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Flight Operations Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Flight)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

Perform design, analysis, development engineering, and flight operations tasks for Raptor engine propulsion systems * Align resources to accomplish key objectives; assign clear accountability for ...

Icarus

Flight Operations Generalist

El Segundo, CA · On-site

The Flight Operations Generalist is the person who takes our aircraft from the hangar to the sky ... Act as connective tissue between engineers and the products they've built as they fly. Fly

Astrolab

Sr. Mission Operations Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

$174K - $196K/yr

The successful candidate will serve as a key interface between flight software, systems engineering, vehicle development, communications, science, and mission operations teams to ensure safe ...

Astrolab

Sr. Mission Operations Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

The successful candidate will serve as a key interface between flight software, systems engineering, vehicle development, communications, science, and mission operations teams to ensure safe ...

Skyryse

Flight Test Engineer

Camarillo, CA

$120K - $150K/yr

FLIGHT TEST ENGINEER - CAMARILLO, CA We are advancing flight control and automation technology ... Support the execution of successful flight operations by communicating, setting test priorities and ...

Skyryse

Flight Test Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

FLIGHT TEST ENGINEER - CAMARILLO, CA We are advancing flight control and automation technology ... Support the execution of successful flight operations by communicating, setting test priorities and ...

W3Global Inc.

Flight Software Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$220K - $300K/yr

Our Client is seeking a Flight Software Engineer to support the development and integration of ... This role spans both ground mission operations software and vehicle side embedded software, with ...

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Flight Operations Engineer information

See California salary details

$45.9K

$117K

$257.1K

How much do flight operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight operations engineer in California is $116,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,800.00 and $113,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight operations engineer?

A Flight Operations Engineer ensures the safe and efficient operation of aircraft by analyzing flight performance, optimizing fuel usage, and creating operational procedures. They work closely with pilots, dispatchers, and maintenance teams to enhance flight planning and compliance with regulations. Their responsibilities include monitoring flight data, troubleshooting operational issues, and implementing improvements to enhance safety and efficiency.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a flight operations engineer?

A Flight Operations Engineer is responsible for analyzing flight data, developing and validating flight plans, and optimizing aircraft performance to ensure safety and compliance with aviation regulations. They frequently collaborate with pilots, dispatchers, and maintenance teams to troubleshoot operational issues and implement procedural improvements. The role often involves monitoring fleet performance, updating operational manuals, and providing technical support during irregular operations or emergencies. This position offers a dynamic environment where you play a crucial part in the efficiency and safety of airline operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the flight operations engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Operations Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, flight performance analysis, and operational procedures, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with aircraft performance software, flight planning tools, regulatory compliance systems, and certifications such as EASA Part 66 or FAA A&P are commonly required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant flight operations in a highly regulated environment.

What are popular job titles related to Flight Operations Engineer jobs in California?

For Flight Operations Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Flight Operations Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Operations Engineer jobs in California are:

Flight Operations Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Operations Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, and 90% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,961 per year, or $56.2 per hour.

Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Flight)

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SpaceXexternal

$115K - $160K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
PROPULSION ENGINEER (RAPTOR FLIGHT)
The Propulsion Engineer role is responsible for taking hardware from concept through to flight (and re-flight) operations, and everything in between. Pursue all processes necessary to effectively and safely prepare and fly world-changing launch vehicles. Work with brilliant, passionate engineers to rapidly develop methods to achieve airline-like operations for the highest performing rocket engines in the world.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Perform design, analysis, development engineering, and flight operations tasks for Raptor engine propulsion systems
  • Align resources to accomplish key objectives; assign clear accountability for important objectives, and set the performance bar at the high standard of excellence
  • Enable high launch cadence with unparalleled reliability through automated analysis of test and flight data; expand existing capabilities and develop new algorithms to improve reliability and thoroughness of all flight processes
  • Collaborate with engineers and technicians from most engineering disciplines, including stage propulsion, structure, launch, testing, production, ground, software, avionics, guidance and control, mission management, flight reliability, etc. to achieve successful and reliable engine performance in flight and during ground testing, and to continuously refine the designs and practices for increased reliability and reduced costs
  • Support live test and flight operations in role of primary console operator
  • Exercise risk-conscious decision-making skills under high pressure, across multi-disciplinary systems
  • Support vehicle-level readiness and data reviews for the engine system
  • Represent engine system in role of a responsible engineer to the rest of the vehicle, ground, customer, and administrative disciplines
  • Develop test plans, and analyze test results in support of test and flight operations
  • Execute walkdowns, and support hardware troubleshooting in the field
  • Implement and maintain rigorous hardware and software verification processes through practical application of automation and process controls
  • Fully own critical spaceflight hardware with profound responsibility
  • Balance competing priorities and several dynamic projects simultaneously, while assessing level of depth/accuracy needed for each task
  • Push tasks to complete closure, with a burning sense of urgency and extreme ownership
  • Ability to pivot and adapt quickly to changes in direction, schedule, priority, and/or level of depth as needed, to stay aligned with program's shifting needs
  • Operate in high-stress environment with grit and endurance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience with pressurized fluid systems
  • 1+ years of experience in hardware design, manufacture, assembly, test and/or flight

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Understanding of engineering fundamentals and the ability to perform basic analysis
  • Demonstrable proficiency in the basic principles of compressible/incompressible flow, thermodynamics, and materials
  • Experience developing hardware from concept to working prototypes, and refining the designs and operations to achieve robustness and autonomy
  • Experience with engineering programming tools (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
  • Liquid engine development experience, or experience working with pressurized fluid components such as valves and pneumatic systems
  • Experience operating in a rapidly growing, changing and technical environment
  • Ability to act and execute in a scrappy and entrepreneurial manner
  • Familiarity with Starship engine and propulsion systems
  • Familiarity with basic concepts of control systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be able to travel between Hawthorne, CA and Starbase, TX in support of test and flight operations and hardware development - up to 10%
  • Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00
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 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.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of 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.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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About SpaceX

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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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