134 aerospace and defense jobs found in Irvine, CA

Aerospace is at a turning point - costs are rising, supply chains are strained, and old ways of building can't keep up. At Neon Aero, we're breaking that mold. We move fast, think big, and combine start-up agility with aerospace expertise to design, build, and scale aircraft in ways the industry has never seen. Our team leverages automation, AI-driven tools, and a fully connected digital backbone to accelerate innovation and reduce barriers to production. Here, you won't just take a job - you'll help reinvent how the world flies. If you're ready to solve complex problems, push technology further, and work alongside some of the brightest minds in aerospace, this is your chance to make a real impact. Neon is seeking a Director of Mechanical Engineering to lead the organization responsible for developing and delivering our next generation of complex hardware products. This role combines organizational leadership with hands-on product development expertise, owning mechanical...

Responsibilities: Develop and optimize systems involving lenses, sensors, or imaging devices Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, or similar optical analysis software. Develop and execute optical test plans to validate system performance at component, subsystem, and payload levels. Design and implement optical test setups including alignment tools, calibration methods, and metrology procedures. Define optical acceptance criteria and support verification activities for payload integration and end-of-line testing. Support manufacturing and assembly processes involving optics, including defining handling procedures, contamination control, and alignment processes. Analyze test data and troubleshoot optical performance issues during development, integration, and production. Support root-cause investigations for optical performance deviations and recommend corrective actions. Conduct research on new...

TRL11 is seeking a hands-on Senior Mechanical Engineer to own the mechanical development of space avionics and electro-optical imaging systems from initial requirements through production and product sustainment. This role will have broad responsibility across the full product lifecycle, including requirements definition and verification, mechanical architecture, detailed design, drawing release, supplier selection, manufacturing engineering, environmental testing, and ongoing product support. The Senior Mechanical Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams and customers to deliver reliable hardware for demanding space environments. The ideal candidate is a strong individual contributor who is comfortable making technical decisions, working directly with vendors, technicians, and customers, and remaining accountable for a product after the initial design is released. Key Responsibilities Own the mechanical development and sustainment of space avionics and...

TRL11 is a startup based in Irvine, CA developing novel video and imaging systems for spacecraft, enabling visual intelligence from the final frontier. TRL11 is looking for an engineer with experience in finite element analysis (FEA). This role will support primarily thermal but also structural and optical simulation, contribute to test plans and test execution, support systems engineering, and develop TRL11's end to end simulation capabilities. This role is an opportunity to have a large influence on TRL11's simulation practices, and is well suited to someone who is eager to dive in and contribute from day one. Responsibilities Develop and maintain high-fidelity finite element models for both iterative design analysis and final verification sign-off Perform thermal analyses for on-orbit environments including solar loading, radiation, and internal heat dissipation Perform structural analyses for launch environments including quasi-static loads, vibration, and shock Execute...

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards. We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future. Woodward supports our members' wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position. Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. CA Only: Staff: Estimated annual base pay: $125,000 (minimum) - $162,500 (midpoint) - $200,000 (maximum) Senior Staff:...

Attalon is a U.S.-based aerospace and defense technology company created in 2025 when Advent International carved out Coherent's Aerospace & Defense division. Attalon develops and produces mission-critical optical systems, precision coatings, and advanced laser subsystems used in ISR&T, space, missile, and directed-energy applications. Principal Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer Conceive and develop optical, mechanical, and opto-mechanical system and subsystem layouts. Create highly complex designs, collaborate with cross-functional partners to ensure optimal system performance, and deliver fast, efficient opto-mechanical concepts using 3D solid-modeling tools aligned with customer requirements. Provide support to Engineering, Program Management, and Operations through the design and development of models used for analysis, prototyping, production, and mechanical manufacturing activities as assigned. Responsibilities • Design intricate opto-mechanical components and...

About the Organization Applied Aerospace & Defense (Applied) is a premier provider of advanced design, engineering, and vertically integrated manufacturing solutions for leading and next-generation space and defense technology companies. Applied builds complex hardware for extreme operating environments and is focused on three core markets: Space and Launch Systems, Defense Aviation and Airborne Systems, and C5ISR and Precision Strike Systems. With decades of space and defense manufacturing heritage, Applied combines deep material science and IP-enabled process expertise with the ability to enable rapid prototyping, enhance new product development, and responsively scale production. Across its nationwide infrastructure of advanced manufacturing facilities, Applied continuously supports a balanced mix of next-generation technology and platform development, large scale production programs, and aftermarket sustainment for enduring platforms. EOE Statement Applied Aerospace...

At Winchester Interconnect, we always do the right thing, the right way. Winchester Interconnect is committed to inspiring the most innovative teams. We foster a dynamic, inclusive environment that thrives on collaboration and continuous growth. We hire exceptional people, celebrate wins, empower employee growth, and provide opportunities to thrive. Winchester is where potential transforms into purpose, and every team member plays a vital role in shaping our shared success. Position Summary: As our Senior Manufacturing & Process Engineer , you will act as a pivotal bridge between our technical engineering operations and our key client stakeholders. You will be responsible for evaluating, optimizing, and scaling manufacturing processes to improve production efficiency, product quality, and cost savings in a high-mix, low-volume aerospace and defense manufacturing environment. As a senior team member, you will leverage extensive process engineering expertise to solve...

