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Entry Level Engineer Jobs in Ridgecrest, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Engineer information

See Ridgecrest, CA salary details

$29.8K

$68.9K

$117.2K

How much do entry level engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level engineer in Ridgecrest, CA is $68,884.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,100.00 and $78,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry level engineers often face challenges such as adapting to new tools and technologies, understanding company-specific processes, and translating theoretical knowledge into practical solutions. It's also common to navigate working on multidisciplinary teams and learning effective communication with colleagues from different backgrounds. With guidance from mentors and proactive engagement, these challenges become valuable learning experiences that contribute to professional growth.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Engineer, you need a foundational understanding of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's degree in engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as CAD tools, MATLAB, or project management platforms, as well as relevant internships or certifications, is often expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help you collaborate effectively and learn quickly in a dynamic environment. These skills ensure you can contribute to projects, adapt to organizational needs, and grow professionally in the engineering field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEntry Level EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; internships helpfulBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; licensure optional for some roles
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, manufacturing plants, construction sites, labsDesign, testing, manufacturing, research and development
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level positions across various engineering sectorsMid to senior roles, but entry-level positions are common in manufacturing and design firms

Entry Level Engineers typically have a bachelor's degree and gain hands-on experience through internships. They work in diverse environments like design firms and manufacturing plants. Mechanical Engineers, while often requiring similar credentials, may start in entry-level roles but are more specialized in mechanical systems. Both roles are common in engineering industries, but the term 'Entry Level Engineer' is broader, encompassing various engineering disciplines, including mechanical engineering.

What is an entry level engineer?

An entry level engineer is a recent graduate or someone with minimal professional experience who works in engineering roles under supervision. They assist with basic engineering tasks, learn company procedures, and gain practical experience in their field. Entry level engineers often participate in training, collaborate with experienced professionals, and gradually take on more responsibility as they develop their skills.

What Is the Job Description for an Entry-Level Engineer?

An entry-level engineer designs, builds, and maintains the functional aspects of a product, structure, or system for their specific engineering industry. All engineers start out in an entry-level position with fewer responsibilities until they gain work experience. Many start gaining experience through an internship or apprenticeship before moving into an entry-level position. An entry-level engineer job description relates to all of the education requirements, skills, detailed tasks, responsibilities that a company or organization requires for their specific engineering job. For example, civil engineers design, construct, and maintain large infrastructure projects, such as highways, bridges, and airports. Electrical engineers design, monitor, and test electrical systems.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Ridgecrest, CA? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Ridgecrest, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Engineer jobs in Ridgecrest, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Engineer jobs in Ridgecrest, CA are:
What cities near Ridgecrest, CA are hiring for Entry Level Engineer jobs? Cities near Ridgecrest, CA with the most Entry Level Engineer job openings:
VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS ENGINEER

VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS ENGINEER

Altus Technology Solutions

Ridgecrest, CA โ€ข On-site

$55K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Location: China Lake, CA
Shift: Day
Remote Type: No Remote
Clearance: SECRET Security Clearance (Must have interim clearance before start date)
Certification: None required

Education: BS Degree in Aeronautical Engineering (preferred), Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics
Years of Experience: Entry Level 0-2 Years
Salary: $55,411.20 ($26.64) - $91,145.60 ($43.82) Annual


Description

At Altus, were proud to provide a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and your growth matters. Our size gives us both stability and flexibility, offering opportunities for development while supporting a healthy work-life balance.

If you thrive in high-impact environments and want to be part of a skilled team, wed love to have you on board!

Altus provides test & evaluation, maintenance and repair of facilities, and operation services required to implement the Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) programs under the cognizance of the Aircraft Vulnerability Division for Naval Air Warfare Center-Weapons Division China Lake, CA.

