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Entry Level Air Force Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Mechanical Engineer (Dragon)

Hawthorne, CA

$110K - $140K/yr

Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay range: Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00/per year Mechanical Engineer ...

Wood Plc

Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer

Austin, TX

... an Entry-Level Energy Engineer (preferably mechanical) to join our dynamic team. Key ... Typical assignments will include energy auditing of large HVAC systems and controls, identification ...

Wood Plc

Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer

Dallas, TX

... an Entry-Level Energy Engineer (preferably mechanical) to join our dynamic team. Key ... Typical assignments will include energy auditing of large HVAC systems and controls, identification ...

SpaceX

Mechanical Engineer (Dragon)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay range: Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00/per year Mechanical Engineer ...

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Entry Level Air Force Mechanical Engineer information

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How much do entry level air force mechanical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level air force mechanical engineer in the United States is $33.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.92 and $37.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level Air Force mechanical engineer do?

An Entry Level Air Force Mechanical Engineer is responsible for designing, testing, and maintaining mechanical systems used in Air Force operations. This role involves working on a variety of projects, such as aircraft structures, propulsion systems, and support equipment. Engineers collaborate with other professionals to ensure equipment safety, efficiency, and reliability, often using advanced modeling and simulation tools. As a new engineer, you may also participate in training programs and gain hands-on experience under the supervision of senior engineers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level Air Force mechanical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Air Force Mechanical Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, strong analytical skills, and fundamental knowledge of engineering principles. Familiarity with CAD software, engineering simulation tools, and adherence to military standards are typically required, along with security clearance. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating on complex projects and ensuring safety. These abilities are crucial for designing reliable systems, meeting mission requirements, and supporting the Air Force's operational effectiveness.

What is the difference between Entry Level Air Force Mechanical Engineer vs Entry Level Civil Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Air Force Mechanical EngineerEntry Level Civil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, possibly military-specific certificationsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, engineering license may be preferred
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, aerospace facilities, aircraft maintenanceConstruction sites, urban planning, infrastructure projects
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. Air Force, defense, aerospace industryGovernment agencies, private construction firms, consulting

Entry Level Air Force Mechanical Engineers focus on aerospace systems, aircraft maintenance, and military technology, often working within military bases and aerospace facilities. In contrast, Entry Level Civil Engineers work on infrastructure projects, construction, and urban development. Both roles require a bachelor's degree in their respective fields and may involve certifications, but their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an entry level Air Force mechanical engineer expect during their first year on the job?

As an entry level Air Force Mechanical Engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of projects ranging from designing and testing aircraft components to supporting maintenance operations and ensuring equipment reliability. Early responsibilities often include collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, analyzing data, assisting with technical documentation, and troubleshooting mechanical systems. You will likely work under the guidance of senior engineers while gradually taking on more independent tasks as you gain experience. This role provides exposure to both hands-on and analytical work, offering a solid foundation for future advancement within the Air Force engineering community.
More about Entry Level Air Force Mechanical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Air Force Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Air Force Mechanical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Air Force Mechanical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Air Force Mechanical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Air Force Mechanical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Air Force Mechanical Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Air Force Mechanical Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Air Force Mechanical Engineer jobs are:
Entry Level Air Force Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Air Force Mechanical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,055 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer (Dragon)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA

$110K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

MECHANICAL ENGINEER (DRAGON)

A Dragon Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the continued development of critical components and the overall structural design of the most advanced human-rated spacecraft in the world. This capsule currently delivers cargo and crew safely to and from International Space Station, but further iterations and new designs will likely be necessary to extend humankind's reach to the moon, Mars, and beyond.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Own the design and development of mechanical spacecraft systems
  • Perform analysis on designs including hand calculations, FEA, and CAD in a rapidly changing environment
  • Lead design reviews internally and externally with suppliers and customers
  • Be responsible for project delivery timeline from early design through production, launch, and recovery
  • Exemplify technical excellence and be accountable for your work

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or physics
  • 1+ years experience with CAD and FEA software packages (internship and extracurricular experience is applicable)
  • 1+ years of hands on experience driving the design and development of mechanical components or systems (internship and project team experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Leadership experience on an engineering or project team
  • Experience designing components on a high-performance vehicle
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication with an emphasis on interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Strong ability to use data and analysis to make fast data driven decisions
  • Willingness and desire to exemplify extreme ownership of flight critical spacecraft systems
  • Proactive problem-solving skills such as failure analysis, root cause investigation, and DOE creation
  • Prior experience in a fast-paced manufacturing setting
  • Master's degree in an engineering discipline

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
  • Ability to travel to remote sites in Texas, Florida, and Central California as needed
  • Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    

Pay range:    
Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00/per year    
Mechanical Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $140,000.00/per year    
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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