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Aerospace Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FLAG Solutions LLC

Aerospace Assembler

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Train and provide day-to-day guidance to Level I/entry operators; support operation audits. Qualifications : * 1-3 years fastener or precision assembly experience (aerospace preferred). * Advanced ...

Alutiiq, LLC

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Support engineering coordination with operational sites (Buckley SFB, Schriever SFB, Boulder CO ... Citizenship * Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer ...

Crane Company

Aerospace Test Engineer

Burbank, CA · On-site

Crane Aerospace and Electronics has an exciting opportunity for a Test Engineer II or III (level ... Provide support of IPT activities in collaboration with other technical, operations, quality, and ...

Howmet Aerospace

Planning Manager (Aerospace)

Carson, CA · On-site

$105K - $147K/yr

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global ... Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Operations Management, Engineering, and/or related field.

Howmet Aerospace

Planning Manager (Aerospace)

Carson, CA · On-site

$105K - $147K/yr

Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Operations Management, Engineering, and/or related field. * Minimum 5 years of experience materials planning in an aerospace or precision metal manufacturing ...

FTG Aerospace

Be Seen First

Electrical Engineer - Aerospace

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

We are committed to innovation, quality, and operational excellence, proudly serving OEMs and operators across the aerospace and defense sectors.

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All JobsAerospace Operations JobsAerospace Operations Jobs in California

Aerospace Operations information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$30

How much do aerospace operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerospace operations in California is $19.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an aerospace operations do?

An aerospace operations professional manages and coordinates activities related to the development, testing, and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft. They often work with engineering teams, use specialized tools and software, and ensure safety and compliance with industry standards in a fast-paced environment.

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

To thrive as an Aerospace Operations Specialist, you need a solid background in aeronautical engineering principles, flight operations, and safety regulations, usually supported by a relevant degree or military training. Familiarity with flight planning software, air traffic control systems, and safety management tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills help professionals excel under pressure and coordinate complex operations. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant execution of aerospace missions.

What is aerospace operations?

Aerospace operations involve the coordination, management, and oversight of activities related to the operation of aircraft and spacecraft. Professionals in this field may work in air traffic control, flight operations, mission planning, or maintenance scheduling for both commercial airlines and space agencies. Their primary responsibilities include ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations during all phases of flight or space missions. Aerospace operations personnel play a critical role in supporting pilots, engineers, and mission specialists by providing up-to-date information and logistical support.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in aerospace operations, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Aerospace Operations often face challenges such as managing complex logistics, coordinating between multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring strict compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Adapting quickly to changes in schedules or mission requirements is also common. These challenges can be addressed by developing strong communication skills, staying current with industry regulations, and leveraging collaborative project management tools to streamline workflows and enhance team coordination.

What is the difference between Aerospace Operations vs Aerospace Engineering?

AspectAerospace OperationsAerospace Engineering
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in aviation, aeronautics, or related fields; certifications in flight operations or maintenanceRequires a degree in aerospace engineering or related fields; often a professional engineering license
Work EnvironmentAircraft maintenance, flight support, ground operations, and airline settingsDesign, development, testing, and analysis of aircraft and spacecraft
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, maintenance companies, government agencies, and aerospace service providersManufacturers, research labs, government agencies, and design firms

While Aerospace Operations focuses on managing and supporting aircraft and spacecraft operations, Aerospace Engineering involves designing and developing these vehicles. Both roles require specialized education and certifications but differ in daily tasks and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Operations jobs in California? For Aerospace Operations jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerospace Operations jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Aerospace Operations jobs in California are:
Aerospace Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Operations job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,682 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Firefly Aerospace Hiring Event- Vandenberg Space Force Base (INVITE ONLY) August 20th & 21st

Firefly Aerospace

Lompoc, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Firefly Aerospace rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.
California Local Hiring Event: San Luis Obispo, Thursday, August 20th or Lompoc, Friday, August 21st 2026 (Please Note: This is an invite only event-if you show up onsite without an invitation you will be turned away immediately.)
All positions offer a competitive base salary and equity. Sign-on bonuses and relocation available for qualified candidate.
Firefly Aerospace is growing! Come meet Firefly leaders and hiring managers at an invite-only event! In response to new contract awards across all of our programs, Firefly Aerospace has many needs across all functions including:
Local (Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA)
Positions:
  • Launch Engineer, Mechanical Systems
  • Launch Integration Engineer
  • Launch Engineer, Fluids Mechanical
  • Launch Engineer, EGSE
  • Launch Technician, Fluid Mechanical
  • Launch Technician, EGSE

Other Positions -Roles available at our production sites near Austin, Texas (Must be willing to relocate)
Skilled Labor:
  • Machinists
  • CNC Machinists
  • CNC Programmers
  • Composites Technicians
  • Avionics Technicians
  • Quality Inspectors
  • Welders

Engineering:
  • Mechanical
  • Propulsion
  • Software
  • Systems
  • Electrical
  • GSE
  • Manufacturing
  • Tooling
  • Launch and Test Engineering

Spacecraft:
  • Mission Operations
  • Assembly, Integration and Test
  • Mission Architects
  • Chief Engineering

Leadership:
  • Production and Engineering

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational-relocation reimbursement, short term disability, Life Insurance and flexible PTO options.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status

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