Essex Industries is a multi-site aerospace and defense manufacturer serving military and commercial customers worldwide. The Manufacturing Engineer designs and improves manufacturing processes, tooling, and test equipment to support efficient production. This role optimizes layouts, workflows, and assembly methods while ensuring parts, tools, and processes meet product specifications and manufacturing goals. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Using Solidworks, Designs and qualifies fixtures and tooling for assembly and manufacturing. Designs, specifies and qualifies test equipment. Analyzes and plans work force utilization, space requirements, and workflow, and designs layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency. Confers with planning and design staff concerning product design to ensure efficient production methods. Project leader on NPD product integration in to the manufacturing facility, and represents operations at stage gate meetings on small to...

Applied Composites (AC) is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer 4 with Tool and Die Design Composite Background, who serves as a senior technical leader and subject matter expert in composite tool design, manufacturing processes, production systems, and new product introduction and design across multiple programs and functional organizations. About AC: Come and join the Applied Composites team. We are a leading provider of complex composite components, assemblies, engineering, and tooling to the aerospace, defense, and space system markets. Our employees are treated with respect and given the support, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive. If you are looking for a company that values and develops its employees while offering engaging work, Applied Composites may be the place for you. Job Accountabilities Technical Leadership Serve as the technical authority for composite manufacturing processes matrix, tool and die design, equipment modification, and processing...

Job Description Acts as a key contributor to the Manufacturing Engineering team and supports various complex activities to increase manufacturing capabilities. Actively participates in introducing new products to the manufacturing and supply chain environment. Directly impacts all aspects of safety, quality, delivery, cost, and innovation, as well as operations' sustaining and growth efforts. Responsible for developing and implementing manufacturing processes and procedures for fabrication, machining, and assembly of space-flight composite hardware. Works collaboratively with all levels of personnel, including Program Managers, Supervisors, Technicians, and Inspectors, to ensure the efficient fulfillment of product and delivery commitments. Read and interpret Engineering Drawings to create the Product Indentured Bill-of-Material. Consult with Shop Supervisors to develop accurate schedule durations for each component of the build cycle. Review Engineering Specifications to...

Salary Range : $82,004 - $111,000 Electronics Design Engineer We are seeking a talented and motivated Electrical Engineer with expertise in RF, hardware, and software design to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will be at the forefront of designing and developing cutting-edge electrical equipment for a variety of applications, including commercial, industrial, military, and scientific projects. If you are passionate about innovation and want to contribute to complex real-time systems, we encourage you to apply Essential Job Functions: Design and develop RF based Circuit Card Assemblies (CCAs) for RF applications. Troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade and test CCAs. Write and debug firmware for new products. Integrate CCAs into VME backplane. Design multi-layer CCAs using PCB design tools. Integrate VME based CCAs into complex real time systems for RF simulation and modeling. Test and troubleshoot electronic circuits. Required Skills: Due to the sensitivity of...

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us. As a Manufacturing Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab's site in Long Beach, California, you will have the opportunity to work with the design, production and quality teams to develop and qualify process to make rocket engines. Rocket Lab's Manufacturing team are the builders and the doers who work with our advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get our satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO As an intern, you will work closely with your mentor and other employees within the department to apply your knowledge and grow your skills both technically and professionally Work with...

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us. As a Manufacturing Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab's site in Long Beach, California, you will have the opportunity to work with the design, production and quality teams to develop and qualify process to make rocket engines. Rocket Lab's Manufacturing team are the builders and the doers who work with our advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get our satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO As an intern, you will work closely with your mentor and other employees within the department to apply your knowledge and grow your skills both technically and professionally Work with...

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us. MANUFACTURING Rocket Lab's Manufacturing teams are the builders and the doers who work with our advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get our satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door. They bring the designs of our engineers to life by using advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing to create our hardware, and are responsible for delivering our projects and missions on time and on budget to our customers. SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II - MACHINING We are currently seeking an experience Manufacturing Engineer with a focus in Machining based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA....

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us. NEUTRON Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program. If you're interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity! MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II / SENIOR - FLUID SYSTEMS Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Manufacturing Engineer...

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us. NEUTRON Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program. If you're interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity! MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II / SENIOR I - FLUID SYSTEMS Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Manufacturing...

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it. OUR MISSION True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors - enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground. OUR VALUES Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity. What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results. It's the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together. YOUR MISSION We are revolutionizing spacecraft systems and are searching for candidates passionate about hands-on engineering and advancing new technologies in space. As a Machine Shop Production Engineer, you will own the production engineering strategy and execution for machined components from receipt of...

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us. SUPPLY CHAIN Rocket Lab's Supply Chain team is responsible for the flow of all materials, products, and components through the business. With many of our own products functioning as critical components to our own and our customers' missions, the Supply Chain team has a direct impact on the success of our rocket and satellite programs. They set up the assembly kits that enables our technicians to put together our Electron rockets, manage inventory, look after shipping and receiving, manage direct and indirect procurement, and inspect and ensure that all of our materials and products are compliant and up to standard. They are the chain that links...

About the Organization Applied Aerospace & Defense (Applied) is a premier provider of advanced design, engineering, and vertically integrated manufacturing solutions for leading and next-generation space and defense technology companies. Applied builds complex hardware for extreme operating environments and is focused on three core markets: Space and Launch Systems, Defense Aviation and Airborne Systems, and C5ISR and Precision Strike Systems. With decades of space and defense manufacturing heritage, Applied combines deep material science and IP-enabled process expertise with the ability to enable rapid prototyping, enhance new product development, and responsively scale production. Across its nationwide infrastructure of advanced manufacturing facilities, Applied continuously supports a balanced mix of next-generation technology and platform development, large scale production programs, and aftermarket sustainment for enduring platforms. EOE Statement Applied Aerospace...