The WSL Analysis Engineer is responsible for the engineering design and analysis in support of Live Fire Test & Evaluation (LFT&E) of aircraft and systems to identify vulnerabilities and improve aircraft and system survivability. Duties include performing vulnerability and endgame analysis for Navy aircraft and weapons systems acquisition, supporting Live Fire Test & Evaluation (LFT&E), and assisting the government in developing vulnerability specifications. The role also requires the verification and validation of data and models for the systems being analyzed. The analyst will use Vulnerability Modeling and Simulation (M&S) methods and tools, such as the Advanced Joint Effectiveness Model (AJEM) and the Computation of Vulnerable Area Tool (COVART). This is to determine the vulnerability of military combat systems (e.g., aircraft, weapons) and their subsystems (e.g., fuel, hydraulics, propulsion, flight controls, structure, drive, and rotors) to threats encountered in combat. As an entry-level position, any specialized training required for vulnerability analysis, including methods and tool usage, will be provided on the job. Subject matter experts (SMEs) from the Combat Vulnerability Analysis Branch will offer guidance and instruction.


Primary Responsibilities

  • Apply tools, techniques, and procedures to develop functional, physical, or prototype models and simulations for training, testing and evaluation, the prediction of behavior and phenomena, the evaluation of design alternatives, to support operational preparation, and to visually communicate concepts and/or validate requirements.
  • Provide integrated knowledge, and skills to define, measure, and improve systems combat survivability, characterize threat systems lethality, and enable the design of combat survivable platforms.
  • Provide input to design elements to decrease vulnerability for military aircraft and weapons systems.
  • Interface with the customers and stakeholders to define the needs and requirements, inform them on plans and progress, resolve issues, and ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Perform vulnerability analysis, utilizing AJEM and/or COVART M&S tools, supporting various Navy and Joint aircraft (fixed wing, rotorcraft, and unmanned) and weapons systems programs.
  • Provides support to programs in planning, reviewing, and commenting on program documents (such as LFT&E plans, specification requirements, and program plans).
  • Operate and maintain vulnerability and endgame Modeling and Simulation (M&S) tools, create MATLAB scripts, and perform data reduction and analyses.
  • Provide verification and validation activities for vulnerability models, data and requirements.

Qualifications

  • Bachelors Degree in Aeronautical Engineering (preferred), Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics
  • Entry level position, BS Degree with 0 2 years experience
  • Possess a valid California drivers license
  • U.S. Citizenship and a current U.S. DoD SECRET Security Clearance (minimum) required for hire and to be maintained throughout employment
  • All candidates will be required to pass background screening to include SSN, Driver Record, and Criminal Background Investigation

Specialized Experience

  • MATLAB programming/scripting skill/experience
  • Experience with laboratory or system level testing including instrumentation, data reduction, and reporting.
  • Position may require occasional travel
  • Not eligible for telework due to daily requirement for access to classified material and data processing systems
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently or in small, dynamic teams and deliver products exceeding customer expectations

Work Conditions

Work is primarily indoors in an office setting, with environmental controls. The position will include regular sitting and use of computer terminal for long periods of time. Occasional work outside in temperatures from 0 120 degrees when visiting test areas for project assessment. Occasional travel is a requirement of this position.


About Altus

Since 2004, Altus Technology Solutions has been committed to providing top-quality, performance-driven services to both government and commercial clients. As an ISO 9001:2015 Certified firm, Altus integrates proven solutions with industry-leading practices to tackle mission-critical challenges.

Learn more at www.Altusts.com.


Pay and Benefits

  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement savings plan with employer contributions
  • Income protection through short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Education assistance for professional growth
  • Flexible paid leave and career advancement opportunities

Commitment to Equal Opportunity Employment

Altus Technology Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws. As a federal contractor, we are committed to hiring and retaining a workforce that includes individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please contact recruiting@altusts.com.


Protecting Your Information

We never request payment or personal banking details during the hiring process. If you encounter suspicious emails, contact us at support@altusts.com immediately.

Join Us!

Are you ready to support our mission? Apply today and be part of something bigger.