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Aerospace Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Alutiiq, LLC

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$195K - $250K/yr

Taxable Entity MCCALLIE ASSOCIATES INC Job Title Aerospace Engineer Location CA Los Angeles AFB - El Segundo, 90245 US (Primary) Category Engineering Job Type Full-time Typical Pay/Range $195,000 to ...

Alutiiq

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$195K - $250K/yr

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 ...

Alutiiq

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Provide SME-level aerospace engineering expertise for missile warning mission ground systems including command and control, mission processing, and ground segment architecture Lead engineering ...

Alutiiq

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$190K - $240K/yr

Provide SME-level aerospace engineering expertise on missile warning ground processing, mission management, and operational delivery Lead engineering reviews of ground processing architectures ...

Alutiiq, LLC

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Taxable Entity MCCALLIE ASSOCIATES INC Job Title Aerospace Engineer Location CA Los Angeles AFB - El Segundo, 90245 US (Primary) Category Engineering Job Type Full-time Typical Pay/Range $170,000 to ...

Alutiiq, LLC

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$190K - $240K/yr

Taxable Entity MCCALLIE ASSOCIATES INC Job Title Aerospace Engineer Location CA Los Angeles AFB - El Segundo, 90245 US (Primary) Category Engineering Job Type Full-time Typical Pay/Range $190,000 to ...

Naval Air Systems Command

AEROSPACE ENGINEER

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$46K - $132K/yr

This position is for an Aerospace Engineer within the Fleet Readiness Center Southwest, located at Naval Base Coronado, San Diego, California. * The purpose of this position is to perform in-service ...

IESE Solutions

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

IESE Solutions is seeking Aerospace Systems Engineers to support the U.S. Space Forces mission of delivering warfighter capability via the Space Systems Command (SSC) directorates. Positions are ...

IESE Solutions

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

IESE Solutions is seeking Aerospace Systems Engineers to support the U.S. Space Forces mission of delivering warfighter capability via the Space Systems Command (SSC) directorates. Positions are ...

IESE Solutions

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA

IESE Solutions is seeking Aerospace Systems Engineers to support the U.S. Space Forces mission of delivering warfighter capability via the Space Systems Command (SSC) directorates. Positions are ...

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All JobsAerospace Engineer JobsAerospace Engineer Jobs in California

Aerospace Engineer information

See California salary details

$41.5K

$107.2K

$162.8K

How much do aerospace engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace engineer 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 do aerospace engineers do?

Aerospace Engineers manufacture and design aircraft, satellites, missiles, aeronautical and astronautical products and technologies for development, research, defense, and commercial use. They document and evaluate the production of aircraft and aircraft technologies, including commercial and military airplanes, propulsion systems, navigation systems, instrumentation, communication, and thermodynamic and aerodynamic materials used in flight. Aerospace Engineers use highly complex computer systems and software to model, design, evaluate, and simulate parts, products, and vehicles in order to determine if proposals are financially feasible and whether designs will meet regulatory and safety standards. They confer with each other on large-scale projects that require group input, completing a multitude of tasks on a single project through the shared duties of many engineers.

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

To thrive as an Aerospace Engineer, you need a solid background in aerodynamics, propulsion, materials science, and systems engineering, typically backed by a bachelor's or master'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 commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in collaborative and innovative environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing safe, efficient, and cutting-edge aerospace systems that meet rigorous industry standards.

What is the difference between Aerospace Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAerospace EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in aerospace or aeronautical engineering; often a Professional Engineer (PE) licenseBachelor's in mechanical engineering; PE license optional
Work EnvironmentDesigning aircraft, spacecraft, satellites; working in labs, design offices, and manufacturingDesigning machinery, engines, HVAC systems; working in factories, labs, and offices
Industry UsageAerospace, defense, space explorationAutomotive, manufacturing, energy, robotics
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

In summary, aerospace engineers specialize in designing and developing aircraft and spacecraft, often requiring specific aerospace credentials and working in specialized environments. Mechanical engineers have a broader focus on machinery and systems across various industries, with more general credentials. The key difference lies in their industry focus and the types of projects they handle.

What are some common challenges aerospace engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Aerospace engineers often collaborate with professionals from fields like electrical, mechanical, and software engineering, which can present communication and coordination challenges. Navigating different technical languages, aligning project goals, and integrating diverse components require strong teamwork and adaptability. Successful aerospace engineers proactively build cross-functional relationships, participate in regular project meetings, and stay open to feedback to ensure seamless integration of all systems. These collaborative skills are just as essential as technical expertise in bringing complex aerospace projects to completion.
More about Aerospace Engineer jobs
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 are popular job titles related to Aerospace Engineer jobs in California? For Aerospace Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerospace Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Aerospace Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Aerospace Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Aerospace Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Engineer jobs in CA? For Aerospace Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Aerospace Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,216 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Aerospace Engineer

Alutiiq, LLC

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$195K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Taxable Entity
MCCALLIE ASSOCIATES INC
Job Title
Aerospace Engineer
Location
CA Los Angeles AFB - El Segundo, 90245 US (Primary)
Category
Engineering
Job Type
Full-time
Typical Pay/Range
$195,000 to $250,000 per year
Education
Master's Degree
Travel
Up to 25%
Security Clearance Required
TS/SCI
POSITION OVERVIEW AND PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS):
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.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • 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 year
Afognak Native Corporation and Afognak's direct and indirect subsidiaries, partnerships, joint ventures and affiliates to include Alutiiq, LLC; Afognak Commercial Group, LLC; Alutiiq Professional Consulting, LLC; and each of their respective domestic and foreign, direct and indirect subsidiaries, partnerships, joint ventures and affiliates are equal opportunity employers that do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions and lactation), sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws (collectively, "Protected Status").
The pay range information provided is a general guideline. The pay rate offered will be determined based on the candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as geographic locations, market data, and other business considerations, as permitted by law.
Our full range of benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability protection, life insurance, prescription coverage, voluntary benefits, paid leave, and 401(k) retirement. Positions covered by the McNamara O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), Davis-Bacon Act (DBA), or a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), or Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will comply with the statute or CBA requirements as well as other client-customer contract requirements (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). For more information, please visit our Company's Career page.
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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

Social media

Twitter

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