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Missile Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Alutiiq

Aerospace Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$190K - $240K/yr

... Engineer - Space Force Missile Warning Ground Mission to support the U.S ... Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC) missile warning ground mission - a major program area ...

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Missile Engineer information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$100.4K

$135.7K

How much do missile engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for missile engineer in California is $100,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a missile engineer?

A Missile Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining missile systems for defense or aerospace applications. They work with propulsion systems, guidance technologies, aerodynamics, and materials to ensure missile performance and reliability. Engineers in this field collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams, including software engineers and defense analysts, to optimize system functionality. Their work often involves simulation, prototyping, and compliance with government regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a missile engineer?

To thrive as a Missile Engineer, a strong background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, advanced mathematics, and physics is essential, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB or ANSYS, and compliance standards such as ITAR or DoD regulations is often required. Exceptional problem-solving, teamwork, and clear communication skills help engineers work effectively on complex, multidisciplinary projects. These technical and interpersonal skills ensure the safe, precise, and timely development of advanced missile systems according to strict industry standards.

What kind of teams do missile engineers typically work with, and how collaborative is the work environment?

Missile Engineers often work as part of multidisciplinary teams that include systems engineers, software developers, manufacturing specialists, and project managers. The work environment is highly collaborative, with regular team meetings, design reviews, and integration testing to ensure that all aspects of the missile system function cohesively. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as projects require input from many technical disciplines and coordination with suppliers or government agencies. This collaborative setup provides opportunities to learn from experts in various fields and to contribute to innovative technological solutions.

How do you become a missile engineer?

To become a missile engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's degree or higher for advanced roles. Gaining experience with engineering design, simulation tools, and working in defense or aerospace industries is important, along with obtaining security clearances if necessary.

How much does a missile engineer make?

A missile engineer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in aerospace or defense may earn higher compensation, often supplemented with security clearances and benefits.

What are the most commonly searched types of Missile Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Missile Engineer jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Missile Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Missile Engineer job openings:

Missile Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Missile Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,420 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

STANDARD Missile Associate Engineer

Precise Systems

Port Hueneme Cbc Base, CA

$56K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Precise Systems delivers integrated, mission-ready solutions that advance warfighter readiness and strengthen our nation’s most critical defense programs. Through the power of our combined capabilities, we provide deep expertise in Advanced Engineering; Digital Transformation; Electromagnetic Warfare; Interactive Training & Simulation; Physical Sciences Research; Platform Lifecycle Support; and Foreign Military Sales. Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, our team applies innovative technologies, engineering rigor, and customer-focused execution to solve complex challenges and accelerate mission success. Guided by our commitment to partnership, precision, and performance, we deliver the scalable solutions and technical excellence our customers depend on—today and into the future

Precise Systems seeks an Associate Engineer to support the STANDARD Missile Engineering branch with the following In-Service Engineering (ISE) tasks: Event Mitigation, Tactical Operations, Test and Integration, Fleet Introduction, Training, and Life Cycle Support & Sustainment.

 Duties:

  • Provide In-Service Engineering (ISE) Technical and Life Cycle Support for STANDARD Missiles and All-Up-Rounds (AURs); Participate in Integrated Product Teams (IPT), Failure Review Boards, Technical Working Groups, and Audit teams. Prepare technical presentations and documentations in support of technical interchange reviews, project meetings, program level reviews, test plan working groups, and mission control panels & flight readiness reviews.
  • Review design documentation, drawings and reports related to STANDARD Missile and AURs, round maintenance and handling operations, and Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) operations and maintenance.
  • Analyze new initiatives, new technologies and industry best practices for incorporation into existing and new engineering Missile and All-Up-Round (AUR) processes & procedures.
  • Investigate AUR and missile in-service operational and maintenance related issues onboard surface combatant ships, ILMF (Integrated Level Maintenance Facility), and MMF (Missile Maintenance Facility).
  • Prepare and coordinate presentation materials for meetings in support of project and program reviews and sponsor data calls.
  • Provide technical support in the development of program plans & reports, project schedules & cost estimations, and action items.
  • Prepare and track STANDARD Missile Key Events Schedules & Milestones

Required Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in an Engineering Discipline (Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, and other engineering disciplines)

Required Experience:

  • 0-2 years’ experience in engineering related field; preferably in Systems Engineering.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Due to the sensitivity of customer-related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required. 

Precise Systems values employee contributions, promotes diverse opportunities for professional growth, and prioritizes overall well-being. Our comprehensive professional services benefits package includes health insurance, life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage, disability insurance, retirement plans, holiday pay, employee-managed leave, and professional growth opportunities.

We recognize exceptional performance and alignment with our core values through our STAR Award recognition program.

Compensation at Precise Systems is determined by various factors, including education, experience, skills, competencies, and contract-specific requirements. The salary range for this position is $56,028 to $80,042 (annualized USD). This range represents the standard pay for this role and is just one component of Precise Systems’ total compensation package.

Precise Systems is committed to fair and equitable pay practices in alignment with applicable pay transparency laws and equal employment opportunity standards

Precise Systems is dedicated to a shared vision and core values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, which foster innovation and drive our continued success in the global marketplace. Precise Systems and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, status as an individual with a disability, or any legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. Visit www.GoPrecise.com for a listing of current openings and our comprehensive, employee friendly benefits summary.  Precise Systems participates in E-Verify.


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