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Assistant Engineer Jobs in Tehachapi, CA (NOW HIRING)

Operations Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$83K - $113K/yr

As an Operations Engineer , you will accept a critical role in achieving new milestones in aviation ... ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES : * Assist in the implementation of test strategy and objectives, test ...

Operations Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$83K - $113K/yr

As an Operations Engineer , you will accept a critical role in achieving new milestones in aviation ... ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES : * Assist in the implementation of test strategy and objectives, test ...

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$86K - $120K/yr

... cryogenic fluids. * Assist in driving engine development, qualification, and acceptance test ... Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline. * 2+ years of experience in the operation, design ...

Industrial Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$84K - $113K/yr

Participate in root-cause analysis of production issues and assist in implementing corrective ... Strong knowledge of industrial engineering principles and manufacturing process optimization.

Industrial Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$84K - $113K/yr

Participate in root-cause analysis of production issues and assist in implementing corrective ... Strong knowledge of industrial engineering principles and manufacturing process optimization.

... Engineer to support design, integration, testing, operations, and maintenance of the Talon-A ... Create component and assembly drawings for flight and ground test hardware * Assist mechanics in ...

Create component and assembly drawings for flight and ground test hardware * Assist mechanics in ... Manage engineering release schedule in conjunction with shop planning * Track vehicle propulsion ...

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$120K - $181K/yr

A Scaled Composites Senior Flight Test Engineer (FTE) will act as a project test lead. The FTE will ... Scaled FTEs will be assigned to assist one or more programs and each program will determine what ...

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$110K - $155K/yr

... fluids. * Assist in driving engine development, qualification, and acceptance test campaigns to ... Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline. * 2+ years of experience in the operation, design ...

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Manufacturing CAD Engineer

Lebec, CA · On-site

$120K - $125K/yr

Ensure compliance with company safety, quality, and operational standards. * Assist with additional engineering projects as assigned. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture ...

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Manufacturing CAD Engineer

Lebec, CA · On-site

$120K - $125K/yr

Ensure compliance with company safety, quality, and operational standards. * Assist with additional engineering projects as assigned. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture ...

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Assistant Engineer information

See Tehachapi, CA salary details

$34.9K

$93.9K

$142.3K

How much do assistant engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant engineer in Tehachapi, CA is $93,888.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,600.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Senior engineering roles such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, and engineering managers can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, bonuses, and stock options. High-paying positions often require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities in industries like oil and gas, aerospace, or technology.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Engineer, you need a solid grounding in engineering principles, analytical thinking, and a relevant bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as CAD software, project management systems, and industry-specific standards or certifications (like EIT or FE) is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you collaborate on complex projects and interact with stakeholders. These skills and qualifications are essential for delivering accurate technical support, ensuring project efficiency, and contributing to successful engineering outcomes.

How does an Assistant Engineer typically collaborate with senior engineers and other team members on projects?

Assistant Engineers work closely with senior engineers, designers, and other technical staff by supporting project planning, conducting site visits, and preparing technical documentation. They often assist in problem-solving sessions and help implement design solutions under supervision. Regular communication and teamwork are essential, as Assistant Engineers frequently coordinate tasks, share updates, and seek feedback to ensure project objectives are met efficiently. This collaborative environment provides valuable learning opportunities and helps build a strong foundation for career advancement.

What Is an Assistant Engineer?

An assistant engineer works alongside a senior engineer throughout a project. The job is often used to gain work experience by recent college graduates at the beginning of their career. Your duties vary, depending on the type of engineering and industry you work in, but may include managing equipment, performing inspections, reviewing blueprints, and coordinating among departments. Typical qualifications for an assistant engineer position include at least an associate or bachelor’s degree in an engineering field, strong communication skills, and the ability to carefully follow directions.

What does an assistant engineer do?

An assistant engineer supports senior engineers by performing technical tasks such as designing, testing, and maintaining systems or equipment. They often handle documentation, data analysis, and troubleshooting, and typically need relevant technical skills and certifications to perform their duties effectively.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, software, aerospace, and data engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications. High-paying roles typically require leadership responsibilities, advanced technical expertise, and work in high-demand industries or companies.

How much is the salary of an assistant engineer?

The salary of an assistant engineer typically ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages.

What is the difference between Assistant Engineer vs Junior Engineer?

AspectAssistant EngineerJunior Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, often with some certificationsBachelor's degree in engineering, entry-level certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentSupports senior engineers, involved in project planning and executionPerforms basic engineering tasks, supervised by senior staff
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in construction, manufacturing, civil, and mechanical sectorsUsed interchangeably in similar industries, often as entry-level role

Assistant Engineers typically have more responsibilities in supporting project management and planning, while Junior Engineers focus on executing specific technical tasks under supervision. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Assistant Engineers often have additional certifications or experience. The roles are used across various engineering sectors and serve as stepping stones for career advancement.

What are Assistant Engineers?

