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Aerospace Structures Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Composites Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Composites Engineer with Poseidon Aerospace you will bridge design and fabrication for advanced aerospace structures. This hands-on position focuses on developing and supporting composite ...

Staff Analyst, Methods

San Jose, CA · On-site

$15K - $190K/yr

Develop best practices for structural analysis of critical aerospace structures * Collaborate with the aerodynamics and loads & dynamics teams to design high performance propeller and rotor blades

Rotor/Hub Structural Analyst

San Jose, CA · On-site

$144K - $180K/yr

Develop best practices for structural analysis of critical aerospace structures * Collaborate with the aerodynamics and loads & dynamics teams to design high performance propeller and rotor blades

... structures or sheet metal experience · Experience with FAA, AS9100, or aerospace manufacturing standards · Ability to work with aluminum, titanium, and composite materials · Prior experience in ...

Showing results 41-60

Aerospace Structures information

See California salary details

$17

$26

$48

How much do aerospace structures jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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.

Composites Engineer

Poseidon Aerospace

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

About Poseidon Aerospace:
Poseidon Aerospace is reimagining how the world moves goods. We build and operate full-size autonomous cargo aircraft; Heron, a seaplane, and Egret, a STOL aircraft; each capable of carrying two tons of payload over a thousand nautical miles. From remote communities to contested logistics operations, our platforms unlock a new cost curve for air freight, making it faster, cheaper, and accessible anywhere it's needed. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area with locations in Washington DC, Oregon, and Maine; we're building something consequential.
As a Composites Engineer with Poseidon Aerospace you will bridge design and fabrication for advanced aerospace structures. This hands-on position focuses on developing and supporting composite manufacturing processes, tooling, and assembly methods used to produce prototype and production airframe components. The ideal candidate possesses strong problem solving and project management skills and combines engineering fundamentals with practical, shop-floor experience. They are equally comfortable in CAD and on the production floor, supporting technicians, solving problems, and refining build methods in real time.
Responsibilities:
  • Design, fabricate and procure tooling, molds, jigs, and fixtures required for fabrication and assembly.
  • Develop and document manufacturing processes for composite airframe components, including layup, bonding, curing, trimming, drilling, and assembly.
  • Collaborate closely with design engineering to ensure manufacturability, structural integrity, and production efficiency of composite parts and assemblies.
  • Work directly with technicians on the floor to support prototype builds, troubleshoot issues, and optimize build quality and efficiency.
  • Define material handling, kitting, and cure cycle parameters to ensure process consistency and compliance with specifications.
  • Support prototype builds and transition new designs to production, troubleshooting issues on the shop floor.
  • Develop detailed work instructions, travelers, and manufacturing documentation.
  • Analyze process capability and identify opportunities for cost reduction, yield improvement, and defect prevention.
  • Support non-conformance investigations and implement corrective/preventive actions.
  • Interface with suppliers on composite materials, tooling, and equipment.
  • Provide training, mentoring and technical guidance to production technicians on new processes or tooling.
  • Maintain accurate BOM information for all airframe components and subsystems.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, lean manufacturing efforts, and digital manufacturing integration.

Ideal Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or Materials Engineering or equivalent technical experience.
  • 2-5 years of hands-on composite fabrication or manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace or related industries.
  • Strong working knowledge of composite materials (carbon fiber, fiberglass, epoxy systems) and associated processes (hand layup, resin infusion, RTM, bonding).
  • Demonstrated experience supporting technicians and shop-floor operations.
  • Ability to design and develop tooling and fixtures using CAD software
  • Comfortable working with hand tools, measuring equipment, and basic shop machinery when developing or validating processes.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail in a fast-paced, prototype-oriented environment.
  • Strong understanding of GD&T and the ability to apply proper tolerancing to tooling designs and composite fabrication drawings.

Nice to Have:
  • Familiarity with PLM/MES/ERP systems to help track product lifecycle management and manufacturing processes.
  • Experience planning and enforcing project management timelines for complex, multifaceted projects.
  • Experience establishing/maintaining revision control and change management processes.
  • Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, 5S and process optimization methods.
  • Experience with CAM tools for fabricating tooling or integrating with manufacturing process documentation.
  • Regulatory Awareness: Familiarity with FAA or DoD requirements for composite structures.

What you get from us
  • Competitive salary and meaningful early-stage equity
  • Relocation support if applicable
  • Employee Health Benefit Plans
  • 6% Retirement matching
  • Flexible PTO
  • Free lunches, snacks, and a stocked fridge at our offices
  • AI tools and subscriptions

Even if you don't meet every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply. At Poseidon Aerospace, we value diverse perspectives and are always looking for talented individuals with unconventional backgrounds.