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Entry Level Aerospace Engineering Jobs in California

Muon Space

Software Engineer, Entry-Level

San Jose, CA

$142K - $169K/yr

... Entry-level software engineers are expected to bring significant skills and training, and then to ... A bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace engineering, computational mathematics or a ...

New

Firefly Aerospace

Fluids Launch Engineer I

Lompoc, CA · On-site

This is an entry level position that will assist the senior fluids engineers in the operation ... Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering ...

Firefly Aerospace

Fluids Launch Engineer I

Lompoc, CA · On-site

This is an entry level position that will assist the senior fluids engineers in the operation ... Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering ...

Muon Space

Software Engineer, Entry-Level

San Jose, CA · On-site

$142K - $169K/yr

... Entry-level software engineers are expected to bring significant skills and training, and then to ... A bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace engineering, computational mathematics or a ...

New

L3HHCM20

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA

$68K - $126K/yr

To be eligible, applicants must be pursuing a bachelor's degree Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field or have completed ...

New

L3HHCM20

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA

$68K - $126K/yr

To be eligible, applicants must be pursuing a bachelor's degree Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field or have completed ...

New

L3HHCM20

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA

$68K - $126K/yr

To be eligible, applicants must be pursuing a bachelor's degree Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field or have completed ...

New

L3HHCM20

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA

$68K - $126K/yr

To be eligible, applicants must be pursuing a bachelor's degree Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field or have completed ...

New

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Entry Level Aerospace Engineering information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$68.5K

$116.5K

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

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level aerospace engineering 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 types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an entry level aerospace engineer?

As an entry-level aerospace engineer, you will typically support senior engineers on projects such as designing, testing, and analyzing aircraft or spacecraft components. Your daily tasks may include creating CAD models, running simulations, reviewing technical documentation, and participating in team meetings to discuss project progress. Collaboration is common, as you'll work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers. Over time, you may take on more complex assignments and gradually increase your responsibility within the team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level aerospace engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Aerospace Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software (like CATIA or SolidWorks), MATLAB, and simulation tools is commonly expected, along with knowledge of relevant industry standards. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this collaborative and technically demanding field. These competencies are vital for designing safe, innovative aerospace systems and contributing effectively to multidisciplinary project teams.

What does an entry level aerospace engineer do?

An entry level aerospace engineer typically assists in designing, testing, and evaluating aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to analyze data, develop technical reports, and support the creation of prototypes. Responsibilities may also include using computer-aided design (CAD) software, performing calculations, and helping ensure projects meet safety and quality standards. This role is ideal for recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in the aerospace industry.

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

AspectEntry Level Aerospace EngineeringAerospace Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineeringAssociate's degree or technical certification
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, and development in offices or labsHands-on assembly, maintenance, and testing in labs or manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, aerospace companies, government agenciesManufacturers, maintenance facilities, aerospace service providers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level engineering roles in aerospaceTechnical roles supporting aerospace systems

Entry Level Aerospace Engineering focuses on designing and analyzing aerospace systems, requiring a bachelor's degree. Aerospace Technicians perform hands-on maintenance and testing, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the aerospace industry but differ in education, responsibilities, and work environment.

Does NASA hire entry level aerospace engineers?

Yes, NASA hires entry-level aerospace engineers for roles involving spacecraft design, aerodynamics, and systems analysis. These positions often require a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field, along with strong technical skills and sometimes internships or co-op experience.
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Aerospace Engineering jobs in California? For Entry Level Aerospace Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Aerospace Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Aerospace Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Aerospace Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Aerospace Engineering job openings:
Entry Level Aerospace Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Aerospace Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,454 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Software Engineer, Entry-Level

Muon Space

San Jose, CA

$142K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

About the role

Software Engineers at Muon work on embedded software on satellites and test equipment, physics simulations, customer-facing APIs and services, user interfaces, scheduling algorithms, data pipelines, computer vision, signal processing, cloud systems and more. They make it possible to build, test, launch, and run constellations of satellites for a wide variety of missions.

Entry-level software engineers are expected to bring significant skills and training, and then to quickly develop into experts in their domains to accelerate Muon's Mission with high quality software and systems. They must be a high performer ready to work in an exciting, fast-paced environment that values continuous improvement, embraces taking risks, and crafts the right solutions to delight our customers.

This position is hybrid and requires working on-site in our San Jose, CA office three days per week.

Responsibilities
  • Take ownership of the code for a new software capability on ground or in space
  • Propose and iterate on the design for software components
  • Write tests and monitoring to validate correctness of one's own code
  • Conduct analysis to support both development and testing
  • Quickly learn new skills, technology and techniques
  • Communicate clearly and accurately
  • Complete work in a timely manner
Required Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace engineering, computational mathematics or a related field
  • Proficient in C++, Python, TypeScript or a similar high-level language
  • Coursework or relevant experience in operating systems, algorithms, data structures, physics and statistics
Desirable Qualifications
  • Expertise in embedded software, network protocols, hardware and software testing, FPGA programming, GPU programming or other relevant disciplines
  • Experience with satellites, robots, or other autonomous systems
  • Previous experience on technical project teams (i.e. programming, robotics or rocket club, etc.)
  • Understanding of orbital mechanics
  • Experience with mathematical optimization, machine learning, signal processing or advanced algorithms
  • Experience with cloud environments and distributed systems
  • Advanced coursework or experience in physics, statistics, distributed systems, or embedded software
Salary

The salary range for this role is $142,000 - $169,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process. 

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