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Aerospace Engineer Internship Jobs in California

You'll create features used by research scientists, aerospace engineers, intelligence analysts, and ... This should be your final internship before graduating. To apply, please submit the following: * An ...

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, or related engineering field. * 1+ years of hands-on experience with physical hardware (internships, labs, project teams all count)

Build Engineer - Propulsion

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$91K - $187K/yr

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, or related engineering field. * 1+ years of hands-on experience with physical hardware (internships, labs, project teams all count)

Build Engineer - Propulsion

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$91K - $187K/yr

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, or related engineering field. * 1+ years of hands-on experience with physical hardware (internships, labs, project teams all count)

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Aerospace Engineer Internship information

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$10

$19

$29

How much do aerospace engineer internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerospace engineer internship in California is $19.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $20.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerospace engineer internship?

Aerospace engineer internships are temporary positions that allow students or recent graduates to gain practical experience working in the aerospace industry. Interns typically assist with projects related to the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, or missiles. These internships help participants apply classroom knowledge to real-world engineering challenges, develop technical and teamwork skills, and build professional networks. Internships can be paid or unpaid and usually last for a summer or a semester.

What are the qualifications to get an aerospace engineer internship?

The qualifications to get an aerospace engineer internship for vary, depending on the specific position which you are interested in and company guidelines. To obtain an aerospace engineer internship during your undergraduate studies, you usually need to have completed two to three years of schooling to be eligible. In addition to having a strong fundamental knowledge of aerospace engineering, aerodynamics, and other engineering principles, an intern should also have strong technical skills, including familiarity with computer programming and AutoCAD. Recent graduates need similar capabilities, and some internships require you to have a minimum GPA. Strong interpersonal communication skills, being a multitasker, and having strong attention to detail are qualities that employers look for when selecting interns.

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

To thrive as an Aerospace Engineer Intern, you need a solid grasp of engineering fundamentals, mathematics, and physics, typically supported by coursework in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB or ANSYS, and basic programming skills are commonly expected. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication set standout interns apart. These skills enable interns to contribute meaningfully to complex projects, solve technical problems, and collaborate efficiently within engineering teams.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during an aerospace engineer internship?

As an Aerospace Engineer Intern, you will likely be involved in supporting ongoing projects such as designing components, conducting simulations, assisting with prototype testing, or analyzing data from flight or wind tunnel tests. Interns often collaborate with engineers from various disciplines, gaining exposure to both the technical and project management aspects of aerospace development. You'll also participate in team meetings and may have opportunities to present your findings or contribute to project documentation. The work environment is typically team-oriented and fast-paced, offering valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities for future career growth.

What is the difference between Aerospace Engineer Internship vs Aerospace Engineer?

AspectAerospace Engineer InternshipAerospace Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate with a bachelor's or master's in aerospace or related engineeringBachelor's or higher degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, often with professional licensure
Work EnvironmentInternship programs in aerospace companies, labs, or research centersFull-time professional roles in aerospace manufacturing, design, or research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageInternship positions offered by aerospace firms, government agencies, or research institutionsFull-time aerospace engineering roles in commercial, defense, or space industries

In summary, an Aerospace Engineer Internship is a temporary, entry-level position designed for students or recent graduates to gain industry experience, while an Aerospace Engineer is a full-time professional role requiring a degree and offering ongoing responsibilities in aerospace design, analysis, and development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Aerospace Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Aerospace Engineer Internship jobs?

Cities in California with the most Aerospace Engineer Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineer Internship job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 28% Internship, 63% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,648 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Aerospace Enginner I - Computational Aerodynamics

Mountain View, CA โ€ข On-site

Analytical Mechanics Associates
Scientific Research and Development Servicesย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$115K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Description:
Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc. is seeking an Aerospace Engineer I to support computational aerodynamics and aeromechanics research within the NASA Ames Research Center Aeromechanics Office (Code AV). The position will support high-fidelity aerodynamic analysis of rotorcraft, airfoils, and planetary aerial vehicles using modern computational fluid dynamics methods and high-performance computing resources.
The employee will perform specialized technical assignments under the direction and review of senior engineering personnel. Assignments will have defined objectives and established computational approaches. Final technical conclusions, research direction, and engineering design decisions will remain the responsibility of senior project personnel.
Responsibilities
  • Set up, execute, and monitor computational fluid dynamics simulations using modern CFD software and high-performance computing systems.
  • Perform high-fidelity and scale-resolving aerodynamic simulations using methods such as LES, DES, DNS, or comparable approaches.
  • Prepare computational geometries, generate and evaluate meshes, and develop simulation inputs using established project procedures.
  • Post-process simulation results and evaluate aerodynamic forces, moments, pressure distributions, rotor loads, flow structures, and performance characteristics.
  • Compare computational results with experimental measurements, analytical solutions, benchmark cases, and previously generated datasets.
  • Support verification and validation activities, including convergence assessment, mesh-resolution studies, and comparisons between computational methods.
  • Conduct assigned rotor, blade, and airfoil performance studies using defined configurations, operating conditions, and evaluation criteria.
  • Support comprehensive rotorcraft analyses and predefined parameter studies using established analysis workflows.
  • Develop or modify scientific scripts for simulation preparation, data processing, analysis, and visualization.
  • Document computational methods, assumptions, configurations, and results.
  • Prepare technical figures, presentations, reports, conference papers, and journal-publication materials for review.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering field.
  • Demonstrated experience with computational fluid dynamics through academic research, thesis work, internships, or professional employment.
  • Experience using modern CFD tools for aerodynamic-flow simulations.
  • Familiarity with scale-resolving or high-fidelity simulation methods, including LES, DES, DNS, or related approaches.
  • Knowledge of numerical methods, computational mesh generation, aerodynamic data analysis, and CFD verification and validation practices.
  • Experience using scientific programming or scripting languages for engineering analysis and data processing.
  • Experience working in Linux-based computing environments and with high-performance computing resources.
  • Ability to document technical work and communicate computational results clearly.
  • Ability to perform specialized engineering assignments under the direction and review of senior personnel.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with PyFR, OVERFLOW, CAMRAD II, or comparable aerodynamic and rotorcraft-analysis tools.
  • Experience with high-order numerical methods, GPU-accelerated computing, or large-scale parallel simulations.
  • Experience with rotorcraft, airfoil, low-Reynolds-number, or planetary-aerodynamics applications.
  • Experience comparing computational results with wind-tunnel or other experimental data.

Employment Eligibility
This position is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and eligible foreign nationals whose country of birth and current citizenship are not included on NASA's Designated Countries List (https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control/). Employment is subject to U.S. work authorization and approval for access to NASA Ames facilities and systems.
Work Location: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
Organization Supported: NASA Ames Research Center, Aeromechanics Office (Code AV)
Salary Range: $115,000-$135,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.
Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
AMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.