The Hidden Job Market: Inside El Segundo’s Defense Manufacturing Companies

Defense industry jobs in El Segundo offer salaries ranging from $75,000 to over $220,000, making it one of the most lucrative job markets in California’s defense sector. El Segundo defense and manufacturing companies form a powerful hub of aerospace innovation, hosting industry giants like Boeing, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman.

The strategic location near Los Angeles International Airport and the Pacific Ocean has transformed El Segundo into an ideal center for aerospace research, development, and testing operations. Additionally, the strong presence of defense contractors creates numerous job opportunities for skilled professionals in the area.

This comprehensive guide explores the hidden job market within El Segundo’s defense manufacturing sector, revealing how to break into the industry, understand company cultures, and navigate the competitive landscape of defense careers.

Major Defense Companies in El Segundo

El Segundo stands as a cornerstone of America’s aerospace and defense industry, with over half of all satellites and vehicles in space manufactured within its borders. The city’s defense manufacturing sector continues to evolve through significant expansions and technological advancements.

Top Aerospace Companies and Their Specialties

The Aerospace Corporation, a federally funded research and development center, leads the city’s defense initiatives with over 4,600 employees. Furthermore, Raytheon’s El Segundo facility employs 7,302 workers, specializing in defense electronics and space and airborne systems.

Northrop Grumman’s division headquarters in El Segundo focuses on microelectronics products and houses an advanced semiconductor foundry. Moreover, Boeing maintains a substantial presence, contributing to the development of critical defense technologies and satellite systems.

Recent Company Expansions

In 2024, several defense manufacturers have expanded their operations significantly. Notably, The Aerospace Corporation relocated its corporate headquarters to enhance proximity to key decision-makers while maintaining its substantial workforce of 2,800 people in El Segundo. The company plans to invest $100 million at its El Segundo campus in engineering and research activities.

Pacific Defense has markedly increased its manufacturing capabilities, projecting a 450% growth in production capacity by 2027. This expansion includes the ability to produce 45 multi-mission chassis systems per shift monthly.

Rising Stars in Defense and Manufacturing

In El Segundo, a significant development has been witnessed in recent years with the establishment of several luminary defense tech companies rapidly establishing themselves as leaders in the industry. These innovative firms are at the forefront of shaping the future of defense technology on a national and global scale. Notable players in the defense tech sector include Neros, Durin, Valar Atomics, and Picogrid, among others.

Key Manufacturing Facilities

The city hosts state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities equipped with cutting-edge technologies. The Aerospace Corporation’s Physical Sciences Laboratories encompass 156 different laboratories aligned around four focus areas.

• Technology Development and Prototyping
• Rapid and Agile Acquisitions
• Resiliency and Space Warfighting R&D
• Advanced Concepts

These facilities support various critical operations, including:

1. Space photovoltaics characterization
2. Quantum technologies development
3. Advanced sensor testing
4. Propulsion research

Consequently, the defense manufacturing landscape in El Segundo has experienced remarkable growth. The global aerospace and defense industry is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2026, with the overall space economy expanding to $1.1 trillion by 2030. This growth is primarily driven by increased government commitment to research and development, particularly in areas where El Segundo’s manufacturers excel.

The city’s manufacturing capabilities extend beyond traditional aerospace components. Local facilities now incorporate advanced technologies such as additive manufacturing, quantum photonics, and specialized propulsion testing capabilities. These innovations position El Segundo’s defense manufacturers at the forefront of next-generation space and defense technologies.

Breaking Into Defense Manufacturing Jobs

Securing a position in El Segundo’s defense manufacturing sector requires specific technical expertise and security credentials. The aerospace hub presents unique opportunities for professionals who meet stringent industry requirements.

Required Skills and Certifications

Breaking into defense manufacturing demands a blend of technical proficiency and industry-specific qualifications. A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related STEM field serves as the foundation for most positions. For specialized roles, employers seek candidates with composite manufacturing experience and proficiency in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software like NX and CATIA.

Essential technical competencies include:

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes including machining, welding, and grinding
• Expertise in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Experience with tooling design and mechanical assemblies
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools

Beyond technical skills, defense manufacturers value strong interpersonal abilities and self-motivation. Candidates must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Security Clearance Basics

The Department of Defense maintains three primary levels of security clearance for defense industry positions:

1. Confidential
2. Secret
3. Top Secret

Most entry-level positions require at least a Secret clearance. Obtaining clearance involves comprehensive background investigations, with higher clearance levels demanding more thorough reviews. Some positions may need additional access types like Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) or Special Access Program (SAP).

For positions requiring security clearance, candidates must be U.S. citizens. The clearance process typically begins after a conditional job offer, as only government agencies or contractors can sponsor clearance applications. An interim clearance may be granted to allow work on sensitive projects while the full clearance application is processed.

