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Aerospace System Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Alutiiq

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$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, LLC

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 ...

FTG Aerospace

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Electrical Engineer - Aerospace

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

The ideal candidate will have strong electrical system expertise, a background in aerospace or ... Collaborate with systems engineers, hardware engineers, and project managers to define requirements ...

Waypoint Sierra Consultants

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Space System Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$195K - $240K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field * Expertise in systems engineering and requirements analysis * Proven skills in risk management and mitigation * Proficiency with ...

Alutiiq

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$170K - $210K/yr

... Aerospace Engineer - Space Force Mission Ground Systems to support the U ... S. Space Force's mission ground systems for a critical Space Sensing mission area. This role ...

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 ...

Alutiiq

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$190K - $240K/yr

... Aerospace Engineer - Space Force Missile Warning Ground Mission to support the U.S ... Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC) missile warning ground mission - a major program area ...

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 System Engineer JobsAerospace System Engineer Jobs in California

Aerospace System Engineer information

See California salary details

$52.8K

$125.5K

$164.8K

How much do aerospace system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace system engineer in California is $125,549.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $154,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Aerospace System Engineer vs Aerospace Design Engineer?

AspectAerospace System EngineerAerospace Design Engineer
Primary FocusSystems integration, functionality, and overall system performanceComponent and subsystem design, development, and optimization
Required SkillsSystems engineering, systems architecture, integration, testingCAD, structural analysis, aerodynamics, materials
Work EnvironmentCollaborates across teams, often in systems labs or on aircraft/spacecraft projectsDesign studios, CAD environments, prototype labs
CertificationsTypically none specific, but systems engineering certifications are commonOften requires engineering licenses or design certifications

In summary, Aerospace System Engineers focus on integrating and managing entire aerospace systems, ensuring all components work together effectively. Aerospace Design Engineers concentrate on creating and refining individual components and subsystems. Both roles are essential and often collaborate closely in aerospace projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aerospace System Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerospace System Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering principles, systems integration, and problem-solving, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with CAD tools, simulation software (such as MATLAB/Simulink), and industry standards like DO-178C, as well as relevant certifications, is often required. Strong collaboration, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for working across multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects. These competencies ensure the delivery of safe, reliable, and innovative aerospace systems in a highly regulated and technologically advanced industry.

How does an Aerospace System Engineer typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during a project?

Aerospace System Engineers frequently work alongside specialists in avionics, propulsion, structural engineering, and software development to ensure that all systems integrate seamlessly. Effective communication and coordination are essential, as engineers must align requirements, resolve technical conflicts, and validate system interfaces. Regular meetings, design reviews, and documentation updates are common practices that facilitate this collaboration. By engaging with diverse teams, Aerospace System Engineers play a pivotal role in delivering safe, reliable, and high-performing aerospace solutions.

What are Aerospace System Engineers?

Aerospace System Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and oversee complex systems used in aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They integrate various engineering disciplines to ensure all components of an aerospace system work effectively together. Their work involves requirements analysis, system modeling, testing, troubleshooting, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Aerospace System Engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve challenging technical problems and optimize system performance throughout a project's lifecycle.
What are popular job titles related to Aerospace System Engineer jobs in California? For Aerospace System Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerospace System Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Aerospace System Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Aerospace System Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Aerospace System Engineer job openings:
Aerospace System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace System Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,549 per year, or $60.4 per hour.

UAV Aerospace System Engineer

Swift Engineering

San Clemente, CA • On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description
We are seeking a highly capable UAV Aerospace System Engineer to lead the architectural design and system-level integration of advanced unmanned aerial vehicles. This role requires deep technical expertise in autonomous flight systems and close collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. Experience with High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) is strongly desired.
The ideal candidate combines strong engineering fundamentals with leadership ability and a systems-thinking mindset.
Salary Range: $150,000 annually to $170,000 annually
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the architectural and system-level design of fixed-wing UAV platform
  • Define and integrate autonomous flight systems, including autopilot, navigation, and mission logic
  • Oversee aircraft performance, configuration, and trade studies (aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, power)
  • Collaborate closely with avionics, software, RF, operations, manufacturing, and test teams
  • Provide technical leadership to a small, high-performance engineering team
  • Support flight test planning, execution, and post-flight analysis
  • Interface with internal stakeholders and external partners as needed
  • Contribute to system documentation, requirements definition, and design reviews
  • Support field operations and customer engagements, including travel as required

Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
  • Strong understanding of autonomous systems and control with 10+ years experience
  • Experience with autopilot architectures
  • Familiarity with Ground Control Stations (GCS)
  • Understanding of radio systems and RF operations
  • Experience with UAV system integration and flight operations
  • Experience with Matlab/Simulink and SolidWork
  • Ability to work effectively across multiple teams and disciplines
  • Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in Engineering or Physics
  • Experience with High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) or long-endurance UAVs
  • Background in aircraft conceptual or preliminary design
  • Experience leading or mentoring engineering teams
  • Familiarity with regulatory, safety, and operational constraints for UAVs

Travel
Up to 20% travel anticipated for testing, integration, and coordination activities
What we Offer
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge UAV and HAPS platforms
  • High-impact technical leadership role with real system ownership
  • Collaborative, mission-driven engineering environment

Working Conditions:
Primarily in an office environment, and shop environment. Periodic weekend or evening work is expected. Travel is expected.
Must be US Person per ITAR requirements due to our contracts.
Swift Engineering is an EOE.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.
A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.
Benefits
  • 9/80 Schedule
  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance - 100% covered for Employees
  • Dental Insurance - 100% covered for Employees
  • Life Insurance - 100% covered by Swift, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
  • 401k with company match
  • Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in December, and highly competitive PTO plans.
  • 16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition.
  • Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting.

About Swift Engineering
If you're passionate about engineering, innovation and making a difference, we invite you to join the Swift Engineering family. Together, we are shaping the future of aerospace and creating technologies that will change the world.
The pay range for this role is:
150,000 - 170,000 USD per year (Swift Engineering)

Apply