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Entry Level Aerospace Engineer Jobs in California

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to ... This is an entry level position that will assist the senior fluids engineers in the operation ...

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to ... This is an entry level position that will assist the senior fluids engineers in the operation ...

Design Engineer, Entry Level Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS ... Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus on Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace ...

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Design Engineer, Entry Level Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS ... Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus on Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace ...

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Design Engineer, Entry Level Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS ... Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus on Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Aerospace Engineer information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$68.5K

$116.5K

How much do entry level aerospace engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level aerospace engineer in California is $68,454.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,800.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced aerospace engineers, especially those in senior roles or with specialized expertise in areas like propulsion or avionics, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and often working in leadership or managerial positions within the aerospace industry.

What is the difference between Entry Level Aerospace Engineer vs Aerospace Technician?

AspectEntry Level Aerospace EngineerAerospace Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineeringAssociate's degree or technical certification
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, and development in offices and labsTesting, assembly, and maintenance in labs and manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace design firms, government agencies, and manufacturingManufacturers, maintenance facilities, and testing centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Aerospace Engineers focus on designing and analyzing aircraft and spacecraft, requiring a bachelor's degree. Aerospace Technicians assist in testing and maintenance, typically with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the aerospace industry but differ in education, responsibilities, and work environment.

What are entry level aerospace engineering jobs?

Entry level aerospace engineering jobs involve designing, testing, and analyzing aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. These roles typically require a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field and may involve using CAD software, conducting simulations, and working under supervision to gain practical experience.

What Does an Entry-Level Aerospace Engineer Do?

An entry-level aerospace engineer works with a team of senior staff members to develop and design aircraft or spacecraft, depending on their specialization. Your responsibilities in this career include supporting other engineers to ensure that the product or prototype meets the necessary safety and environmental regulations. Your duties involve troubleshooting any problems with the project and evaluating its financial and practical feasibility. You can find entry-level aerospace engineer positions in both the private and public sectors, with jobs available in manufacturing and R&D services.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Aerospace Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, strong mathematical and analytical skills, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CAD software, finite element analysis tools, and industry-specific standards is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help set you apart in this role. These skills are crucial for designing safe, efficient aerospace systems and collaborating effectively on complex engineering projects.

What does an entry level aerospace engineer do?

An entry level aerospace engineer assists in the design, development, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles under the supervision of more experienced engineers. Typical tasks include creating technical drawings, performing simulations, analyzing data, and working with teams to solve engineering problems. They may also help with documentation, quality assurance, and research projects while gaining practical experience and building foundational skills in the aerospace industry.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Most entry-level aerospace engineers do not earn that level of salary; such high earnings are typically associated with senior roles, specialized consultants, or executives in the aerospace industry. Salaries reaching $500,000 annually are usually achieved through extensive experience, leadership positions, or profit-sharing arrangements in large aerospace companies or defense contractors.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level aerospace engineers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level aerospace engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to complex technical projects, learning specialized software tools, and understanding rigorous industry standards. It can also be daunting to work on multidisciplinary teams where clear communication is essential. To overcome these hurdles, new engineers should actively seek mentorship, participate in training programs, and take initiative in asking questions. Building strong relationships with colleagues and being open to feedback will help accelerate professional growth and integration into the team.

Is 3.3 a good GPA for aerospace engineering?

A 3.3 GPA for an entry-level aerospace engineer is generally considered acceptable, especially if complemented by relevant internships, projects, or technical skills. Employers often value practical experience and problem-solving abilities alongside GPA, with competitive candidates typically having GPAs above 3.0 to 3.5.
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Aerospace Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Aerospace Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Aerospace Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Aerospace Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,454 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Entry-Level Floor Shop Technician (manufacturing, welding, machining, aerospace) - ONSITE

GP Strategies Government Solutions Inc

Chatsworth, CA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Description

Come make an impact in the Public Sector! Join our team to do meaningful work and support high-impact government missions.


GP Strategies Government Solutions, Inc. Government Training Solutions | GP Strategies, a wholly owned subsidiary of GP Strategies Corporation, focuses on helping every public sector team unlock its full potential through people performance solutions. 

