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Alternative Fuel Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Welder II

Escondido, CA ยท On-site

$20.41 - $32.83/hr

Job Overview Nikkiso Fueling & Solutions designs and constructs alternative fuel stations for fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen (H2). Typical ...

Welder II

Escondido, CA

$20.41 - $32.83/hr

Job Overview Nikkiso Fueling & Solutions designs and constructs alternative fuel stations for fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen (H2). Typical ...

Welder II

Escondido, CA

$20.41 - $32.83/hr

Job Overview Nikkiso Fueling & Solutions designs and constructs alternative fuel stations for fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen (H2). Typical ...

Welder I

Escondido, CA ยท On-site

$23.28 - $29.72/hr

Job Overview Nikkiso Fueling & Solutions designs and constructs alternative fuel stations for fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen (H2). Typical ...

Welder II

Escondido, CA

$20.41 - $32.83/hr

Nikkiso Fueling & Solutions designs and constructs alternative fuel stations for fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen (H2). Typical projects involve ...

Welder I

Escondido, CA

$23.28 - $29.72/hr

Job Overview Nikkiso Fueling & Solutions designs and constructs alternative fuel stations for fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen (H2). Typical ...

Welder I

Escondido, CA

$23.28 - $29.72/hr

Job Overview Nikkiso Fueling & Solutions designs and constructs alternative fuel stations for fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen (H2). Typical ...

Welder I

Escondido, CA

$23.28 - $29.72/hr

Nikkiso Fueling & Solutions designs and constructs alternative fuel stations for fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen (H2). Typical projects involve ...

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Showing results 1-20

Alternative Fuel information

See California salary details

$9

$15

$23

How much do alternative fuel jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for alternative fuel in California is $15.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are alternative fuel jobs?

Alternative fuel jobs refer to careers focused on the development, production, and implementation of fuels that are not derived from conventional petroleum sources. These roles can include research scientists, engineers, production technicians, and policy experts working with biofuels, hydrogen, electricity, natural gas, or other sustainable energy sources. The goal of these jobs is to reduce environmental impact and advance cleaner, more sustainable transportation and energy solutions. Employment opportunities can be found in government agencies, energy companies, research institutions, and manufacturing firms.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an alternative fuel specialist?

To thrive as an Alternative Fuel Specialist, you need a strong background in environmental science, chemistry, or engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and industry certifications. Familiarity with fuel analysis equipment, emissions monitoring systems, and regulatory compliance software is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for developing safe, efficient fuel solutions and ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in alternative fuel roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in alternative fuel roles often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving technologies, regulatory changes, and the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration. Staying current with industry advancements and compliance requirements is essential, as is working closely with engineers, policymakers, and environmental specialists. Developing strong problem-solving skills and adaptability will help address these challenges, while networking within the industry can provide valuable support and resources.

What is the difference between Alternative Fuel vs Alternative Fuel Technician?

AspectAlternative FuelAlternative Fuel Technician
CredentialsTypically requires knowledge of energy sources and environmental policiesRequires technical certifications, such as ASE or specialized training in fuel systems
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, policy offices, or industry development settingsFieldwork, maintenance facilities, or manufacturing plants
Industry UsageUsed broadly to describe alternative energy sourcesSpecific role focused on installation, maintenance, and repair of alternative fuel systems

While "Alternative Fuel" refers to various non-traditional energy sources, the "Alternative Fuel Technician" is a specialized role responsible for working directly with these fuels, ensuring proper system operation and safety. Understanding both helps clarify the industry landscape and career paths.

What cities in California are hiring for Alternative Fuel jobs?

Cities in California with the most Alternative Fuel job openings:

Infographic showing various Alternative Fuel 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 $32,836 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Fuel Systems

Quantum Fuel Systems LLC

Lake Forest, CA โ€ข On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Quantum Fuel Systems / www.qtww.com

Reports to: Senior Vice President, Product Engineering

Location: Lake Forest, CA (onsite at company headquarters)

Employment type: Full-time

FLSA: Exempt

Pay Range: $120,000.00 - $140,000.00/year

Quantum Fuel Systems is engineering the future of alternative fuel solutions. For over 25 years, we've been at the forefront of clean energy innovation, designing, developing, and delivering industry-leading storage systems and transport trailers for compressed natural gas (CNG), renewable natural gas (RNG), and hydrogen.

Based in Lake Forest, California, we're driving clean energy forward by helping our partners meet ambitious net-zero targets with safe, reliable, and sustainable solutions. Our product line includes next-generation fuel storage systems for commercial vehicles and virtual pipeline trailers that offer industry-leading capacity with advanced composite technology.

We are seeking a talented and innovative Sr. Mechanical Engineer / Fuel Systems Engineering to join our team. This role will be pivotal in the development of new products, improvement of existing designs, and support of system design activities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering, experience with alternative fuel systems or related industries, and a passion for creating cutting-edge solutions that advance safety and performance in the alternative fuel sector and gas transportation. Additionally, this role will involve preparing specifications for hydrogen and CNG vehicle and transportation components and working with internal and external customers to design and configure components for various applications. Design, develop, test, and integrate high-pressure gaseous fuel components and systems for CNG and Hydrogen automotive, truck, and virtual pipeline applications.

Requirements

  • Lead high-pressure component and system designs.
  • Generate and support design activities: DFMEA, ADVP&R, etc.
  • Evaluate, select, and qualify supplier products and services.
  • Outline and oversee or perform product verification and validation testing.
  • Support field services and failure root cause analyses.
  • Knowledge of material compatibility issues with hydrogen and natural gas.
  • Ability to apply a systematic and logical approach to engineering and design processes.
  • Perform analytic calculations, e.g., load and flow calculations.
  • Provide technical support and expertise to internal (e.g. operations, manufacturing, sales, service) and external customers.
  • Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Strong documentation skills; test procedures, test reports, etc.
  • Lead and mentor Junior Mechanical Engineers.
  • Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to drive continuous improvement and innovation in design processes.
  • Adopt and implement Quantum's Quality Assurance Procedures-QAP and Departmental Work Instructions-DWI.

Education and Experience:

Required:

Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering + 5 years’ experience. Master's degree is a plus.

Preferred:

  • Product development with high pressure components in automotive.
  • High pressure gaseous (hydrogen, CNG) system design and component selection.
  • Developing and implementing test procedures.
  • Software: CAD (NX Unigraphics preferred)
  • Large modular assemblies design
  • Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials selection (e.g. knowledge of material compatibility issues with hydrogen and natural gas), and manufacturing processes.
  • Knowledge of automotive industry standards and regulations related to alternative fuel systems.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Design for Manufacturing (DFM) concepts.
  • Familiar with control plans, FMEA, and GD&T.

Physical Job Requirements:

The employee will spend some of their time on the production floor. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand for long periods of time, kneel, and crouch. In the office, the employee is regularly required to use their hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and telephone keypad or to write, as well as talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus. This position involves occasionally lifting to 40 pounds.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY & AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Quantum Fuel Systems is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees can thrive.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniform service member and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, Quantum Fuel Systems provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of employment, including the application and interview process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of a job or to participate in the application process, please contact Human Resources at hr@qtww.com so that we may engage in the interactive process to identify an appropriate accommodation.

We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance where applicable.

Benefits

Benefits - What We Offer:

    • Comprehensive Health Coverage – Choose from 2 HMO or 2 PPO medical plans, plus dental, vision, and life insurance
    • Financial Benefits – 401(k) with company match and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
    • Paid Time Off – Vacation, sick leave, and company holidays