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Chief Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

You bridge the gap between Engineering and Field Operations * You thrive in uncertainty. You are not a creature of process but can build structure where it is needed * You can distinguish between ...

Senior Program Chief Engineer

Irvine, CA

$112K - $154K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB We're seeking a Program Chief Engineer to join our rapidly growing team in Irvine, CA. This role provides an opportunity for immediate impact on real-world operations. Our focus is on ...

Senior Program Chief Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB We're seeking a Program Chief Engineer to join our rapidly growing team in Irvine, CA. This role provides an opportunity for immediate impact on real-world operations. Our focus is on ...

Senior Program Chief Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB We're seeking a Program Chief Engineer to join our rapidly growing team in Irvine, CA. This role provides an opportunity for immediate impact on real-world operations. Our focus is on ...

Hotel Duty Engineer

Ontario, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Director of Engineering/ Chief Engineer FLSA: Non-Exempt Job Summary The Engineer is responsible for assisting with the operation, maintenance, service and repair of equipment as assigned. He/she is ...

Director of Engineering/ Chief Engineer FLSA: Non-Exempt Job Summary The Engineer is responsible for assisting with the operation, maintenance, service and repair of equipment as assigned. He/she is ...

The individual in this role must be capable of completing all tasks as directed by the Chief Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer or property management staff with some supervision, taking ownership ...

Showing results 21-40

Chief Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$33.9K

$97K

$188.8K

How much do chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief engineer in Riverside, CA is $96,967.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,600.00 and $125,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges chief engineers face when managing multidisciplinary engineering teams?

Chief Engineers often oversee teams that include specialists from various engineering disciplines, which can present challenges in aligning different technical perspectives and ensuring effective communication. Balancing project deadlines, resource allocation, and maintaining quality standards while navigating these differences is a frequent part of the role. Successful Chief Engineers foster strong collaboration, facilitate knowledge sharing, and implement standardized processes to address these challenges. They also play a key role in mentoring junior engineers and promoting professional development within the team.

Is a chief engineer a high position?

A chief engineer is a high-level management position responsible for overseeing engineering operations, projects, and technical staff within an organization. It typically requires extensive experience, technical expertise, and leadership skills, and often involves supervising teams and managing budgets.

How much does a chief engineer earn?

A chief engineer's salary varies depending on industry, location, and experience, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. They often hold advanced technical skills and certifications, such as Professional Engineer (PE) licenses, and may oversee engineering teams or projects in manufacturing, construction, or energy sectors.

What is the difference between Chief Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectChief EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, professional engineering license, leadership experienceEngineering degree, possibly licensure, technical skills
Work EnvironmentProject management, overseeing teams, strategic planningDesign, analysis, testing, and development of mechanical systems
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, aerospaceManufacturing, automotive, HVAC, robotics
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Chief Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer lies in their responsibilities and seniority. The Chief Engineer typically oversees projects, manages teams, and ensures technical standards at a strategic level, often requiring leadership experience and licensure. Mechanical Engineers focus on designing, analyzing, and developing mechanical systems, working on technical tasks without the managerial responsibilities of a Chief Engineer. Both roles are vital in engineering industries, but the Chief Engineer holds a higher-level, supervisory position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Engineer, you need advanced engineering expertise, leadership experience, and a relevant degree such as a bachelor's or master's in engineering. Familiarity with project management tools, CAD software, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are typically required. Outstanding problem-solving, communication, and team management skills help drive innovation and ensure smooth coordination across engineering teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for overseeing complex projects, maintaining high technical standards, and achieving organizational goals.

What does a chief engineer do?

A Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing the engineering operations of an organization or project. They lead engineering teams, manage technical projects, and ensure that systems and infrastructure are maintained and improved according to industry standards. Chief Engineers also develop policies, coordinate with other departments, and solve complex technical problems to support the organization's goals. Their role often involves budgeting, staff management, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Chief Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Chief Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? For Chief Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chief Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Chief Engineer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Chief Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Chief Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,967 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Sr Program Chief Engineer/Director - GPS / A-PNT

L3Harris Technologies

Yorba Linda, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Sr Program Chief Engineer/Director - GPS / A-PNT

Job Code: 37491

Job Location: Yorba Linda, CA.

