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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

Be Seen First

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 ...

AeroVironment

System Engineer, Sr. Staff

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Aerospace, defense, or UAS systems engineering experience strongly preferred * Experience with Agile, SafeAgile or similar program execution frameworks, including technical status integration with ...

AeroVironment, Inc.

System Engineer, Sr. Staff

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Aerospace, defense, or UAS systems engineering experience strongly preferred * Experience with Agile, SafeAgile or similar program execution frameworks, including technical status integration 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 · 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 ...

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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 Jul 29, 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.

Systems Development Engineer - NASA

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Edwards, CA • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Overview
The Senior Advanced Systems Development Engineer provides high-level engineering expertise in the design, development, integration, and testing of advanced aerospace systems at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC).
This position involves leading multi-disciplinary teams, managing complex system integrations, and ensuring compliance with NASA, FAA, and DoD standards. The role requires deep knowledge of flight and ground systems engineering, structural health monitoring (SHM), and advanced aerospace system development.
**This is a pipeline requisition designed to collect resumes for potential upcoming work at AMERICAN SYSTEMS and does not represent a current opening. Qualified candidates will be contacted when an opening/funding becomes available**
Responsibilities
Advanced Flight and Ground System Engineering:
• Lead the design, integration, and testing of flight research systems.
• Develop and manage system architectures, block diagrams, and interface control documents (ICDs).
• Perform requirements derivation, allocation, and traceability for complex aerospace systems.
• Support verification and validation (V&V) testing to ensure system compliance with NASA and FAA regulations.
• Manage risk assessment and mitigation strategies for flight systems and safety-critical components.
Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and System Safety:
• Develop and implement SHM strategies for aircraft structural integrity assessments.
• Utilize advanced sensors and predictive analytics for fault detection and prevention.
• Oversee testing, calibration, and analysis of SHM technologies for flight-critical applications.
Systems Engineering and Integration:
• Define and manage system requirements, risk management, and integration strategies.
• Oversee software and hardware integration for avionics, propulsion, and control systems.
• Conduct airworthiness evaluations, failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), and hazard analysis.
• Ensure compliance with NASA Systems Engineering Handbook (NASA/SP-2007-6105, Rev 1) and flight certification requirements.
Leadership, Research, and Project Management:
• Serve as technical lead and mentor for engineering teams and junior engineers.
• Drive research and development (R&D) initiatives, supporting NASA's aerospace advancements.
• Lead design reviews, risk assessments, and strategic planning for flight test programs.
• Coordinate with NASA engineers, government contractors, and research institutions to align project goals.
Qualifications
Education & Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physical Science with 7+ years of experience, or
• Master's degree in Engineering or Physical Science with 4+ years of experience.
• Experience in aerospace engineering, flight research, or NASA-related programs is required.
Technical Skills & Knowledge:
• Expertise in aerospace systems engineering, including avionics, aerodynamics, and structural analysis.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, CAD software, and data analysis tools.
• Extensive experience with NASA flight test processes, aerospace system integration, and flight safety regulations.
• Strong background in SHM, predictive maintenance, and aircraft sensor integration.
• Knowledge of FAA, NASA, and DoD safety and certification requirements.
Soft Skills & Work Environment:
• Proven ability to lead engineering teams and manage complex projects.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent technical communication and presentation skills for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to travel as required for technical reviews, test flights, and NASA research engagements.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Work Environment & Additional Information:
• Primary work location: NASA AFRC at Edwards AFB.
• Working hours: 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday-Thursday, with alternating Fridays off.
• Must comply with NASA ISO AS9100 procedures and all relevant aerospace regulations.
• Travel might be required for design reviews, technical meetings, and flight test support.
EEO Statement
EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status

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