Aerospace Jobs in Illinois
Aerospace jobs in Illinois are active and competitive, with demand concentrated in defense systems, commercial aviation, and aerospace manufacturing across roles from entry-level technicians through senior engineers and program managers. The Chicago metro, Rockford, and Decatur anchor most of the hiring, where companies like Boeing, Collins Aerospace, and Caterpillar's aerospace division maintain long-standing operations. The most sought-after specialties include systems engineering, propulsion, avionics, and structural design. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.
We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.
Woodward supports our members’ wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position. Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Estimated annual base pay: $113,000 - $160,000
All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity
401(k) match (4.5%)
Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)
Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members
12 paid holidays, including floating holidays
Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire
Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave
Paid parental leave
Adoption Assistance
Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits
Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life
Member referral bonus
Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
Voluntary benefits, including:
Home / Auto Insurance discounts
Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave
Are you ready to make your mark? We have an exciting opportunity for you. Woodward is seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Counsel, Aerospace to provide strategic legal support for a broad range of commercial and transactional matters in its Aerospace business segment. The ideal candidate will have strong commercial contracting experience, preferably in the aerospace or manufacturing sector, and will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders across business units and geographies. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to Woodward’s mission while navigating a dynamic regulatory environment and partnering cross-functionally to enable business success.
Key Responsibilities:
Legal Advisory Services: Senior Counsel provides expert legal advice and guidance to various departments within the organization, ensuring that all business activities comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Contract Management: Senior Counsel drafts, reviews, negotiates, and manages a wide range of contracts and agreements to protect the organization's interests and mitigate legal risks.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Senior Counsel identifies potential legal risks associated with business operations and develops strategies to minimize exposure to litigation and regulatory issues.
Regulatory Compliance: Senior Counsel oversees the organization’s compliance with relevant laws and industry standards, conducting regular audits and implementing necessary policies and procedures.
Leadership and Mentorship: Senior Counsel leads the legal team by providing mentorship and guidance to junior legal staff, fostering professional development and ensuring the effective functioning of the legal department.
Key Skills:
Legal Expertise: A Senior Counsel possesses comprehensive knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and legal principles to effectively advise the organization.
Contract Drafting and Negotiation: They are skilled in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts to ensure favorable terms and mitigate potential risks.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring the organization adheres to all applicable laws and regulations is a key responsibility of a Senior Counsel.
Risk Management: They identify, assess, and develop strategies to manage legal risks that could impact the organization's operations and reputation.
Strategic Thinking: Senior Counsel contributes to the organization's strategic planning by providing legal insights that align with business objectives.
Communication Skills: They communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively to stakeholders at all levels within the organization.
Leadership and Team Management: A Senior Counsel leads and mentors junior legal staff, fostering a collaborative and productive team environment.
Problem Solving Ability: They demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address and resolve legal challenges efficiently.
Client Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external clients is essential for a Senior Counsel.
Project Management: They manage multiple legal projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and accurate completion of tasks and deliverables.
Other Qualifications:
A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school is required. Candidates must be licensed to practice law in the relevant country and jurisdiction(s).
Application window is anticipated to close 14 days from original posting date.
This information is provided in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and is the company’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation range and benefits offered for this position. The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, location, and other job-related reasons.
This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee).
Woodward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws.
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See All 25 Aerospace Jobs in Illinois
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Find Aerospace JobsAerospace Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Aerospace Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Chemicals & Materials
- Technology & Software
- Transportation & Logistics
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in aerospace jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering required
- Experience with CAD software such as CATIA, NX, or SolidWorks
- Familiarity with FAA regulations, MIL-SPEC standards, or AS9100 quality systems
- Ability to obtain or currently hold a U.S. security clearance
- Proficiency in systems integration, structural analysis, or avionics testing
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional team collaboration
Aerospace Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a aerospace in Illinois?
Aerospace roles in Illinois typically require a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited program. Illinois has no state-issued license specific to aerospace engineers, but roles in safety-critical systems often require Professional Engineer certification through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Many employers also expect candidates to complete a background investigation to qualify for a federal security clearance before starting work.
Which companies hire aerospaces in Illinois?
Employers hiring aerospaces in Illinois right now include Woodward, Regal Rexnord Corporation, and WingXpand, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's strong defense contracting base and its proximity to major logistics and manufacturing corridors make it a consistent source of aerospace hiring across both large primes and specialized suppliers.
Which Illinois cities have the most aerospace jobs?
Chicago, Loves Park, and Downers Grove have the most aerospace job openings in Illinois. Chicago leads because of its concentration of defense contractors, corporate engineering offices, and proximity to O'Hare, while Rockford's long-standing aerospace manufacturing cluster and Decatur's industrial base drive demand in those markets.
Are there remote aerospace jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Most aerospace work in Illinois involves hands-on lab testing, hardware integration, or on-site program coordination that requires physical presence. About 43% of aerospace openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those openings tend to be concentrated in systems analysis, technical writing, and program management functions where day-to-day work is documentation and coordination rather than hardware.
How can I get hired as a aerospace in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to internship or new-graduate rotational programs at large Illinois defense and manufacturing employers, where structured programs exist specifically for candidates without professional experience. Boeing and Collins Aerospace both run early-career programs out of their Illinois facilities. Lateral moves from adjacent roles in mechanical engineering, quality assurance, or manufacturing engineering are common entry points, and earning an EIT designation through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation gives candidates a measurable edge in competitive applicant pools.
Where can I find and apply to aerospace jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to aerospace jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Find roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 25 Aerospace Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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