Work Schedule: 4/10 or 9/80

Clearance: Must Have Active Secret Clearance to Be Considered

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing diverse, high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

About L3Harris Technologies:

L3Harris Technologies is an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator, delivering end-to-end solutions that meet customers' mission-critical needs. The company provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across space, air, land, sea and cyber domains. L3Harris has approximately $18 billion in annual revenue and 47,000 employees, with customers in more than 100 countries.

The L3Harris Interstate Electronics Corporation business was founded in 1956 and for over 65 years IEC has played a key role in the most successful defense system of modern history. With sites in Anaheim, CA, Cape Canaveral, FL, and Crystal City, VA, IEC is a recognized industry leader in defense and security solutions, providing critical technology advancements in the areas of GPS/Position Navigation and Timing, and Range and Test Solutions. We offer competitive benefits, an alternative 4/10 work schedule, and the opportunity to work with a talented and diverse group of professionals.

Job Description:

L3Harris is looking for candidates for the Senior Scientist, Senior Chief Engineer and Architect to fill the technical expert role in the GPS User Equipment for our Navigation Solutions (NS) business in Anaheim, CA (IEC). The candidate will be responsible for and provide deep and broad GPS and Assured Position Navigation Timing (A-PNT) User Equipment technical expertise in all Engineering disciplines on multiple programs. Our Navigation Solutions products provide advanced military GPS (MGUE) and A-PNT capabilities in military embedded real-time systems that can be used in weapons, ground, airborne, maritime, and space environments.

Essential Functions:

  • Provides overall hands-on technical expertise in GPS and A-PNT Engineering for NS programs to accomplish near-term and long-term operational plans and results.
  • Recognized as an external and internal expert and thought leader with deep mastery and substantive technical expertise in GPS and A-PNT User Equipment as well as advanced business knowledge and leadership capabilities.
  • Develops trust within the Engineering Organization.
  • Communicates within and outside own function to explain and gains cooperation on policies and practices.
  • Plans and establishes goals and objectives with direct impact on the short-term and long-term operational results.
  • Works under consultative direction against annual goals and objectives to manage large, complex project initiatives of strategic importance to the organization.
  • Maintains outstanding communication with higher management and with the employees in the organization.
  • Collaborate with other business areas to execute programs and business development.
  • Potential travel up to 15% of the time.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) or related discipline with a minimum of 15 years of prior related experience or a Graduate degree with a minimum of 13 years of prior relevant experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 19 years of prior related experience.
  • 15+ years of experience in hands-on GPS / A-PNT, RF-related Navigation, or similar Engineering Development, especially in Military GPS User Equipment (MGUE).
  • 10+ years combined experience as a Chief Engineer and Architect and/or Engineering Fellow.
  • 10+ years of experience in developing technical GPS A-PNT strategic and tactical plans, detailed technical architectures, and understands the details of all Engineering disciplines in order to successfully complete project objectives within stringent technical, schedule, and budget requirements.
  • 10+ years of experience demonstrating strong verbal and written skills for both the internal team and with customers and program stakeholders.
  • 5+ years as a recognized external and internal expert and leader with deep mastery and substantive technical expertise in GPS and PNT User Equipment.
  • Active Secret security clearance.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Strong communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation) to all levels of personnel experience.
  • Technical depth and breadth in GPS / PNT technology, Hardware and Software detailed design, MGNSS, Anti-Jam, Anti-Spoof, GPS-denied/degraded, Alternative/Supplemental/Cooperative Navigation technology, Guidance Navigation Control, RF systems, Sensor Fusion, GPS 153 and 177 interfaces, Aviation, DO-178/DO-254, MSO/TSO.
  • Technical depth and breadth in Systems, Software, Hardware, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering.
  • Hands-on technology development in hardware labs.
  • Successful ability to bring in new business.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California,
Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C, Denver, or NYC areas is $184,000.00 -
$341,500.00. The salary range for this role in Colorado state, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New
York state, Cleveland Ohio, and Vermont is $160,000 - $297,000. This is not a guarantee of
compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to
experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and
disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave,
paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee
may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining
agreements.

#LI-KA1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time