ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Aircraft Performance Engineer Jobs in California

Hermeus

Performance Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $187K/yr

In your role as a Performance Engineer, you will be responsible for analyzing, modeling, and ... Generate aircraft and engine performance data for flight manuals, flight computers, and executive ...

Hermeus

Performance Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

In your role as a Performance Engineer, you will be responsible for analyzing, modeling, and ... Generate aircraft and engine performance data for flight manuals, flight computers, and executive ...

Hermeus

Performance Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $187K/yr

In your role as a Performance Engineer, you will be responsible for analyzing, modeling, and ... Generate aircraft and engine performance data for flight manuals, flight computers, and executive ...

Joby Aviation

Cell Testing Engineer

San Carlos, CA

$104K - $183K/yr

Develop novel and targeted methods of characterizing cell performance as they relate to aircraft ... MS or above in in materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering, or related field

Lockheed Martin

U-2 Pilot - Skunk Works

Palmdale, CA · On-site

Operates models of test aircraft during engineering flight tests, production acceptance, and flight ... performance, flying qualities and system capabilities. What You Will Be Doing As the U-2 Pilot ...

Joby Aviation

Cell Testing Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$104K - $183K/yr

Develop novel and targeted methods of characterizing cell performance as they relate to aircraft ... MS or above in in materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering, or related field

Joby Aviation

Cell Testing Engineer

San Carlos, CA

$104K - $183K/yr

Develop novel and targeted methods of characterizing cell performance as they relate to aircraft ... MS or above in in materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering, or related field

Astro Mechanica

GNC Engineer II

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

In the near term, we are developing adaptable, high-speed systems to close aircraft performance gaps for the United States government. WHO WE ARE: We're a team of passionate engineers dedicated to ...

Astro Mechanica

Avionics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

In the near term, we are developing adaptable, high-speed systems to close aircraft performance gaps for the United States government. WHO WE ARE: We're a team of passionate engineers dedicated to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEntry Level Aircraft Performance Engineer JobsEntry Level Aircraft Performance Engineer Jobs in California

Entry Level Aircraft Performance Engineer information

How to become an aircraft engineer with no experience?

To become an entry-level aircraft performance engineer with no experience, pursue a relevant bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or aeronautical engineering. Gaining knowledge of aircraft systems, performance analysis, and simulation tools like MATLAB or Simulink is essential, and internships or entry-level positions can provide practical experience to start your career.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced aerospace engineers, including senior aircraft performance engineers working in the aerospace industry, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially with advanced skills, certifications, and leadership roles. Such compensation often reflects expertise in aerodynamics, systems analysis, and extensive industry experience, typically in senior or managerial positions.

What is the difference between Entry Level Aircraft Performance Engineer vs Entry Level Aerospace Systems Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Aircraft Performance EngineerEntry Level Aerospace Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, certifications like FAA or EASA knowledgeBachelor's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentAircraft performance testing, simulation, and analysis in aerospace companies or airlinesSystems design, integration, and testing in aerospace or defense firms
Industry UsagePrimarily in aircraft manufacturing, airline operations, and performance analysisIn aerospace manufacturing, defense, and systems development

Entry Level Aircraft Performance Engineers focus on aircraft performance, testing, and analysis, while Entry Level Aerospace Systems Engineers work on designing and integrating aerospace systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but differ in their specific focus areas within the aerospace industry.

What do aircraft performance engineers do?

Aircraft performance engineers analyze and optimize the performance of aircraft, including fuel efficiency, takeoff and landing distances, and climb rates. They use flight data, simulations, and engineering tools to ensure aircraft meet safety and efficiency standards, often working closely with design teams and pilots. Proficiency in aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and relevant software is essential for this role.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced aerospace engineers, including senior aircraft performance engineers working in the aerospace industry, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses, profit sharing, or in executive roles. Such compensation typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and often leadership responsibilities in large organizations or specialized projects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs in California? For Entry Level Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Aircraft Performance Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs near you
Performance Engineer

Performance Engineer

Hermeus

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$91K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage.
About The Role:
In your role as a Performance Engineer, you will be responsible for analyzing, modeling, and optimizing aircraft and propulsion system performance across the full flight envelope. This position requires strong expertise in gas turbine engine cycles, aerodynamics, and thermodynamics to support aircraft development, certification, and operational excellence.
Responsibilities:
  • Perform thermodynamic cycle analysis of turbofan engines, evaluating thrust, TSFC, efficiency, operability margins, and performance across the flight envelope.
  • Develop, validate, and maintain propulsion system performance models to support aircraft integration, certification, and customer deliverables.
  • Generate aircraft and engine performance data for flight manuals, flight computers, and executive-level program assessments.
  • Conduct runway and mission performance analyses
  • Support engine-airframe integration efforts, including takeoff thrust optimization and safety-focused performance methodologies.
  • Author and execute flight test plans to evaluate propulsion robustness, operability, and early design maturity.
  • Contribute to advanced combustion and fluid dynamics modeling efforts
  • Support experimental testing efforts including aeroacoustics, flow visualization (Schlieren), wind tunnel testing, and telemetry data analysis.
  • Play a key role within our HEAT (High-Enthalpy Airflow Test) facility, including sizing, analyzing, and optimizing this world-class test infrastructure.

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
  • Strong foundation in thermodynamics, compressible flow, gas turbine engine cycles, and aerodynamics.
  • Experience with propulsion performance modeling and aircraft performance analysis
  • Proficiency in MATLAB and Python
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret and validate complex engineering data sets.

Preferred Skills and Experience:
  • Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering with focus on propulsion, aerothermodynamics, or combustion.
  • Experience supporting turbofan engine development programs
  • Background in CFD, Large Eddy Simulation (LES), or reduced-order modeling techniques.
  • Exposure to experimental aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, or high-speed flow diagnostics.
  • Strong systems-level thinking with attention to both detailed analysis and program-level impacts.
  • Demonstrated leadership in technical initiatives or cross-functional collaboration.

$91,800 - $187,450 a year
The salary information provided is a general guideline only. Hermeus takes various factors into account, including, but not limited to, the position's scope and responsibilities, the candidate's professional background, education and training, essential skills, and market and business considerations, when presenting a job offer.
Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Hermeus offers competitive salary and equity, unlimited PTO policy, generous parental leave, potential for year-end bonuses, and more!
100% employer-paid health care
401k & Retirement Plans
Unlimited PTO
Weekly Paid Office Lunches
End of Year Bonuses
Fully stocked breakroomsr
Stock Options
Paid Parental Leave
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by22 C.F.R. § 120.62or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. 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.

Apply