Aerospace & Defense
Aerospace & Defense Jobs
Fairfax NOVA is home to global aerospace and defense leaders including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Leidos and Northrop Grumman. Job openings span cybersecurity, systems engineering and lean manufacturing. Catapult your career to new heights, explore new job listings and meet potential employers in person.
Booming with opportunity, Fairfax NOVA is known for mission-driven employment possibilities across industries that are pushing the boundaries, from cybersecurity to systems engineering and lean manufacturing. Explore new job listings and in-person opportunities to meet potential employers.
Fast Facts
Annual Mean Wage for Aerospace Engineers (D.C. Metro Area)
ZipRecruiter, 2026Metropolitan Areas with the Highest Employment for Aerospace Engineers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025Projected Aerospace Industry Growth over the Next Decade (Virginia)
Virginia Economic Development PartnershipAerospace and Defense Employers
Fairfax NOVA is a hub for world-class aerospace and defense sector employers, offering exciting job openings and impactful initiatives.
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Find a JobOut of this World Careers
Fairfax NOVA’s thriving aerospace and defense industry job market is backed by industry leaders. Lockheed Martin. Northrop Grumman. Boeing. Household names like these make up just three of the top 10 global defense and aerospace companies in Virginia. Job openings range from mechanical engineer and manufacturing engineer roles to project management or business development positions. Looking for opportunities in electrical engineering, aerospace propulsion or EMI/EMC engineering? You’ll find them in Fairfax NOVA.
Need more proof? Airbus, Raytheon, General Dynamics and more have invested more than $1.2 billion in Virginia over the past decade, laying the foundation for industry leaps and bounds at lightspeed. Here, industry giants like these find the space to honor their legacies while looking to the future – in Fairfax NOVA, you can too.
Learn from Today, Upskill for Tomorrow
We’re home to top-tier colleges, universities and upskilling programs that have educated generations of aerospace and defense industry talent while remaining at the cutting edge. Reimagine your career with a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree designed for the future of aerospace and defense at Virginia Tech’s new Innovation Campus in Alexandria. At VA Cyber Skills Academy, take advantage of free cybersecurity training for veterans and active-duty military personnel, because where you’re coming from is as important as where you’re going to. Join the ranks of ambitious professionals finding solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges – in Fairfax NOVA, educational and upskilling opportunities are just the start.
Cleared for Takeoff
Calling all veterans and cleared talent – in Northern Virginia, you can put your government security clearance to use contributing to cutting-edge or clearance-required aerospace and defense projects led by the top players in the industry. Get inspired. Get educated. And find the support you need to make your next career move your best one yet. Learn more about opportunities for veterans and cleared talent.
Aerospace & Defense Job FAQs
What aerospace engineering jobs are available with space exploration companies?
Aerospace engineering job openings in Fairfax NOVA include systems engineering, aerospace propulsion, process engineer, quality manager and field service engineer roles. Employers with space and satellite programs in the region include Northrop Grumman, Boeing and RTX. Many positions ask for GD&T experience and a background in lean manufacturing.
Which aerospace research and development companies are located in Virginia?
Aerospace and defense companies with a presence in Virginia include Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Leidos, General Dynamics, L3Harris, RTX, SAIC, Airbus, Peraton, Rolls-Royce and Thales USA. These companies employ engineers, scientists and program managers across research, development and manufacturing.
How do I get hired by a defense contractor in Northern Virginia?
Most defense industry jobs in Northern Virginia require U.S. citizenship, and many require an active security clearance or clearance eligibility. Start by targeting clearance-required roles that match your existing skills, then use free upskilling programs to close any gaps. Veterans and cleared talent can find regional support and training resources here.