Aerospace Engineer I (For 2026 Interns Only)

Sierra Nevada Corporation; Englewood (CO); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

401(k) with 150% match up to 6%

3 weeks paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corporation in Colorado is seeking an Aerospace Engineer I to assist in the research, design, development, and testing of aerospace products and systems. Under supervision, you will contribute to projects ensuring safety, quality, and performance while collaborating with senior engineers across disciplines.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering, 0–2 years of experience, and the ability to obtain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 0-2 years of relevant experience.
• Basic knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
• Familiarity with CFD simulations and FEA.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and development of aerospace components and systems.
• Perform basic analysis and testing to validate design concepts.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.
• Document technical data and create reports to support engineering decisions.
• Participate in design reviews and provide feedback on potential improvements.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Skills

Basic engineering principles

CFD/FEA simulations

Cross-functional collaboration

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CAD software

CFD tools

FEA tools

Job description

Do you love bringing "out-there" ideas to life? We are innovators on a mission to unite, explore and inspire. As an Aerospace Engineer I, you will assist in the research, design, development, and testing of innovative aerospace products and systems. Working under supervision, you will contribute to various projects, ensuring they meet safety, quality, and performance standards. The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and development of aerospace components and systems.
• Perform basic analysis and testing to validate design concepts.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.
• Document technical data and create reports to support engineering decisions.
• Participate in design reviews and provide feedback on potential improvements.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 0-2 years of relevant experience.
• Basic knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
• Familiarity with Computer Aided Engineering tools such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Some experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Internship or co-op experience in the aerospace industry.
• Familiarity with CAD software and basic simulation tools.
• Exposure to Engineering Simulation such Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Thermal Analysis using tools such as StarCCM+ or CFD++.
• Understanding of aircraft external loads, aircraft performance and stability and control.
• Familiarity with wind tunnel and aircraft flight test.
• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry Understanding of system-level static and dynamic modeling and simulation.
• Exposure to aircraft stability principles and control system design and analysis.
• Knowledge of industry standard aerospace principles, to include, but not limited to parametric design, model-based definition, fundamentals of flight mechanics.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Essential Functions

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.
• Work in an office or hybrid environment.

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $71,338.47 - $98,090.40. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors, such as candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use. Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team! SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. SNC is a trusted global leader in aerospace and national security. Our innovative solutions enable connected protection through command, control and communications systems, as well as ISR, cyber, electromagnetic spectrum management, and other high capabilities for systems across all domains – sea, land, air, space and cyber. As a longstanding leader in defense technology, SNC is the optimum intersection of commercial, defense and non-traditional contractors. We are one of the only privately owned mid-tier A&D contractors and we pride ourselves on our ability to invest early and often to ensure mission success on or ahead of schedule. It’s part of our mission to always stay one step ahead; working on solutions today to solve the problems of tomorrow. Founded in 1963, SNC is owned by Chairwoman Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen.