Aerospace Manufacturing SME

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.