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Army Combat Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Quality Control Manager

San Diego, CA

Veteran, Seabee, or Army Corps/Combat Engineer is considered a plus. * OSHA 30 certification preferred but not required. * EM-385 40-Hour training preferred but not required. * Competent Person ...

Actalent

Quality Control Manager

San Diego, CA

Veteran, Seabee, or Army Corps/Combat Engineer is considered a plus. * OSHA 30 certification preferred but not required. * EM-385 40-Hour training preferred but not required. * Competent Person ...

Actalent

Quality Control Manager

San Diego, CA

Background as a Veteran, Seabee, or Army Corps/Combat Engineer (considered a plus). * Experience with NAVFAC, USACE, RMS, ECMS, and other federal quality control platforms. * OSHA 30 certification ...

Anduril Industries

Staff Radar Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$191K - $253K/yr

... combat operations-from protecting airspace to enabling advanced airborne early warning and fire ... Direct experience supporting Air Force, Navy, Army, or Special Operations Command on airborne ISR ...

Anduril Industries

Staff Radar Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$191K - $253K/yr

... combat operations-from protecting airspace to enabling advanced airborne early warning and fire ... Direct experience supporting Air Force, Navy, Army, or Special Operations Command on airborne ISR ...

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All JobsArmy Combat Engineer JobsArmy Combat Engineer Jobs in California

Army Combat Engineer information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$94.5K

$125.8K

How much do army combat engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for army combat engineer in California is $94,542.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do you do as an Army Combat Engineer in the Army?

An Army Combat Engineer is responsible for constructing and repairing military infrastructure, clearing obstacles, and demolitions to support combat operations. They work in challenging environments, often using tools like explosives and heavy machinery, and require specialized training and certifications. Their duties are vital for mobility, force protection, and battlefield success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Army Combat Engineer?

To thrive as an Army Combat Engineer, you need strong physical fitness, problem-solving abilities, and foundational knowledge of engineering principles, typically supported by completion of military training such as Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for engineers. Familiarity with demolition tools, construction equipment, and military mapping software is essential for performing complex field operations. Leadership, adaptability, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating with team members under high-pressure situations. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring mission success, safety, and the efficient execution of engineering tasks in challenging environments.

How hard is it to become an Army Combat Engineer?

Becoming an Army Combat Engineer requires meeting basic enlistment criteria, passing the ASVAB test, and completing Basic Combat Training followed by Advanced Individual Training specific to engineering tasks. The training is physically demanding and involves learning skills such as demolition, construction, and obstacle clearance, but with dedication and preparation, it is achievable for motivated recruits.

What is an Army Combat Engineer?

Army Combat Engineers are specialized soldiers responsible for a wide range of construction and demolition tasks on the battlefield. Their duties include building and repairing roads, bridges, and field fortifications, as well as clearing obstacles and detecting or neutralizing explosives and landmines. They play a critical role in supporting infantry and armored units by ensuring mobility and safety during both offensive and defensive operations. Combat Engineers are also trained to operate heavy machinery and handle dangerous materials under combat conditions.

How much do Army Combat Engineers make?

Army Combat Engineers typically earn a base salary that starts around $25,000 to $30,000 per year for entry-level positions, with pay increasing based on rank, experience, and years of service. They also receive benefits such as housing allowances, healthcare, and special duty pay for hazardous assignments or deployments.

What is the difference between Army Combat Engineer vs Army Engineer?

AspectArmy Combat EngineerArmy Engineer
CertificationsBasic Combat Engineer training, specialized demolition, construction, and combat skillsEngineering degrees or certifications, focus on construction and infrastructure projects
Work EnvironmentCombat zones, field operations, construction sites in military settingsConstruction sites, military bases, infrastructure projects
Employer & IndustryU.S. Army, military operationsU.S. Army, military engineering units

Army Combat Engineers focus on combat-related construction, demolition, and obstacle clearance in active military zones, while Army Engineers handle infrastructure and construction projects within military bases and civilian settings. Both roles require engineering knowledge but differ mainly in operational environment and specific duties.

What are some common challenges faced by Army Combat Engineers during their missions?

Army Combat Engineers often encounter challenges such as working in hazardous environments, adapting quickly to changing combat situations, and handling complex equipment under pressure. They are responsible for tasks like clearing obstacles, constructing fortifications, and detecting or disposing of explosives, which requires both technical skill and mental resilience. Effective teamwork and communication are crucial, as engineers regularly collaborate with infantry units and other specialists to ensure mission success and troop safety.
What are popular job titles related to Army Combat Engineer jobs in California? For Army Combat Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Army Combat Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Army Combat Engineer jobs in California are:
Army Combat Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Army Combat Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,542 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

US Army Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic

Los Angeles Army Recruiting Battalion

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$3.0K - $6.0K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

As an Army Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (91B), you are the backbone of the military's mobility and tactical capability . You will be responsible for supervising and performing maintenance, troubleshooting, and recovery operations on wheeled vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, armored personnel carriers, and material handling equipment.


Core Job Duties

  • Diagnostic Maintenance: You will inspect, troubleshoot, service, and repair internal combustion engines, transmissions, and mechanical systems.
  • Electrical Systems: You will diagnose and repair automotive electrical systems, starting/charging components, and wiring harnesses.
  • Tactical Recovery: You will operate heavy recovery vehicles and cranes to perform vehicle extraction and towing operations on the battlefield.
  • Safety & HAZMAT: You will conduct preventative maintenance checks and safely handle hazardous materials (HAZMAT).


 Active Duty (Full-Time)

  • Service Schedule: You serve as a full-time Soldier, working in motor pools and maintenance facilities, keeping fleets combat-ready on a daily basis.
  • Global Assignment: You are guaranteed the job if qualified and can be stationed at any major military installation globally where vehicles are deployed.
  • Training Pipeline: You will complete 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training followed by 13 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) with on-the-job instructions.


Army Reserve (Part-Time)

  • Service Schedule: You serve part-time, typically one weekend a month and two weeks a year for annual training.
  • Local Assignment: You operate with local units close to home, maintaining your local unit’s tactical and support vehicles.
  • Vacancy Dependency: Enlistment in this component is strictly dependent on whether a local transport, military police, or engineering Reserve unit has opening.


Training Pipeline & Credentials

  • Initial Training: You undergo 10 weeks of Basic Training and 13 weeks of AIT 
     . Part of this time is spent in classrooms and part in the field learning vehicle maintenance .
  • Civilian Translation: Your training qualifies you for up to 124 nationally recognized technical certifications (including ASE credentials) fully funded by the Army.
  • Industry Partnerships: Upon completing your first enlistment term, you are guaranteed up to 5 interviews with top industry-leading companies (e.g., Tesla, Mercedes-Benz).


Key Takeaway: Choose Active Duty if you want to travel the world managing and maintaining heavy combat fleets daily. Choose the Army Reserve if you want to gain industry-grade automotive certifications part-time while keeping your local civilian career.

Company Description

The United States Army is the oldest and largest branch of the United States Armed Forces, tracing its proud heritage back to the Continental Army founded in 1775. As a key component of the Department of Defense, the Army serves as the nation's primary land-based defense force, employing nearly one million uniformed Soldiers across its Active Duty and Army Reserve components.