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Aerospace Engineer Graduate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Aerospace Engineer Graduate information

See California salary details

$41.5K

$107.2K

$162.8K

How much do aerospace engineer graduate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace engineer graduate in California is $107,216.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,300.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerospace engineer graduate?

An Aerospace Engineer Graduate job is an entry-level position for recent graduates in aerospace engineering. It typically involves assisting in the design, analysis, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, or related systems. Graduates may work on aerodynamics, propulsion, materials, or structural components under the guidance of senior engineers. These roles help build practical experience and technical skills necessary for career growth in the aerospace industry.

What are some typical career paths and advancement opportunities for an aerospace engineer graduate?

As an Aerospace Engineer Graduate, you often start in entry-level engineering roles, working alongside senior engineers on design, analysis, and testing projects. Over time, you can progress to specialized roles in areas such as aerodynamics, systems engineering, or propulsion, or move into project management and leadership positions. Many graduates also have opportunities to pursue further education or professional certifications (like the Professional Engineer license) to advance their careers. Aerospace companies frequently support ongoing training and encourage involvement in multidisciplinary teams, giving you the chance to develop new skills and take on increased responsibility as you gain experience.

What do aerospace engineer graduates do after graduation?

Aerospace engineering graduates typically pursue entry-level positions in aircraft, spacecraft, or defense industries, working on design, testing, and manufacturing of aerospace systems. They often use CAD software, perform simulations, and may obtain professional engineering licenses to advance their careers.

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

Aerospace Engineer Graduates need a solid grasp of aerodynamics, propulsion, structural analysis, and mathematics, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools, finite element analysis (FEA), and industry standards or certifications like EIT is important. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set candidates apart. These competencies are vital to ensure safety, innovation, and collaboration in the complex and regulated aerospace industry.

How much do graduate aerospace engineers make?

Graduate aerospace engineers typically earn between $60,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on location, employer, and level of experience. Entry-level positions often require knowledge of CAD software, aerodynamics, and propulsion systems, which can influence starting salaries.
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineer Graduate jobs in California? The most popular types of Aerospace Engineer Graduate jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Aerospace Engineer Graduate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Aerospace Engineer Graduate jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Aerospace Engineer Graduate jobs? Cities in California with the most Aerospace Engineer Graduate job openings:
Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineer Graduate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,216 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Aerospace Engineer, AST, Research Pilot (Direct Hire)

US National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Edwards, CA

$161K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

The Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Research Pilot to support aeronautics flight research and Earth science missions. The incumbent will conduct experimental and developmental flight tests, support complex airborne science operations, and contribute to NASA's mission to advance aerospace technology and scientific discovery flying a wide range of aircraft to include upcoming flight research on Boeing 737 and 777 aircraft.Qualifications:In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.
NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement.
1. Certificate and Rating:
  • A current Federal Aviation Administration commercial pilot's license with an instrument rating OR
  • A pilot and instrument rating from the armed services.

2. Flight Hours:
  • 1,500 hours of pilot-in-command (or first pilot) flight time that included at least 500 hours in jet aircraft having at least 3,000 pounds of thrust per engine.
3. Specialized experience:
  • To qualify for GS-14, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level:
  • Inflight experience executing flight test techniques for performance and flying qualities testing;
  • Performing Pilot in command experience in transport or bomber type aircraft;
  • Performing flight research, flight test, or airborne test bed aircraft operations.
To receive proper consideration, you must:
  • Submit a copy of your license (front and back) with your application AND
  • Ensure that your flight hours are indicated in your resume.
Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.
Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of artificial intelligent (AI) or AI-assisted tools during the application process.Education:Basic Education Requirement: You must have successfully completed a bachelor's degree with a major in one of the following:
a) Engineering from a college or university that has ABET accredited engineering programs
b) Physical Science, Mathematics, Life Science or other field of Science
c) Computer Science that included 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of course work in any combination of mathematics, statistics and computer science with at least half of those hours in mathematics and statistics courses that included differential and integral calculus; and that provided an in-depth knowledge of theoretical and practical applications of computer science, including digital computer system architecture and system software organization, the representation and transformation of information structures, and the theoretical models for such representations and transformations.
If you did not complete a qualifying bachelor's degree, you may be eligible if you have obtained a graduate degree in an AST qualifying field, as listed above.
Applicants who do not fully meet the basic education requirement may still be considered if they possess exceptional relevant experience, or a combination of education and experience, that clearly demonstrates significant full performance-level achievement directly related to the duties of this position.
Engineering degrees earned within the United States: Engineering degrees earned within the United States must be from a college or university that has at least one ABET accredited engineering program. To find out if a school has at least one ABET accredited program, please visit http://www.abet.org.
Engineering degrees earned outside the United States: Engineering degrees earned outside the United States must be recognized by a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), often known as accords. These are non-governmental agreements among organizations that accredit academic degree programs. MRAs recognize the substantial equivalence of mature accreditation systems and programs accredited by signatory organizations within their jurisdictions. For a listing of Signatories, please visit, https://www.abet.org/global-presence/mutual-recognition-agreements/is-your-program-recognized/.
Science and other related degrees earned within the United States: Science and other related degrees must have been awarded from colleges or universities that are accredited by recognized accrediting organizations. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
Science and other related degrees earned outside the United States: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
All degrees must have been received in the year of, or any year subsequent to the original date of accreditation.Employment Type: OTHER