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Aerospace Structures Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Structures Design Engineer II

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected ... We're generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with ...

Structures Design Engineer II

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$120 - $160/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We're generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well.

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Aerospace Structures information

See California salary details

$17

$26

$48

How much do aerospace structures jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerospace structures in California is $26.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $27.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerospace structures?

An Aerospace Structures job involves designing, analyzing, manufacturing, and testing structural components for aircraft and spacecraft. Engineers in this field ensure that materials and designs meet safety, weight, and performance requirements. They work with composites, metals, and advanced materials to optimize strength and durability. This role often involves collaboration with aerodynamics, materials science, and manufacturing teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in aerospace structures, and why are they important?

To excel in Aerospace Structures, you need expertise in engineering principles, materials science, and structural analysis, typically backed by a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software (such as CATIA, SolidWorks), finite element analysis (FEA) tools, and industry certifications like PE or EIT are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication skills are essential soft skills in this role. These capabilities ensure the safe, efficient design and integrity of aircraft and spacecraft structures, supporting successful project outcomes.

What are some of the common challenges faced in an aerospace structures role?

Professionals working in Aerospace Structures frequently encounter challenges such as balancing demanding weight and strength requirements with stringent safety standards, while complying with regulatory guidelines. This role often requires troubleshooting structural issues, developing innovative solutions under tight deadlines, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams including design, manufacturing, and testing engineers. Adaptability and attention to detail are crucial for resolving unexpected issues as they arise during the development and testing phases. Embracing these challenges provides valuable experience and can open doors to advanced technical and leadership roles in the aerospace industry.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Aerospace Structures jobs?

Cities in California with the most Aerospace Structures job openings:

Infographic showing various Aerospace Structures job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,750 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Structures Analyst - Engineer I/Engineer II

Heart Aerospace

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$108K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

About Heart Aerospace
At Heart Aerospace, we are developing the ES-30, a regional hybrid-electric aircraft designed to decarbonize and democratize aviation. The ES-30 seats 30 passengers, with a zero-emission electric range of 200 km and an extended hybrid range of 400 km. Heart is targeting type certification by the end of the decade.
Your Mission
As a Structures Analyst, you will support the analysis and development of aircraft structural components for a next-generation hybrid-electric airplane. Working closely with senior and staff engineers, you will contribute to structural analyses of composite and metallic airframe components, assist with design trade studies, and grow your technical skills in a fast-paced aerospace environment.
This role is ideal for early-career engineers looking to deepen their experience in structural analysis, finite element modeling, and aircraft design.
We are looking to hire a Structure Analyst I and Structure Analyst II for theStructuresteam.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Perform structural analysis using classical methods and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools under guidance from senior engineers (e.g., Nastran, Patran, Abaqus, ANSYS).
  • Built and modifies FEA models for static, dynamic, and fatigue analyses.
  • Analyze and interpret simulation results, helping to document findings and recommendations.
  • Collaborate with design engineers to support structural sizing, weight optimization, and design iterations.
  • Perform basic hand calculations to support preliminary designs and validate analysis results.
  • Drive structural testing activities, including test setup assistance, data review, and correlation with analysis.
  • Manage structural issues by investigating root-cause analysis efforts.
  • Document analysis work clearly and maintain organized records of models, assumptions, and results.

You'll Bring These Qualifications for a Structures Analyst I:
  • 0-2 years of professional experience, internships, or co-ops in structural analysis, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
  • Exposure to composite and/or metallic structures (academic or professional).
  • Familiarity with FEA tools (e.g., Nastran, Patran, Abaqus, ANSYS) through coursework, internships, or early career experience.
  • Foundational understanding of structural mechanics, materials, and aerospace structures.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to communicate technical information clearly in written and verbal English.
  • Enthusiasm for aircraft development and alignment with Heart's mission.
  • Willingness to learn, take feedback, and work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

You'll Bring These Qualifications for a Structures Analyst II:
  • 2-5 years of professional industry experience.
  • Exposure to composite and/or metallic structures.
  • Familiarity with FEA tools (e.g., Nastran, Patran, Abaqus, ANSYS) through coursework, internships, or early career experience.
  • Foundational understanding of structural mechanics, materials, and aerospace structures.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to communicate technical information clearly in written and verbal English.
  • Enthusiasm for aircraft development and alignment with Heart's mission.
  • Willingness to learn, take feedback, and work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have:
  • Worked in a startup environment.
  • Exposure to composite materials and manufacturing methods.
  • Experience with CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, NX).
  • Familiarity with aerospace certification concepts (FAA, EASA) through coursework.
  • Introductory experience with Python or scripting for analysis automation.
  • Master's degree (or progress toward one) in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.

Base Pay Range:
  • Structures Analyst I - $108,000 - $135,000.
  • Structures Analyst II - $124,000 - $155,000.