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Spacecraft Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Oligo Space

Senior AI Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$140 - $164/hr

Oligo is building a manufacturing-in-the-loop foundation model to automate spacecraft design and production worldwide. Our approach allows customers to focus entirely on their own technology and ...

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Spacecraft Design information

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$17

$50

$72

How much do spacecraft design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for spacecraft design in California is $50.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.65 and $60.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a spacecraft design?

A Spacecraft Design job involves creating and developing spacecraft, including satellites, probes, and crewed vehicles. Engineers in this field work on structural design, propulsion systems, thermal management, avionics, and overall mission requirements. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software, perform simulations, and collaborate with scientists to ensure the spacecraft meets its intended purpose. This role requires expertise in aerospace engineering, physics, and materials science.

What is a typical team structure for a spacecraft design project?

Spacecraft Design projects usually involve multidisciplinary teams composed of aerospace engineers, systems engineers, propulsion specialists, avionics experts, and project managers. Each team member focuses on a specific subsystem, such as structural integrity, power management, or communications, and collaborates closely to integrate these components into a cohesive design. Frequent collaboration, design reviews, and cross-functional meetings are common, ensuring all parts work flawlessly together. This collaborative structure fosters knowledge sharing and innovation while maintaining strict adherence to technical requirements and project milestones.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the spacecraft design position, and why are they important?

To excel in Spacecraft Design, candidates typically require a degree in aerospace engineering or a related field, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in physics and mathematics. Experience with CAD software, simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards such as NASA or ESA guidelines are highly valued. Strong teamwork, creative problem-solving, and effective communication skills help professionals collaborate and innovate in multidisciplinary environments. These competencies ensure cutting-edge and reliable spacecraft solutions that meet rigorous performance and safety requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Spacecraft Design jobs in California?

The most popular types of Spacecraft Design jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Spacecraft Design jobs in California?

For Spacecraft Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Spacecraft Design jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Spacecraft Design jobs in California are:

Spacecraft Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,055 per year, or $50 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Columbus Technologies and Services Inc

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$70 - $94/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

OVERVIEW
 Must be a US Citizen
 Duration - 6 month contract position with potential to be extended or converted
 W2 with full benefits
 Customer and contract specific training will be required and provided.
 Location - NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA (onsite)
 Offer contingent on ability to successfully pass a background check and drug screen
 Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

JOB DESCRIPTION
This is an opportunity to be a Mechanical Design Engineer in the Engineering Design group at JPL, which engages in the engineering and design of advanced spacecraft, instruments and robotic mechanisms for exploration of the solar system.
  • Performing as a Design Engineer for JPL on a spacecraft, instrument or robotic project.
  • Creating complex CAD models, assemblies and engineering drawings.
  • Working with world class engineers and participating on teams in a highly collaborative environment.
  • Developing and running configuration trades on the mechanical system of a spacecraft project.
  • Interfacing with space science experts, analysts, manufacturing engineers, and project staff.
  • Performing conceptual spacecraft design for feasibility and cost estimates of future missions.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Experience and knowledge in the following areas:
  • Mechanical design of spacecraft primary and secondary structures, mechanisms and instruments.
  • Engineering CAD (Computer-Aided Design) tools such as Siemens NX (preferred), CATIA or Creo.
  • Creating engineering drawings using the ASME Y14.100-2017 standard.
  • Creating detail drawings, assembly drawings, interface drawings and source control drawings.
  • Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) using ASME Y14.5-2018.
  • Application of advanced principles, theories, concepts and techniques in solving mechanical engineering problems.
  • Adept at performing trade studies and developing conceptual configurations.
  • Aerospace fabrication processes.
  • Aerospace material selection.
  • PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) tools such as Teamcenter (preferred), Enovia or Windchill.
DESIRED SKILLS
  • TS/SCI
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action

Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, national origin, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. As a federal contractor, Columbus participates in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.