Assistant Engineers are entry-level professionals who support senior engineers in the planning, design, development, and maintenance of projects across various engineering fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or software. Their responsibilities often include assisting with technical tasks, preparing reports, conducting research, and ensuring compliance with project specifications and safety standards. Assistant Engineers gain practical experience and skills under the supervision of more experienced engineers, which helps them advance in their engineering careers.
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Tehachapi, CA? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Tehachapi, CA are:
What cities near Tehachapi, CA are hiring for Assistant Engineer jobs? Cities near Tehachapi, CA with the most Assistant Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Engineer job openings in Tehachapi, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,888 per year, or $45.1 per hour.
Operations Engineer

Operations Engineer

Stratolaunch

Mojave, CA • On-site

$83K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.
As an Operations Engineer, you will accept a critical role in achieving new milestones in aviation and enable development of high-speed test vehicles to be air-launched from Stratolaunch Carrier Aircraft. You will provide effective leadership as the focal point for high-speed vehicle operations planning and execution, to include the potential to act as the liaison to the Test Director for vehicle and mission readiness. You should have experience in test vehicle configuration control, test planning and resourcing, and conducting disciplined, effective developmental flight test operations, or similar experience in a technically demanding high pace environment.
As a key member of the Stratolaunch team, you will have an essential role in meeting our ambitious company objectives. You must establish and maintain effective relationships with colleagues on a small, agile design-to-flight team. You will be challenged with bringing unique and complex aircraft from initial airworthiness to operational use at a company that believes in giving our team members the authority and responsibility to succeed.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assist in the implementation of test strategy and objectives, test plans, test procedures, and mission cards for ground and flight testing for high-speed test vehicles
  • Coordinate closely with vehicle engineering team to identify system safety and operational concerns
  • Interface with multiple engineers, vehicle crew chiefs and ground support personnel to ensure operational priorities are understood and executed
  • Provide organization and preparation in support of Test & Flight Readiness Reviews
  • Identify test hazards and develop / implement real time mitigation actions
  • Support Talon vehicle maintenance & test teams to fulfil operational necessities
  • Control on-vehicle priorities and schedules to meet final assembly, test, and flight readiness requirements
  • Work closely with the respective vehicle Crew Chiefs to ensure proper vehicle configuration and maintenance is complete to support mission priorities
  • Assist with functional system test planning and execution in areas such as avionics, flight control actuation, recovery systems, propulsion integration and propulsion system demonstration activities
  • Work with Carrier Aircraft operations teams to ensure successful vehicle mating and integrated systems testing is accomplished
  • Respond to emergency situations to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment while assisting as point of contact for first responders; act as mission manager for operations in case of an incident
  • Support execution of integrated vehicle ground test activities
  • Contribute to high-speed vehicle test data gathering and ensure test results are appropriately reviewed, documented, and controlled
  • Provide inputs to refine and mature the high-speed vehicle Concept of Operations including ground and flight operational procedures, timelines, checklists, and emergency response actions, starting from vehicle post manufacture initial testing through recovery of vehicles and return to flight ready state
  • Participate in payload customer meetings, including meetings for payload integration/de-integration planning, integrated vehicle testing and data product delivery
  • Facilitate payload hardware and software integration and integrated test on high-speed test vehicles
  • Assist in evaluation of risks and risk mitigation plans to determine if the risks are appropriate and risk mitigations are adequate
  • Travel, as needed, to support design, mission planning, mission execution, and other tasks
  • Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and initiative to fulfill commitments
  • Develop concept of operations for all launch and recovery locations. This includes coordination among many different teams and external parties

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

REQUIRED:
  • Proven technical aerospace leadership experience, including supervision and training in a technical operations environment with a focus on execution readiness
  • Aptitude to analyze and prioritize tasks on their own initiative, and drive projects to completion, to fit within overall business goals
  • Ability to lead a large team, make decisions, communicate requirements, and quickly adapt to changing priorities/real world conditions
  • Previous experience with new, experimental, or modified aircraft, launch vehicles or spacecraft, technical and safety review boards, and configuration control methods
  • Experience with engineering, scheduling, and test data analysis tools
  • Knowledge of risk management or safety management systems
  • Have excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Be able to work irregular hours and workdays, and travel periodically
  • US Citizenship / Ability to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance
  • Critical thinking skills, and problem-solving attitude a must

PREFERRED:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, or similar technical foundation
  • Professional Flight Test Course
  • Knowledge of launch vehicle or aircraft requirements verification and development of requirements
  • Understanding of launch vehicle, air-launch, or high-speed flight programs
  • Prior involvement with government flight test organizations, ranges, and procedures
  • Experience operating in a classified work environment or with classified hardware
  • Previous expeditor or production superintendent familiarity
  • Existing TS/SCI Clearance

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
  • Level II ($101,000-$146,500): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 2-5 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Senior Level ($117,000-$153,400): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Staff Level ($152,500-$200,000): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment:
  • This position is located in Mojave, CA
  • Travel, as needed, to support the department, travel estimated to be <20%
  • #LI-Onsite

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.
Benefits and our location(s)
:
  • 9/80 schedule
  • Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
  • Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
  • 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500
  • Tuition reimbursement

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.
Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles. The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.
Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You're within a half day's drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers.
Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state's best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke's in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won't find anywhere else in the United States.
Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees' and applicants' time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment. For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law :
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf