Aerospace Jobs in Arlington, TX
Arlington sits in the middle of one of the biggest aerospace and defense clusters in the country. Within a short drive you have Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth building the F-35 and F-16, Bell Textron in Fort Worth and Hurst working the V-280 Valor tiltrotor, and a deep bench of suppliers feeding both. For job seekers in Arlington, that means aerospace work is not a single job title but a whole ladder, from hands-on assembly and sheet metal to avionics, engineering, and quality.
Current aerospace Openings in Arlington, TX
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Top Arlington Employers Hiring in Aerospace
Most aerospace roles for Arlington workers sit with the DFW primes and their supplier network, all within commuting range.
- Lockheed Martin Aeronautics - F-35 and F-16 production, assembly, engineering, and quality in Fort Worth.
- Bell Textron - rotorcraft and the V-280 Valor tiltrotor program, mechanics and assemblers.
- Raytheon (RTX) - defense electronics, missiles, and systems roles across the metro.
- L3Harris - avionics, mission systems, and integration work.
- Elbit America - defense electronics and sensor systems in the Fort Worth area.
- Triumph Group - aerostructures and components supply.
Aerospace Salaries in Arlington
- Entry (assembler, helper): about $18 to $24 per hour.
- Experienced (A&P mechanic, avionics tech, composites tech): about $28 to $42 per hour.
- Senior (engineers, lead inspectors, program roles): about $95,000 to $140,000+ per year.
These are estimates and vary by clearance, certification, and program. Defense contractors typically add strong benefits, shift differentials, and overtime.
How to Break Into Aerospace in Arlington
Paths vary by role. Mechanics earn an FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate through programs like Aviation Institute of Maintenance in Dallas or Tarrant County College. Engineers go through UT Arlington's College of Engineering. Assemblers and composites techs often start with a high school diploma plus employer or TCC training. Most defense roles require U.S. citizenship and the ability to pass a background check for a security clearance.
What the Work Involves
Aerospace work ranges from riveting and bonding airframe structures, to wiring and testing avionics, to inspecting parts against NAS410 and AS9100 standards, to designing systems. Precision, documentation, and safety culture define the field.
Skills Employers Look For
- Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and work instructions
- Precision hand and power tool skills
- Attention to documentation and traceability
- Willingness to work shifts and overtime on program deadlines
- U.S. citizenship for cleared defense programs
Career Path and Advancement
Many Arlington aerospace careers start on the floor as an assembler, move into a certified trade like A&P mechanic, avionics, or composites, then into lead, inspector, or planner roles. Adding a degree from UT Arlington can open engineering and program management tracks.
Related Careers in Arlington
If aerospace interests you, these related Arlington roles draw on the same skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to work in aerospace in Texas?
It depends on the role. Aircraft mechanics need an FAA A&P certificate, but assemblers, composites techs, and inspectors do not need a state or federal license. Texas has no separate state aerospace license.
How long does it take to get into aerospace?
Assembly roles can start within weeks of hiring. An FAA A&P certificate takes about 18 to 24 months, and an engineering degree takes about four years.
Do aerospace jobs near Arlington require a security clearance?
Many defense programs at Lockheed Martin, Bell, and Raytheon require U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a Secret or Top Secret clearance. Commercial aviation roles usually do not.
Can you work remotely in aerospace?
Hands-on roles like mechanics, assemblers, and composites techs are fully on-site. Some engineering and program roles offer partial remote or hybrid schedules.
Which Arlington-area aerospace employer pays the most?
The primes, Lockheed Martin, Bell, and Raytheon, generally pay the most, especially for cleared engineers and certified skilled trades.
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