these requirements early can accelerate your career trajectory in this competitive field.
STEM Degrees and Military-Specific Training
Aerospace and defense positions typically require bachelor’s degrees in engineering disciplines such as aeronautical, mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering. However, many employers value candidates with advanced degrees—67% of job postings prefer candidates with master’s degrees in specialized fields for mid to senior-level positions.
Military experience serves as a valuable pathway into defense engineering. Veterans with technical military occupational specialties often transition seamlessly into civilian defense roles, bringing operational understanding that complements their technical knowledge.
Security Clearance Requirements
Security clearances represent a critical prerequisite for defense engineering careers. Three primary clearance levels exist:
- Confidential (reinvestigated every 15 years)
- Secret (reinvestigated every 10 years)
- Top Secret (reinvestigated every 5 years)
Obtaining clearance requires U.S. citizenship, background investigations, and often polygraph examinations depending on the sensitivity level.
Certifications Boost Your Career
Beyond formal education, professional certifications significantly enhance employability. The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) certification is highly valued, alongside Project Management Professional (PMP) credentials for those seeking leadership roles.
JOBSwithDOD frequently features positions with companies like Leonardo DRS, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin requiring these specific credentials. These defense technology leaders offer substantial benefits, including clearance sponsorship and professional development programs that support ongoing certification attainment.
Conclusion
Aerospace and defense engineering offers exceptional career paths with substantial growth opportunities across numerous specializations. Each career stage provides unique challenges and rewards, from entry-level positions developing cutting-edge AI algorithms to expert roles designing nuclear propulsion systems. The field remains consistently stable while simultaneously pushing technological boundaries that shape national security and space exploration.
Therefore, aspiring engineers should focus on obtaining relevant STEM degrees, security clearances, and industry certifications that align with their chosen specialization. Likewise, professionals already in the field can strategically advance by identifying specialized paths that match their technical strengths and interests.
JOBSwithDOD stands as the nation’s leading defense industry job board, connecting qualified candidates with prestigious employers throughout the defense sector. The platform features an extensive array of engineering positions across all experience levels at companies like Allen Control Systems, Aurelius Systems, Leonardo DRS, Boeing, CACI, Raytheon, and Lockheed Martin. These defense technology leaders provide competitive compensation packages alongside valuable benefits such as tuition assistance, clearance sponsorship, comprehensive health coverage, and structured career advancement programs.
Although the aerospace and defense industry demands rigorous technical expertise and often requires security clearances, it rewards dedication with unparalleled opportunities to work on transformative technologies. Engineers who successfully navigate this career path contribute directly to national security while developing specialized skills valued throughout the engineering profession. The combination of job security, competitive compensation, and meaningful work makes aerospace and defense engineering a particularly compelling career choice for technically minded professionals seeking long-term growth and advancement opportunities.