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Aeronautical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chipton Ross

Aeronautical Engineer

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$135/hr

Job #219011 Chipton-Ross is seeking a Aeronautical Engineer for a contract opportunity in Palmdale, CA. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE) * Experience in airframe structure design and ...

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How much do aeronautical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for aeronautical engineer in California is $61.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.21 and $81.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aeronautical engineer?

An aeronautical engineer works with aircraft and their propulsion systems. As an aeronautical engineer, your job is to design, develop, and implement new procedures and technologies for the creation and maintenance of aircraft components. Specific duties involve testing new designs and materials, assessing parts that were damaged or malfunctioned during flight, and collaborating with designers, pilots, and other engineers. You play an essential role in the aircraft manufacturing process. Aeronautical engineer positions are typically available with aircraft and aerospace manufacturers, government agencies, defense contractors, and aerospace engineering firms.

What does an aeronautical engineer do?

An aeronautical engineer designs, develops, tests, and helps manufacture aircraft such as airplanes and helicopters. They focus on the aerodynamic performance, materials, structural integrity, and systems of air vehicles. Their responsibilities include ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations, as well as addressing environmental and economic concerns in aviation. Aeronautical engineers often work for aerospace companies, government agencies, or research organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aeronautical engineer?

To thrive as an Aeronautical Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering principles, physics, mathematics, and typically a bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB or ANSYS, and industry certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license are highly valued. Problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating on complex projects and presenting technical information. These skills and qualifications are essential for developing safe, innovative, and efficient aircraft and aerospace systems in a highly regulated, multidisciplinary environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by aeronautical engineers when working on new aircraft designs?

Aeronautical engineers often face challenges such as meeting stringent safety regulations, balancing weight and fuel efficiency, and integrating advanced technologies within strict timelines. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—like avionics, materials science, and manufacturing—is essential to address these complexities. Staying up-to-date with evolving industry standards and addressing unexpected technical issues during prototype testing are also common aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Aeronautical Engineer vs Aerospace Engineer?

AspectAeronautical EngineerAerospace Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Aeronautical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's in Aerospace Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, test aircraft and related systemsDesign, develop, test aircraft and spacecraft
Industry UsagePrimarily in aviation industryIn both aviation and space industries

Both aeronautical and aerospace engineers share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, focusing on aircraft design and testing. However, aerospace engineers have a broader scope, including spacecraft and satellites, making their roles more diverse within the aerospace industry.

What jobs can an aeronautical engineer do?

An aeronautical engineer can work in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. They often work in aerospace manufacturing, research and development, or government agencies, utilizing skills in aerodynamics, materials, and propulsion. Certification and knowledge of CAD software are also important in this field.

What kind of work does an aeronautical engineer do?

An aeronautical engineer designs, develops, tests, and improves aircraft and spacecraft. They work on aerodynamics, propulsion systems, materials, and structural analysis, often using computer-aided design (CAD) software and adhering to safety and industry standards.
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Aeronautical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aeronautical Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,552 per year, or $61.8 per hour.

Aeronautical Engineer / Principal Aeronautical Engineer - Fluid Systems

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 367 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

83rd of 544 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Put your skills to the test by pushing the boundaries of what's possible. From global defense to sustainment and modernization to mission readiness, your experience and ability will make it a reality. Our programs are built on equal parts of curiosity and collaboration. Our combined effort means our customers can connect and defend millions of people around the world. With Northrop Grumman, you'll have the opportunity to be an essential part of projects that will define your career, now and in the future.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add an Aeronautical Engineer / Principal Aeronautical Engineer - Fluid Systems to join our team in Palmdale, CA.
Roles and Responsibilities will include:
  • Become a responsible engineer for fluid system that may include fuel, environmental controls, fire protection, or propulsion
  • Define and champion system improvements and changes as they become necessary. Lead mechanical design and development of system to produce drawings and manufacturing ready documentation.
  • Serve as an engineering representative in the supplier management team for key suppliers to the system. Manage their performance, technical flow down, and resolution of manufacturing and assembly issues as they arise.
  • Define and validate performance, mass, structural, thermal, fluid-dynamic, and durability requirements; perform sizing, calculations, and analyses to ensure systems meet operational and environmental specifications.
  • Collaborate across propulsion, systems, avionics, structures, thermal, manufacturing, and test teams to coordinate interfaces, timing, packaging, routing, and certification evidence

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is no remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. Travel up to 25% may be required.
This position may be offered as Aeronautical Engineer (Level 2) or Principal Aeronautical Engineer (Level 3)
Basic Qualifications Aeronautical Engineer:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 2 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 0 years of related engineering experience.
  • Experience with development, design, or sustainment of Fluid systems (Fuel, ECS, propulsion).
  • Experience applying Siemens AMESIM, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar analysis tools.
  • Experience with Computer Aided Design tools and practices (drafting, modeling parts and assemblies, etc...)
  • Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) with ability to Obtain Top Secret clearance.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

Basic Qualifications Principal Aeronautical Engineer:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience.
  • Experience with development, design, or sustainment of Fluid systems (Fuel, ECS, propulsion).
  • Experience applying Siemens AMESIM, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar analysis tools.
  • Experience with Computer Aided Design tools and practices (drafting, modeling parts and assemblies, etc...)
  • Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) with ability to Obtain Top Secret clearance.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

Preferred Qualifications Both Levels:
  • Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.
  • Experience using CATIA V5 to examine 3D models.
  • Experience with complex fuel or ECS design and analysis .
  • Technical skills in fluid/thermodynamics, pressure systems, leak/burst calculations, and system sizing.
  • Experience with structures or subsystem installation design.
  • Experience presenting technical content to upper management.
  • Experience using TeamCenter Engineer and Enterprise to locate and examine technical data.

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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