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Entry Level Performance Engineer Jobs in Santa Maria, CA

Firefly Aerospace

Fluids Launch Engineer I

Lompoc, CA · On-site

This position will validate and execute the performance of these systems during launch operations. RESPONSIBILITIES * This is an entry level position that will assist the senior fluids engineers in ...

Elevate Aircraft Seating

Buyer

Santa Maria, CA

$82K - $103K/yr

Update suppliers with engineering changes and drawings * Review supplier performance * Locate new ... Position may be filled with both entry level and experienced candidates. Preferred Skills ...

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All JobsEntry Level Performance Engineer JobsEntry Level Performance Engineer Jobs in Santa Maria, CA

Entry Level Performance Engineer information

See Santa Maria, CA salary details

$11

$61

$100

How much do entry level performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level performance engineer in Santa Maria, CA is $61.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50.53 and $69.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level performance engineers?

Entry level performance engineers are professionals who help analyze, test, and optimize the speed, efficiency, and scalability of software applications or systems. They work under the guidance of senior engineers to identify performance bottlenecks, run tests, collect data, and recommend improvements. Typically, they use specialized tools to simulate real-world usage and ensure applications meet performance goals. This role is ideal for recent graduates or those new to the field, and it can lead to advanced engineering positions with experience.

What is the difference between Entry Level Performance Engineer vs Performance Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Performance EngineerPerformance Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; basic knowledge of performance testing toolsBachelor's in IT, Computer Science, or related; understanding of data analysis and performance metrics
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, testing labs, IT departmentsData analysis teams, IT departments, business units
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, software firms, engineering teamsIT firms, consulting agencies, large corporations

Entry Level Performance Engineers focus on testing and optimizing software performance, while Performance Analysts analyze data to improve system efficiency. Both roles require foundational technical skills and are common in tech and IT industries, but they emphasize different aspects of performance management.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Performance Engineer, you need a strong grasp of software development concepts, performance testing methodologies, and a relevant degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with tools like JMeter, LoadRunner, and application monitoring systems is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are the soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial to identifying system bottlenecks, ensuring application reliability, and collaborating efficiently with cross-functional teams.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level performance engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level performance engineers often encounter challenges such as identifying performance bottlenecks in complex systems and interpreting large volumes of test data. It's common to feel overwhelmed when learning new performance testing tools or scripting languages. Collaborating closely with senior engineers and developers, asking questions, and actively participating in team reviews can ease the learning curve. Over time, gaining hands-on experience with monitoring tools and understanding system architectures will help you develop the skills needed to tackle these challenges effectively.
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Entry Level Performance Engineer jobs near you
Fluids Launch Engineer I

Fluids Launch Engineer I

Firefly Aerospace

Lompoc, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Firefly Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE
As an end-to-end responsive space company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space - anywhere, anytime. Our small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles allow us to service the entire lifecycle of government and commercial missions from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. We utilize carbon composite structures, patented propulsion technologies, and common components across our vehicles to iterate quickly, improve reliability, and deliver payloads at a lower cost.
SUMMARY
The Launch team is hiring for high-impact, dynamic engineering positions for those who thrive on solving real problems in diverse environments. We are looking for a propulsion and fluids systems engineer to join the team responsible for all aspects of the launch pad propellant and pneumatic systems. This position will grow in responsibility to take ownership of a segment of these systems in all aspects of operation, maintenance, testing and upgrades. This position will validate and execute the performance of these systems during launch operations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • This is an entry level position that will assist the senior fluids engineers in the operation, maintenance and testing of the launch pad fluids and pneumatic systems. This position will grow in scope and responsibility as the candidate obtains hands-on experience with all aspects of launch pad operations.
  • Participate in design reviews and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams - including design engineers, technicians, external partners, and site personnel - to drive fluids system upgrades, streamline operations, and validate system readiness and performance for launch campaigns.
  • Support launch pad system and flight vehicle system integrity testing to validate system health, performance and readiness for launch campaigns.
  • Lead troubleshooting efforts, resolve any issues and non-conformances that arise during operations/testing, and support anomaly investigations
  • Opportunities to perform launch console operations or launch day close out team activities
  • Write procedures for system operation, maintenance, and vehicle testing operations.
  • Develop and execute maintenance strategies that maximize system availability and minimize downtime between missions.
  • Collaborate with customers, external stakeholders, and design teams to ensure interoperability and compliance with regulatory and range safety requirements.
  • Provide technical write-ups for systems upgrade proposals or tailoring of regulations.
  • Ability to work with Fluids and Mechanical GSE team members with limited supervision to achieve project or testing objectives. Write work instructions and supervise the execution of field work in service of the launch pad fluid and pneumatic systems.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering discipline
  • 0 - 2 years of hands-on experience with fluids systems, pneumatic systems, mechanisms, hydraulic systems, tooling, flight hardware or test operations
  • Experience designing, building, troubleshooting and/or operating complex fluid or pneumatic systems in an operational or project environment.
  • Ability to create and interpret engineering documentation including drawings, P&ID schematics and test data.
  • Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high pressure fast-paced environment
  • Ability to self-motivate and take the initiative to ensure your systems are functional and operating at peak performance
  • Ability to adapt to shifting project and/or scope change requirements
  • Ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences
  • Comfortable working in launch site environments with field testing, lifting equipment, and hazardous materials

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, pet Insurance, and flexible PTO options.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by 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.

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