Defense manufacturers often value candidates with active clearances, especially military veterans transitioning to civilian roles. The aerospace sector recognizes military experience as a valuable source of security-cleared personnel, with over 200,000 service members transitioning annually.

Inside Company Culture and Work Life

The workplace culture at El Segundo’s defense manufacturing companies emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. These organizations foster environments where technical excellence meets professional growth.

Team Structures and Dynamics

Defense manufacturers in El Segundo organize their workforce into specialized departments focused on distinct technical disciplines. The Aerospace Corporation’s Vehicle Systems Division comprises highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers who collaborate across multiple areas, from guidance systems to structural dynamics. Teams operate under a matrix structure, enabling cross-functional collaboration between departments.

Pacific Defense exemplifies this approach with more than 125 engineers engaged in design and development activities. Their technical expertise spans radio frequency systems, digital design, and embedded operations. Project teams typically include dedicated system engineering professionals who focus on integration and testing.

Work Schedules and Flexibility

El Segundo defense companies offer flexible work arrangements that balance operational needs with employee preferences. The Aerospace Corporation implements a hybrid work model where employees typically spend 3-4 days onsite, with remote work options available based on business requirements. This arrangement supports both collaborative innovation and individual productivity.

Professional Development Opportunities

Companies invest substantially in employee growth through structured advancement programs. The Aerospace Corporation maintains an internal lecture series and provides comprehensive professional development opportunities. Their leadership philosophy emphasizes that every employee, regardless of position, can demonstrate leadership through five core competencies:

• Operating strategically
• Leading change
• Engaging with impact
• Fostering innovation
• Delivering results

Organizations in the sector prioritize continuous learning, offering tuition assistance and specialized technical training programs. Pacific Defense actively cultivates talent through their engineering organization, which maintains dedicated lab space across seven primary locations. This commitment to professional growth ensures teams stay current with emerging technologies and industry advances.

Salary and Benefits Overview

Compensation packages at El Segundo’s defense manufacturers reflect the high-value expertise required in the aerospace sector. Entry-level engineers typically start with base salaries between $80,000 and $118,000 annually, offering competitive positioning in the Southern California job market.

Entry-Level to Senior Positions

The salary trajectory in defense manufacturing demonstrates substantial growth potential. Associate engineers begin their careers at P1 or P2 levels, with compensation increasing steadily through experience and promotions. Mid-career professionals at P3 level command salaries ranging from $118,000 to $172,000, depending on specialization and performance.

Senior technical positions, primarily at P4 level and above, see total compensation packages between $191,000 and $336,000 annually. Program managers and senior technical specialists often receive additional performance bonuses, with some roles offering up to 20% of base salary in annual incentives.

Industry-Specific Perks

Beyond competitive salaries, El Segundo’s defense manufacturers provide comprehensive benefits packages. The Aerospace Corporation offers a distinctive 401(k) plan where employees receive company-paid benefits of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service. These contributions are immediately vested upon hire.

Defense contractors in El Segundo generally provide:

• Flexible work schedules with 9/80 options offering alternate Fridays off
• Comprehensive health insurance with nationwide preferred provider organizations
• Educational assistance including tuition reimbursement and fellowship programs
• Four weeks of company-paid parental leave

Uniquely, many positions offer security clearance sponsorship, which becomes a valuable career asset. Companies also maintain robust professional development programs, allocating substantial resources for continuing education and technical certifications.

The compensation structure often includes performance-based incentives, with senior roles eligible for Results-Based Incentive (RBI) programs. These programs can yield bonuses ranging from 20% to 200% of base salary, determined by individual, business unit, and company performance.

Conclusion

El Segundo stands as a powerhouse in defense manufacturing, offering exceptional career opportunities for qualified professionals. The city’s defense sector continues to grow, backed by industry giants in conjunction with rapidly emerging defense and industrial start-ups that are leading the way with cutting-edge facilities that drive innovation in the defense industry.

Professionals entering this field can expect competitive salaries starting at $80,000, with senior positions reaching well above $220,000. Additionally, the comprehensive benefits packages, flexible work arrangements, and strong professional development programs make these positions particularly attractive for long-term career growth.

Success in El Segundo’s defense manufacturing sector requires specific technical expertise, security clearances, and dedication to continuous learning. Though the entry requirements are demanding, the rewards match the challenge – both in compensation and career advancement opportunities.

The defense manufacturing hub of El Segundo represents more than just job opportunities; it embodies the future of aerospace innovation and national security technology. As these companies continue expanding their operations and capabilities, they create an increasingly robust foundation for professionals seeking meaningful careers in defense manufacturing.