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Entry Level Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

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Entry Level Aerospace Engineer information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$32.8K

$75.8K

$129K

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

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level aerospace engineer in Santa Rosa, CA is $75,836.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,300.00 and $85,800.00 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.
More about Entry Level Aerospace Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? The most popular types of Aerospace Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Aerospace Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? For Entry Level Aerospace Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Aerospace Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Aerospace Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Entry Level Aerospace Engineer jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Entry Level Aerospace Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Aerospace Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Aerospace Engineer job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,836 per year, or $36.5 per hour.
Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

Diamond Foundry

Bodega Bay, CA

$110K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Diamond Foundry Inc. is solving the thermal limitation at the foundation of today's most exciting tech industries -- AI & cloud compute, electric-car power electronics, and 5G/6G wireless. We have managed to produce the world's first single-crystal diamond wafers and are now on a mission to put a diamond behind every chip. We are the rare unicorn that has grown fast and profitably. We received $515m in funding and are executing a multi-$B expansion plan for one of the greenest forms of tech manufacturing: converting greenhouse gas into diamond wafers using zero-emission energy.

Diamond Foundry is looking for a highly experienced and innovative mechanical design engineer who can lead a number of high-visibility R&D projects within the company’s Reactor Development Group. This individual will be a primary owner for the design and development of Plasma-Enhanced CVD reactor equipment and other systems used in the growth and manufacture of diamond. They must have experience leading multiple projects and teams with a strong track record of success.
 
Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with reactor team members and other teams in the company on new reactor systems, assemblies and parts.
  • Oversee the manufacturing of machined components and guide designs from R&D to production. Perform trades on performance vs. cost to ground design decisions.
  • Design and develop new reactor systems and components, applying expertise in machine design and mechanics, kinematics, thermals, and fluids to the design. 
  • Manage the prototyping, documentation, and manufacturing process of reactor designs, including preparing drawings and working with machine shops and vendors to fabricate new hardware
  • Troubleshoot issues on existing reactor designs, working with other engineers to implement design changes that improve productivity and yield of our reactors
Requirements
  • A degree in mechanical, aerospace, or a similar engineering discipline is required. Plus, entry-level to 3 years of professional experience in mechanical design.
  • Prior experience with vacuum system design as found in semiconductor, aerospace, or other manufacturing industries is desired.
  • Understanding and experience with various manufacturing methods with common industrial machine tools. High proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks)
  • An understanding of electromechanical components and experience with PLC systems and industrial controls is desirable. A solid foundation in thermal or fluid modeling is desirable
  • An optimistic, creative, and curious mindset with a strong desire to be hands-on with their hardware designs
The position is eligible for company shares. Actual compensation may be higher or lower in the range based on various factors, including, but not limited to a candidate’s job duties, experience, and expertise. We will also consider higher level candidates and salary will be adjusted accordingly.
Diamond Foundry believes in supporting our employees from the workplace to their personal and home life. We provide eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. Perks include employee discounts to VRAI. Our benefits begin as early as your first day of employment. Medical and vision coverage are retroactive to your start date, while dental and voluntary benefits take effect once you’ve completed your enrollment.

Diamond Foundry is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.

Diamond Foundry Inc. is committed to operating in full compliance with all applicable state and federal laws. Our commitment extends to ensuring that our manufacturing and engineering departments adhere to the highest standards of legal and regulatory compliance. Additionally, these departments may have specific physical requirements to ensure the safety and efficiency of our operations. We prioritize the well-being of our employees and strive to create a work environment that promotes both legal compliance and the optimal functioning of our manufacturing and engineering processes.

Manufacturing and Engineering Departments Physical Requirements:
-Use appropriate PPE and follow all safety policies, practices, and procedures.
-This position will often: Sit, stand for long periods, walk, grasp, reach with hands and arms, lift below and above shoulders, bend, twist at the waist,  climb, balance, stoop, squat,  kneel, crawl, talk, hear, see, use fine finger manipulation, and complete repetitive motions. 
-Some tasks may require the use of ladders or stairs
-Some tasks may require driving or the use of foot controls
-Lift/carry and push/pull up to 50 pound

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.
Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.