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First Ascent Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Relativity Space

Sr Aerodynamics Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$109K - $150K/yr

Recently, we completed the preliminary design and analysis of Terran R including Relativity's first ... Validate CFD approaches and establish CFD best practices for ascent and entry phases of flight

Auberge Collection

Cook I

Los Olivos, CA · On-site

$23.69/hr

The Friedkin portfolio includes Gulf States Toyota, 30WEST, Accelerated Solutions Group, AS Roma, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Collection, Congaree, Copilot Capital, Diamond Creek, Everton ...

Auberge Collection

Cook I

Los Olivos, CA · On-site

$23.69/hr

The Friedkin portfolio includes Gulf States Toyota, 30WEST, Accelerated Solutions Group, AS Roma, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Collection, Congaree, Copilot Capital, Diamond Creek, Everton ...

Relativity Space

Sr Aerodynamics Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$132K - $198K/yr

  • PTO

Recently, we completed the preliminary design and analysis of Terran R including Relativity's first ... Validate CFD approaches and establish CFD best practices for ascent and entry phases of flight

Relativity Space

Sr Aerodynamics Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$132K - $198K/yr

  • PTO

Recently, we completed the preliminary design and analysis of Terran R including Relativity's first ... Validate CFD approaches and establish CFD best practices for ascent and entry phases of flight

Relativity Space

Sr Aerodynamics Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$132K - $198K/yr

Recently, we completed the preliminary design and analysis of Terran R including Relativity's first ... Validate CFD approaches and establish CFD best practices for ascent and entry phases of flight

SpaceX

Loads & Dynamics Engineer (Starfall)

Hawthorne, CA

$115K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

LOADS & DYNAMICS ENGINEER (STARFALL) The Starfall team is developing the world's first high ... launch/ascent, on-orbit operations, and re-entry. Strong candidates for this role will have ...

Auberge Collection

Bellperson

Los Olivos, CA · On-site

$17.51/hr

Embark on a dynamic role as a Bellperson, where your warmth and efficiency will be the first and ... Roma, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Collection, Congaree, Copilot Capital, Diamond Creek ...

Auberge Collection

Bellperson

Los Olivos, CA · On-site

$17.51/hr

Embark on a dynamic role as a Bellperson, where your warmth and efficiency will be the first and ... Roma, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Collection, Congaree, Copilot Capital, Diamond Creek ...

Space Kinetic

Senior Mechanism Simulation Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency ... ascent, separation events, on-orbit operations, and disposal, is highly desirable. * Ability to ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFirst Ascent JobsFirst Ascent Jobs in California

First Ascent information

See California salary details

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How much do first ascent jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for first ascent in California is $18.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.59 and $20.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a First Ascent guide?

First Ascent guides are professional outdoor experts who lead and assist climbers, hikers, or adventurers during their initial attempt to reach the summit of a mountain or complete a challenging climbing route. These guides provide safety instruction, technical support, and local knowledge to ensure a successful and safe ascent. Their expertise is especially valuable for those attempting new or difficult climbs, often referred to as 'first ascents,' where there is little to no prior information about the route. They also help with logistics, equipment selection, and risk management throughout the journey.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Ascent guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Ascent Guide, you need advanced climbing skills, risk assessment abilities, and certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and professional climbing guide credentials. Familiarity with technical gear like ropes, anchors, navigation devices, and route-mapping software is essential. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help manage group dynamics and respond to unexpected challenges. These skills ensure safety, successful expedition outcomes, and a positive experience for all participants in demanding and unpredictable environments.

What are some common challenges faced by First Ascent guides when leading beginner climbers, and how can they be addressed?

First Ascent Guides often work with climbers who are new to the sport and may feel anxious about heights or unfamiliar equipment. A key challenge is balancing safety with encouragement, ensuring that participants learn proper techniques while building confidence. Guides must communicate instructions clearly, monitor group dynamics, and adapt their teaching style to varying skill levels. Building rapport and fostering a supportive environment helps new climbers overcome fears and enjoy a positive experience.

What is the difference between First Ascent vs Rock Climber?

AspectFirst AscentRock Climber
Required CredentialsTraining in climbing techniques, safety, and sometimes certificationsSimilar training; certifications vary by level and location
Work EnvironmentClimbing gyms, outdoor cliffs, adventure parksOutdoor cliffs, mountains, indoor climbing gyms
Industry UsageClimbing competitions, outdoor expeditions, adventure tourismRecreational climbing, competitions, outdoor expeditions

First Ascent refers to the act of being the first person to successfully climb a route or mountain, often requiring specialized skills and sometimes certifications. Rock Climber is a broader term for anyone engaging in climbing activities, whether recreationally or competitively. While both roles involve climbing skills and similar environments, First Ascent emphasizes pioneering new routes, whereas Rock Climber focuses on general climbing activities.

What are popular job titles related to First Ascent jobs in California?

For First Ascent jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Ascent jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for First Ascent jobs in California are:

First Ascent jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Ascent job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,820 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Sr Aerodynamics Engineer

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA

$109K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Relativity Space rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

About the Team:  

Relativity's Integrated Performance teams ensure that our products work across all systems and disciplines, from trajectory design to aerodynamics to reliability analysis and beyond. Our groups size the Terran R rocket, design its missions for customer success, reliability, and reusability, and ensure that every system on the rocket and ground is engineered correctly for the demanding environments of launch and entry. Recently, we completed the preliminary design and analysis of Terran R including Relativity's first-ever work on launch vehicle reusability, spanning advanced trajectory simulations, wind tunnel testing, and structures analysis, among many other projects.

About the Role: 

  • Develop and execute CFD analyses to solve novel challenges in vehicle entry stability and control 
  • Validate CFD approaches and establish CFD best practices for ascent and entry phases of flight
  • Scope and develop aerodynamics databases for ascent and entry including uncertainty quantification from CFD, wind tunnel, and empirical data sources
  • Drive the design of major Terran R system elements - like fins, flaps, and primary structure - to meet criteria for control, stability, heating, and pressure
  • Guide and mentor responsible hardware engineers to ensure hardware meets aerodynamics and system-level requirements  
  • Mature Relativity's tools for developing and communicating aerodynamics data, including custom and commercial code, databases, and data processing tools 

To be successful in this role, you should be self-motivated, adaptable, and able to contribute significantly to a fast-paced, integrated vehicle program. You should also be able to resolve ambiguity and drive projects to completion. Ideally, you have significant compressible flow, CFD, and high-performance computing (HPC) experience, as well as a proven track record for completing projects successfully in a highly collaborative environment. 

On a weekly basis, you will be performing analysis, developing software tools, and supporting design teams. You will also use your strong organizational skills to properly manage the documentation and communication of your actions, recommendations, and decisions.

About You:  

  • Undergraduate degree in engineering or related field
  • 5+ years relevant experience
  • Demonstrated proficiency in compressible flow, preferably on entry vehicles
  • Experience architecting and executing CFD workflows for external flow, preferably including engine plume simulation
  • Experience solving cross-disciplinary design problems on integrated vehicles
  • Proficiency in Python and industry-standard CFD tools like FUN3D or Star-CCM+, including use of HPC clusters 

Nice to Haves, but Not Required:  

  • Graduate degree in engineering or related field
  • 10+ years relevant experience across 2 or more program lifecycles
  • Experience with database design and analysis using standard tools like FUN3D or Loci/CHEM
  • Experience supporting hardware teams, driving the conops and configuration
  • Experience with instrumentation, wind tunnel and flight testing, validation and verification 

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