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Aerial Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

KH Aerospace

Software Engineer

Truckee, CA · On-site

KHA supports a number of customers to carry out missions involving aerial reconnaissance, survey ... The Software Engineer will work closely with flight test, hardware, systems, operations, and other ...

KH Aerospace

Software Engineer

South Lake Tahoe, CA · On-site

KHA supports a number of customers to carry out missions involving aerial reconnaissance, survey ... The Software Engineer will work closely with flight test, hardware, systems, operations, and other ...

Chipton Ross

Design and Analysis Engineer 3

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$78.64/hr

The Client KC-46 Pegasus is the USAF's new aerial refueling tanker aircraft designed to support ... Support the engineering design, development, analysis, testing, and certification of the mission ...

Kratos Defense

Software Engineer I

Roseville, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise ... Develops product software using software engineering best-practices, while adhering to KUAS ...

Kratos Defense

Software Engineer I

Roseville, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise ... Develops product software using software engineering best-practices, while adhering to KUAS ...

Chipton Ross

Design and Analysis Engineer 4

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$94.29/hr

The Client KC-46 Pegasus is the USAF's new aerial refueling tanker aircraft designed to support ... Support the engineering design, development, analysis, testing, and certification of the mission ...

Kratos Defense

Project Engineer

Roseville, CA

$120K - $150K/yr

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise ... Working with the design authority for assigned project(s), the Project Engineer supports the ...

Kratos Defense

Project Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise ... Working with the design authority for assigned project(s), the Project Engineer supports the ...

Humetis Group

Structural Engineer

Orange, CA · On-site

Structural Engineer Location: Orange, CA (Onsite) Employment Type: Full-Time Industry: Civil ... Transit stations (aerial/underground) * Freeway, railroad, and pedestrian bridges * Tunnels ...

Swift Engineering

UAV Electrical Engineer

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated UAV Electrical Engineer to design, integrate, and own the complete electrical architecture of advanced unmanned aerial vehicle systems. This role is critical to the ...

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Aerial Engineer information

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$43.4K

$105K

$171.2K

How much do aerial engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial engineer in California is $104,993.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,000.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerial engineer?

Aerial Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain aerial systems and equipment, often related to telecommunications, broadcasting, or unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). Their work typically involves installing and servicing antennas, towers, and related infrastructure to ensure reliable signal transmission. They may also be involved in planning and executing aerial surveys or inspections, and troubleshooting technical issues in the field. Aerial Engineers often work at heights and must follow strict safety protocols. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and physical fitness.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerial engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerial Engineer, you need a solid background in aeronautical engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and, in some cases, a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software, simulation tools, and industry-specific standards is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set top performers apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing safe, efficient aerial systems and ensuring project success in a highly technical and regulated field.

How does an aerial engineer typically collaborate with other teams during a project?

Aerial Engineers frequently work alongside multidisciplinary teams, including surveyors, project managers, and construction crews, to ensure that aerial installations meet safety and quality standards. They are involved in coordinating site assessments, sharing technical specifications, and troubleshooting issues as projects progress. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Aerial Engineers must align their work with broader project timelines and regulatory requirements. This collaborative approach helps ensure successful project delivery and fosters a supportive work environment.

What is the difference between Aerial Engineer vs Drone Pilot?

AspectAerial EngineerDrone Pilot
CertificationsEngineering degree, FAA Part 107 (if applicable)FAA Part 107 certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial facilities, infrastructure projectsOpen fields, urban areas, event venues
Employer & IndustryEngineering firms, construction companies, government agenciesMedia, agriculture, real estate, film production

While both roles involve working with aerial devices, Aerial Engineers focus on designing, analyzing, and maintaining aerial systems, often requiring engineering credentials. Drone Pilots operate drones primarily for photography, surveying, or inspection, typically needing FAA certification. The roles differ in scope, environment, and industry application, but both are essential in aerial operations.

What are popular job titles related to Aerial Engineer jobs in California?

For Aerial Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Aerial Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Aerial Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Aerial Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Aerial Engineer job openings:

Aerial Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,993 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Project Engineer - Cross Platform

Poway, CA • On-site

General Atomics
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about General Atomicsexternal

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
We have an exciting career opportunity for an entry level Project Engineer (PE) in our cross-product / cross platform Diminished Manufacturing Sources (DMS) Engineering Group located in Poway, CA.
Air and ground-based products, such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Ground Control Stations (GCS), and Radar subsystems require continued engineering solutions throughout their lifecycle. DMS Engineering has become a critical, specialized team within the company, used to rapidly re-engineer aspects of the platform to help ensure there are no production nor sustainment impacts to our wide fleet of Unmanned Aerial Systems and their customers. This engineering team interfaces with all product lines and customers across the enterprise and takes on projects critical to the larger goals of the company.
This team is required to interface across multiple engineering disciplines (including electrical, mechanical, software, components, materials, cyber, safety, structures and more), and multiple non-engineering disciplines (including program management, finance, scheduling, configuration management, data management, publications, and more) in order to develop, manage, and execute critical engineering solutions.
Due to the important nature of this specialized engineering team, we are currently seeking only highly motivated engineers with strong technical backgrounds that are well organized and able to communicate effectively to join our team.
With moderate supervision, an entry-level cross-product, cross-platform PE will be responsible for developing short and long term mitigation solutions for various impacts and working with engineering and programs to implement technical resolutions in a fast-paced environment.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Analyze engineering details and program risks relative to unprocurable components within the system.
  • Develop engineering reports documenting the short and long-term resolution strategies.
  • Brief Program Managers (PMs) and engineers on short-term and long-term resolution strategies.
  • Coordinate and manage engineering projects with functional engineering groups to ensure the continued supportability and viability of GA-ASI's products and platforms.
  • Work closely with PMs to identify and communicate programmatic impacts.
  • Develop engineering cost estimates for Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) activities.
  • Create engineering project schedules and resolution timelines.
  • Lead engineering to implement resolution activities.
  • Support engineering / manufacturing with the design, development, prototyping and production solutions.
  • Work with test engineering to successfully complete airworthiness assessments as well as ground and flight testing when required.
  • Interface with technical publications staff to ensure documentation updates are implemented as needed.
  • Present report(s) at engineering meetings; participate in program reviews and program consultations
  • Anticipate future engineering needs and the modifications required to accomplish technical goals
  • Maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
  • Utilize python and excel based tools to improve engineering processes and efficiencies.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors or masters degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and two or more years of engineering experience with a bachelors degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Requires the application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
  • Requires ability to perform assigned tasks in short-order and with a continued sense of urgency.
  • Requires ability to manage multiple projects at once.
  • Must be motivated to learn about interface characteristics, function/operation, and end-usage of GA-ASI products and platforms.
  • Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.
  • Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required.
  • Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Security Clearance is required.
  • Software (e.g. Python) experience desired.

What General Atomics employees say

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About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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