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Aerospace Contractor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$195K - $250K/yr

... contractor technical baselines, engineering change proposals, and configuration change board ... Citizenship Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical ...

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$195K - $250K/yr

Represent the contractor team at senior technical interchange meetings, working groups, and ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering ...

Provide SME-level aerospace engineering expertise for missile warning mission ground systems ... with contractor program teams developing or sustaining ground processing, control, and ...

Aerospace Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Engage with contractor program teams developing or sustaining ground processing, control, and ... Citizenship * Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer ...

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Engage with contractor program teams developing or sustaining ground processing, control, and ... Citizenship * Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer ...

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$190K - $240K/yr

Provide SME-level aerospace engineering expertise on missile warning ground processing, mission ... with contractor program teams developing or sustaining missile warning ground processing and ...

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$190K - $240K/yr

Engage with contractor program teams developing or sustaining missile warning ground processing and ... Citizenship * Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer ...

Planning Manager (Aerospace)

Carson, CA ยท On-site

$105K - $147K/yr

Experience with aerospace OEM and defense contractor requirements. * Experience with inventory optimization and lean manufacturing. * Experience managing planning teams. * Experience in California ...

Join a world-class aerospace and electronics company whose work supports commercial aviation ... As a US Department of Defense contractor, we are bound by International Traffic in Arms Regulations ...

Experience with aerospace OEM and defense contractor requirements. * Experience with inventory optimization and lean manufacturing. * Experience managing planning teams. * Experience in California ...

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Showing results 1-20

Aerospace Contractor information

See California salary details

$78.5K

$117.4K

$236.4K

How much do aerospace contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace contractor in California is $117,442.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,400.00 and $121,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerospace contractor?

Aerospace contractors are companies or individuals that provide specialized products or services to government agencies or private organizations within the aerospace industry. They may design, manufacture, test, or maintain aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, or related systems and components. Aerospace contractors often work on projects for organizations like NASA, the Department of Defense, or commercial airlines, contributing expertise in engineering, technology, and project management. Their work is essential for advancing aerospace technology and supporting national and commercial aerospace operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace contractor?

To thrive as an Aerospace Contractor, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering principles, project management, and compliance with industry regulations, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and security clearance. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and standards such as AS9100 or ITAR compliance is typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safety, meeting strict technical requirements, and successfully delivering complex aerospace projects on time.

What are some common challenges faced by aerospace contractors when working on multi-disciplinary projects?

Aerospace Contractors often face the challenge of coordinating with diverse teams, including engineers, designers, and manufacturing specialists, to ensure that all components of a project align with stringent safety and quality standards. Managing tight deadlines, adapting to changing client requirements, and ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies like the FAA or EASA can add complexity to daily tasks. Strong communication and project management skills are essential for overcoming these hurdles and delivering successful outcomes in a collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Aerospace Contractor vs Aerospace Engineer?

AspectAerospace ContractorAerospace Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or related engineering; certifications varyRequires a bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; often a master's or higher for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentContract-based projects, often on-site at aerospace facilities or manufacturing plantsDesign, analysis, and testing in labs or offices, with some on-site testing
Employer & Industry UsageContracting firms, aerospace manufacturers, government agenciesAirlines, aerospace companies, government agencies, research institutions

While both roles involve aerospace work, an Aerospace Contractor primarily provides specialized services or project-based work for aerospace companies, often on a contractual basis. An Aerospace Engineer designs, develops, and tests aerospace systems and components, typically working directly within engineering teams. The roles overlap in credentials and industry but differ in employment type and daily responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Contractor jobs in California?

For Aerospace Contractor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Aerospace Contractor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Aerospace Contractor jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Aerospace Contractor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,442 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Aerospace Engineer

Alutiiq

El Segundo, CA โ€ข On-site

$195K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

McCallie Associates, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Alutiiq, LLC, is accepting applications for a Subject Matter Expert (SME) Aerospace Engineer - Space Sensing Systems Engineering & Integration to provide the highest level of systems engineering and integration expertise to the U.S. Space Force's Space Sensing directorate. This role brings deep, recognized expertise in aerospace systems engineering and serves as a technical authority for complex integration challenges across Space Sensing's portfolio of satellite, ground, and user equipment systems

This position will lead technically complex engineering analyses, advise Government program managers and Chief Engineers, and contribute SME-level judgment to the most demanding architectural and integration decisions facing the directorate - including next-generation missile warning capabilities, sensor-to-shooter integration, and modernization of legacy missile warning ground infrastructure. Provide SME-level technical leadership on complex aerospace systems engineering and integration challenges across Space Sensing programs Lead engineering trade studies, system concept evaluations, and architecture analyses; develop recommendations on technical baseline alternatives Advise Government Chief Engineers, program managers, and IPT leads on systems integration approaches, technical risk, and engineering trade-offs Support integration across segments of the overall Tasking, Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (TPED) architecture and interfaces between satellite, ground, and user segments Lead reviews of contractor technical baselines, engineering change proposals, and configuration change board submissions Mentor mid-level engineers and analysts; contribute to engineering process improvement and discipline Represent the contractor team at senior technical interchange meetings, working groups, and Government/Industry forums Prepare technical briefings, white papers, and engineering position papers for senior Government audiences This opportunity is for a POTENTIAL CONTRACT award and is contingent upon the contract being awarded. Consideration for a potential contract may require a signed letter of intent.

If the contract is awarded, another position posting will be available on the Company Careers portal.Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility U.S. Citizenship Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline from an ABET-accredited institution; Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible aerospace engineering experience, with demonstrated SME-level depth in systems engineering, integration, or architecture Demonstrated experience leading complex systems engineering efforts on DoD space, missile, or sensor systems Recognized technical expertise in at least one of: missile warning satellite systems, missile tracking systems, overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) sensors, satellite-to-ground integration, or strategic/tactical missile warning ground systems Strong written and verbal communication; demonstrated ability to brief Senior Executive Service, general officer, and Chief Engineer audiences Preferred Qualifications Master's or PhD in a technical discipline Prior direct support to SSC/SN, SMC, or predecessor Space Force / Air Force space organizations DAWIA Level III in Engineering or Program Management Recognized industry contributions (peer-reviewed publications, technical society leadership, AIAA/INCOSE technical fellowships) Familiarity with SSC Systems Engineering Plan framework and SSC technical standards INCOSE CSEP or ESEP certification Expected salary range: $195,000 to $250,000 per yearActive Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility U.S. Citizenship Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline from an ABET-accredited institution; Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible aerospace engineering experience, with demonstrated SME-level depth in systems engineering, integration, or architecture Demonstrated experience leading complex systems engineering efforts on DoD space, missile, or sensor systems Recognized technical expertise in at least one of: missile warning satellite systems, missile tracking systems, overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) sensors, satellite-to-ground integration, or strategic/tactical missile warning ground systems Strong written and verbal communication; demonstrated ability to brief Senior Executive Service, general officer, and Chief Engineer audiences Preferred Qualifications Master's or PhD in a technical discipline Prior direct support to SSC/SN, SMC, or predecessor Space Force / Air Force space organizations DAWIA Level III in Engineering or Program Management Recognized industry contributions (peer-reviewed publications, technical society leadership, AIAA/INCOSE technical fellowships) Familiarity with SSC Systems Engineering Plan framework and SSC technical standards INCOSE CSEP or ESEP certification Expected salary range: $195,000 to $250,000 per year


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About Alutiiq

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Anchorage, AK, US

Year founded

1999

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