Our work directly supports mission critical government agencies, including:

  • Air Force
  • Army
  • Department of Defense (DoD)
  • Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)
  • Department of Homeland Security
  • NASA
  • National Highway Institute (NHI) | Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
  • State & Local Governments

Our Mission is meaningful and powerful: to deliver innovative people performance through off the shelf and custom learning, mission specialists, and technology solutions, building deep partnerships with customers to help them achieve measurable mission and company performance improvements.


GP Strategies Corporation, the corporate parent of GP Strategies Government Solutions, is a global leader in talent transformation, dedicated to empowering organizations to unlock their full potential. We help businesses enhance workforce performance and achieve strategic goals through innovative, technology-enabled learning solutions. For over 50 years, with a proven track record of supporting over 6,000 global organizations worldwide, we combine human expertise with AI-driven insights to deliver customized strategies that upskill talent, drive technology adoption, and optimize critical processes. 


We are seeking a motivated Entry-Level Shop Technician to join our aerospace team at the Chatsworth facility. This hands-on role focuses almost exclusively on shop-floor activities, supporting the fabrication, assembly, testing, and maintenance of tubing and piping systems for aerospace applications. You will work closely under the guidance of senior technicians and the engineering team, contributing to high-reliability projects while learning industry best practices. This position offers excellent on-the-job training for individuals eager to build a career in aerospace manufacturing and field support.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Fabricate, bend, assemble, and install tubing and piping systems (hydraulic, pneumatic, propellant, or similar) using hand tools, fixtures, and basic shop equipment under senior supervision.
  • Support pressure testing operations, including setup, execution, monitoring, and documentation of hydrostatic or pneumatic tests in accordance with engineering procedures and safety standards.
  • Assist with field work preparation and on-site support as needed, including packing, loading, and basic installation/troubleshooting activities.
  • Maintain shop organization: implement and follow quality shop control systems for tool calibration, equipment organization, inventory tracking of consumables, and general housekeeping to ensure a safe and efficient workspace.
  • Perform basic inspections, measurements, and documentation using calipers, micrometers, pressure gauges, and other shop tools to verify work meets specifications.
  • Use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) to log work orders, record test results, update checklists, and communicate with the team.
  • Collaborate with engineers and senior technicians on prototype builds, fit checks, modifications, and continuous improvement efforts in the shop.
  • Travel up to 25% of the time (typically short trips for field installations, customer support, or supplier coordination).
  • Adhere to all safety protocols, aerospace quality standards, and company procedures while working in a manufacturing/shop environment.

Qualifications & Requirements:


Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Associate degree or certificate in a technical field (e.g., manufacturing, welding, machining, or aerospace technology) preferred but not required for entry-level candidates.

Technical Skills:

  • Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for documentation and communication.
  • Willingness and ability to learn tube fabrication techniques (bending, flaring, fitting installation), pressure testing, and shop best practices quickly.

Other:

  • Must be available to travel approximately 25% of the time.
  • Strong attention to detail, reliability, and eagerness to learn in a team-oriented setting.
  • Excellent safety awareness and commitment to quality.
  • U.S. Person status may be required (ITAR compliance).

What We Offer

Competitive salaried compensation for entry-level aerospace shop roles

Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO)

Hands-on training and mentorship from experienced senior technicians and engineers

Opportunity for rapid skill development and career progression in aerospace manufacturing

Stable, full-time role with meaningful contributions to high-reliability aerospace systems


This entry-level position is perfect for someone ready to dive into hands-on aerospace work, gain practical experience in tubing/piping fabrication and pressure systems, and grow within a supportive team environment.

Requirements

Physical & Work Environment Requirements:

  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and handle heavy components safely with assistance when needed.
  • Comfortable working full-time in a shop/manufacturing environment (exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, pressurized systems, and machinery).
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
  • Willing and able to use basic hand tools (wrenches, tube benders, flaring tools, torque wrenches, drills, etc.) safely and effectively.

 At GP Strategies Government Solutions culture focuses on performance and revolves around respect, fairness, and working collaboratively to achieve our goals. We support our People, no matter who they are or where they are from, because we all have valuable and unique perspectives and approaches. That's how great ideas are born, which enable us to work smarter.


GP Strategies Government Solutions is committed and proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other federally protected class.


GP Government Solutions is a subsidiary of GP Strategies Corporation, a global workforce-transformation company with over 50 plus years of experience. To find out more, please visit us as 

https://www.gpstrategies.com/industries-we-serve/government/