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Aerospace Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FTG Aerospace

Be Seen First

Electrical Engineer - Aerospace

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

This role focuses on designing, developing, testing, and maintaining electrical/software solutions for aerospace systems, ensuring they meet stringent safety, performance, and reliability standards.

Toyon Research Corporation

Test Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$125K - $225K/yr

Toyon Research Corporation is an industry leader in the areas of complex space and missile systems analysis, aerothermodynamics, design and development, and ground and flight testing. Our Aerospace ...

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All JobsAerospace Testing JobsAerospace Testing Jobs in California

Aerospace Testing information

See California salary details

$43.4K

$89K

$144.1K

How much do aerospace testing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace testing in California is $88,989.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,600.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is aerospace testing?

Aerospace testing involves evaluating aircraft, spacecraft, and their components to ensure they meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards. This process includes a wide range of tests, such as structural, environmental, and functional testing, both on the ground and in flight. Aerospace testing helps identify potential issues before products enter service, ensuring reliability and safety in real-world conditions. It is a crucial step in the development and certification of aerospace vehicles and systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in aerospace testing?

To thrive in Aerospace Testing, you need a solid background in engineering principles, materials science, and data analysis, typically supported by a degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering. Familiarity with testing tools such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, and industry-specific standards like AS9100 or FAA regulations is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These competencies ensure the safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of aerospace systems throughout the testing process.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in aerospace testing, and how can they best prepare for them?

Professionals in aerospace testing often encounter challenges such as strict regulatory requirements, tight project timelines, and the need to ensure absolute accuracy in test results. Managing large volumes of complex data and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams—like engineers, safety specialists, and project managers—are also common aspects of the job. To prepare, candidates should develop strong organizational and communication skills, gain familiarity with relevant testing standards, and stay updated on the latest testing technologies and methodologies.

What is the difference between Aerospace Testing vs Aerospace Quality Assurance?

AspectAerospace TestingAerospace Quality Assurance
Primary FocusConducting tests on aerospace components and systems to verify performance and safetyEnsuring processes and products meet quality standards and regulations
Required CredentialsEngineering degrees, testing certifications, technical skillsQuality management certifications, engineering background
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, test facilities, aerospace manufacturing sitesInspection sites, manufacturing plants, office settings
Industry UsageDesign validation, performance testing, safety assessmentsProcess audits, compliance checks, quality control

Both roles are vital in the aerospace industry. Aerospace Testing focuses on verifying the performance and safety of aerospace components through hands-on testing, while Aerospace Quality Assurance ensures that manufacturing processes and products meet strict quality standards. Together, they help maintain safety, reliability, and compliance in aerospace projects.

How much do aerospace testing engineers make?

Aerospace testing engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills in flight testing or propulsion systems can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000. Certifications and working in high-demand regions can also influence compensation levels.

How to become an aerospace testing engineer?

To become an aerospace testing engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in testing procedures, and understanding aerospace materials and systems are important; certifications in quality assurance or testing can also enhance prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Testing jobs in California?

For Aerospace Testing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Aerospace Testing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Aerospace Testing job openings:

Aerospace Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Testing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,989 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Aerospace Engineer

Poseidon Aerospace

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 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 an Aerospace Engineer at Poseidon Aerospace, you will shape the aerodynamic and performance characteristics of our next-generation composite aircraft. Your work will include CFD modeling, aerodynamic optimization, performance analysis, and test correlation. You will help translate flight objectives such as speed, range, and efficiency into manufacturable aircraft. The role combines analytical work with hands-on testing and collaboration across design and manufacturing teams.
Responsibilities:
  • Design and validate aerodynamic surfaces, configurations, and control geometries using CFD analysis and historical data
  • Support flight dynamics modeling and simulation for stability, control, and performance assessment
  • Provide input on propulsion integration, cooling airflow, and control surface sizing
  • Work with mechanical and manufacturing engineers to ensure aerodynamic designs are practical and efficient to produce
  • Conduct aerodynamic load analyses to ensure the airframe is supported
  • Create and maintain aerodynamic databases, performance models, and engineering documentation
  • Correlate CFD and analytical predictions with flight test data
  • Participate in flight testing and data review to compare measured results with predicted performance
  • Aid in the development of flight simulation models

Ideal Qualifications:
  • Proficiency with CFD tools such as ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+, XFLR5
  • Experience using CAD software such as Fusion 360, SolidWorks, CATIA, or NX for geometry creation and surface preparation
  • Strong understanding of aerodynamics, stability and control, and aircraft performance
  • Familiarity with mesh design and refinement including fluent meshing
  • Working knowledge of structural analysis and load validation
  • Ability to interpret flight test data and create analytical performance models
  • Understanding of composite design and manufacturing methods for aerodynamic surfaces
  • Independent, practical engineer comfortable in a hands-on development environment

Nice to Have:
  • Experience with flight testing, data acquisition, or post-flight data analysis
  • Experience with X-Plane aircraft design
  • Background in seaplane design
  • Experience with wind tunnel or scaled model testing
  • Programming skills in Python or MATLAB for CFD and performance automation
  • Basic experience with FEA for assessing load paths or aerodynamic-induced stresses

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.

Apply