Description
Leidos has an exciting opening for a Senior Aerospace Manufacturing Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support a customer on-site in Northern Virginia. This position is part of a highly skilled team of SMEs providing analytic expertise in launch vehicle and missile systems, satellite technology, and C4ISR.
The ideal candidate will bring extensive industrial experience in the design, manufacturing, and testing of aerospace systems, including aircraft, spacecraft, launch vehicles, and missiles. This role requires both deep technical knowledge and the ability to advise, mentor, and engage with senior government stakeholders.
Primary Responsibilities
The Senior Aerospace Manufacturing SME will:
Demonstrate proficiency in aerospace manufacturing methods, materials, and tooling, with specific expertise in ballistic missile production.
Collaborate effectively in team environments while maintaining the ability to operate independently with minimal supervision.
Provide expert advice and support to government customers on materials, equipment, and infrastructure related to ballistic missile proliferation and production.
Deliver training and teach specialized courses on Missile Materials and Machine Tools.
Apply hands-on experience with missile and/or rocket engine manufacturing methods, tooling, procedures, and testing.
Mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical and professional growth.
Maintain the ability to travel as needed; a valid U.S. passport is required.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field and 15+ years of professional experience in aerospace manufacturing, 13+ years experience required with a Mater's Degree.
At least a secret clearance and possess the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance with Full-Scope Polygraph.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in engineering, physics, or related technical discipline.
15–20 years of direct experience in aerospace or missile manufacturing.
Familiarity with foreign ballistic missile systems.
Experience with U.S. military aerospace systems.
Active TS/SCI clearance with Full-Scope Polygraph.
At Leidos, we don’t want someone who "fits the mold"—we want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless, the over-caffeinated, the ones who ask, “what’s next?” before the dust settles on “what’s now.”
If you’re already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2… good. You’ll fit right in.
Original Posting:
September 8, 2025
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $134,550.00 - $243,225.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.
Pay and Benefits
Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.
Securing Your Data
Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.
If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
Commitment to Non-Descrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.
