ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Air Force Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tagup

Air Force Lead

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Work with product, engineering, and program leadership to align customer needs with the roadmap and delivery approach. * Represent Tagup at Air Force-focused conferences, working groups, and customer ...

Tagup

Air Force Lead

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Work with product, engineering, and program leadership to align customer needs with the roadmap and delivery approach. * Represent Tagup at Air Force-focused conferences, working groups, and customer ...

Space Force Analytics LLC

Digital Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$150 - $250/hr

Do you have a Space Systems Engineering background? Are you looking for an opportunity to apply ... Hybrid work from home and Los Angeles Air Force Base, with occasional travel to various contractor ...

asrcfh

Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

Edwards, CA · On-site

Join our Team Supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory We are seeking an experienced Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to support the testing and development of advanced propulsion systems from ...

asrcfh

Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

Edwards, CA · On-site

Join our Team Supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory We are seeking an experienced Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to support the testing and development of advanced propulsion systems from ...

asrcfh

Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

Edwards, CA · On-site

Join our Team Supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory We are seeking an experienced Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to support the testing and development of advanced propulsion systems from ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAir Force Engineer JobsAir Force Engineer Jobs in California

Air Force Engineer information

See California salary details

$37.5K

$114.3K

$189K

How much do air force engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for air force engineer in California is $114,347.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $149,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Air Force engineer do?

An Air Force Engineer designs, develops, maintains, and tests systems and infrastructure critical to air and space operations. They work on aircraft, communications, weapons, cybersecurity, and civil engineering projects. Their role ensures that Air Force missions run efficiently by providing technical expertise and innovative solutions. Depending on their specialty, they may focus on aerospace, electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering. These professionals play a key role in national defense by supporting both combat and non-combat operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Air Force engineer?

To thrive as an Air Force Engineer, you typically need a degree in engineering or a related field, a strong grasp of technical problem-solving, and U.S. Air Force commissioning requirements. Familiarity with specialized military systems, engineering software (like AutoCAD or MATLAB), and relevant certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license or security clearance are common. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication skills help you work efficiently in multidisciplinary environments. These competencies ensure safety, mission success, and the ability to navigate complex technical challenges under pressure.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of an Air Force engineer?

Air Force Engineers are responsible for designing, testing, maintaining, and overseeing critical infrastructure and aviation systems that support Air Force missions. Daily tasks may include evaluating aircraft and facility systems, troubleshooting engineering issues, preparing detailed technical reports, and ensuring compliance with safety and military standards. You may collaborate closely with other engineers, pilots, and enlisted personnel to ensure equipment reliability and mission readiness. The role often requires a combination of fieldwork, technical analysis, and briefing military leadership on project status or engineering solutions.

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

The most popular types of Air Force Engineer jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Air Force Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Air Force Engineer job openings:

Air Force Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Force Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,347 per year, or $55 per hour.

Air Force Lead

Tagup

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

About Tagup

Tagup builds AI software for defense logistics and sustainment. Our platform, Manifest, helps operators turn maintenance, supply, and operational data into faster, better-informed decisions.

The role

The Air Force Lead drives Tagup's growth across the U.S. Air Force and its sustainment and innovation enterprise. You will identify, shape, and capture opportunities in Air Force logistics, sustainment, predictive maintenance, and readiness, and carry them from first contact through award. The work spans program offices, sustainment commands, innovation units, and the operators who feel the readiness problem firsthand. You will work directly with our founders and leadership team, and you will build this function from the ground up.

What you will do

  • Own Air Force business development end to end: opportunity identification, capture, proposal support, and award.

  • Build and manage a qualified Air Force pipeline across major commands, program offices, sustainment organizations, and innovation units (for example AFMC, AFLCMC, and AFWERX).

  • Build and sustain senior relationships with Air Force acquisition leaders, program offices, and operational end users.

  • Match Air Force mission needs to Tagup's platform, and translate them into pursuits with measurable operational impact.

  • Shape opportunities through RFIs, RFPs, OTAs, SBIR/STTR transitions, demonstrations, and pilots, with a clear path from prototype to program of record.

  • Run capture: competitive analysis, probability-of-win, teaming strategy, win themes, pricing inputs, and proposal reviews.

  • Work with product, engineering, and program leadership to align customer needs with the roadmap and delivery approach.

  • Represent Tagup at Air Force-focused conferences, working groups, and customer engagements, and keep pipeline forecasts and reporting current.

What you bring

  • 10+ years in Air Force, defense acquisition, business development, capture, or program management.

  • A working command of Air Force logistics, sustainment, maintenance, or readiness organizations and their mission priorities.

  • Established relationships across Air Force program offices, major commands, or innovation organizations.

  • Working knowledge of defense acquisition: FAR/DFARS, OTAs, SBIR/STTR, rapid prototyping, and transition pathways.

  • The ability to connect a technical capability to a mission need, an acquisition strategy, and an operational outcome.

  • Excellent writing and executive presence; you can brief a PEO and a squadron commander with equal command.

  • Comfort in a fast-paced, ambiguous, growth-stage environment.

  • Willingness to travel.

  • Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

  • BA/BS required; advanced degree a plus.

Compensation and benefits

The estimated salary range for this position is $145,000 to $175,000 annually, set against experience and qualifications. Every team member shares in the company's growth through our Employee Stock Option Plan. We also offer comprehensive health insurance, access to the company's 401(k), and regular company outings.

Equal opportunity and work authorization

Tagup is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

We may use AI tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications and resumes. These tools assist our recruiting team and do not replace human judgment; final hiring decisions are made by people. Contact us for more information on how your data is processed.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.