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Chief Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Lead, Chief Engineer - GPS / A-PNT

Yorba Linda, CA · On-site

$127.50K - $236.50K/yr

Lead, Chief Engineer - GPS / A-PNT Job Number: 34866 Job Location: Yorba Linda, CA Job Schedule: 4/10 or 9/80 L3Harris is looking for a dynamic Lead, Systems Engineer to support key programs within ...

Lead, Chief Engineer - GPS / A-PNT

Yorba Linda, CA · On-site

$127.50K - $236.50K/yr

Lead, Chief Engineer - GPS / A-PNT Job Number: 34866 Job Location: Yorba Linda, CA Job Schedule: 4/10 or 9/80 L3Harris is looking for a dynamic Lead, Systems Engineer to support key programs within ...

Senior Program Chief Engineer

Irvine, CA

$112.20K - $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 ...

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 · On-site

$112.20K - $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 ...

Job Summary The Chief Project Engineer provides project management skills to ensure the successful development and completion of projects within budget and on schedule. This position is also ...

New

Your Growth Path Engineering Supervisor - Chief Engineer - Area Chief Engineer Your Focus * Conduct room inspections and identify repair needs. * Install or repair sheetrock and other wall coverings.

Participate in regular required communication with Chief Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer, management, tenants and other staff. Requirements * 2+ years in the position of mobile building engineer.

Participate in regular required communication with Chief Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer, management, tenants and other staff. Requirements * 2+ years in the position of mobile building engineer.

Participate in regular required communication with Chief Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer, management, tenants and other staff. Requirements * 2+ years in the position of mobile building engineer.

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Chief Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$33.9K

$97K

$188.8K

How much do chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 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 Is a Chief Engineer?

Chief engineer is a job title that has a range of meanings across different industries. A chief engineer is the head of the engineering department in an organization. The duties and responsibilities of this role vary in different industries. In general, a chief engineer must have engineering experience in the industry, strong leadership qualities and problem-solving skills. Depending on the industry, the education requirements for a chief engineer job range from an associate degree to advanced degrees in engineering.

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 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.

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 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 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 cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Chief Engineer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Chief Engineer job openings:

Lead, Chief Engineer - GPS / A-PNT

L3HHCM20

Yorba Linda, CA • On-site

$127.50K - $236.50K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Lead, Chief Engineer - GPS / A-PNT 

Job Number: 34866

Job Location: Yorba Linda, CA

Job Schedule: 4/10 or 9/80

Job Description:

L3Harris is looking for a dynamic Lead, Systems Engineer to support key programs within our Navigation Solutions (NS) business at L3Harris Interstate Electronics Corp (IEC) in Yorba Linda, CA. This position reports to the Director of Engineering for NS. The candidate will be a senior technical representative in collaboration with engineers, program management, and the customer. The Lead, Systems Engineer is the technical authority for the program and will drive technical, strategic, and tactical direction for their program. The candidate must have deep and broad technical, leadership, preferably with experience in military GPS and Assured Position Navigation and Timing (A-PNT) technology. Navigation Solutions products provide advanced military GPS, Anti-Jam systems, and other Assured Position, Navigation, Timing (A-PNT) capabilities in military embedded real-time systems that can be used in weapons, ground, airborne, maritime, and space environments.

Essential Functions:

  • Serves as the primary technical authority and technical interface for a program within the Navigation Solutions (NS) business, collaborating with Engineers, Program Management, Business Development, Customers, and Suppliers.
  • Lead, provide direction and guidance, review, and be the technical expert of the work from engineering personnel on the program to accomplish near-term and long-term operational plans and results.
  • Execute technical vision and tactical technical execution of a program.
  • Drive technical excellence and mission success for the program.
  • Actively develop and support new business opportunities.
  • Communicates within and outside own function to explain and gains cooperation on policies and practices.
  • Make substantial improvements to processes, systems, and solutions.
  • Work under consultative direction against annual goals and objectives to manage large, complex project initiatives of strategic importance to the organization.
  • Maintain outstanding communication and excellent soft skills.
  • Collaborate with customers, suppliers, and other business areas to execute programs.
  • On-site and potential travel up to 30% of the time.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 9 years prior related experience.
  • Graduate Degree with a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience.
  • In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
  • 5+ years combined successful experience as a Chief Engineer or Technical Lead of major programs with deep and broad technical capabilities in GPS, APNT, RF, Signal Processing, and/or GNC.
  • 5+ years of Engineering technical, functional, and leadership experience within stringent technical, schedule, and budget requirements.
  • 5+ years of experience in leading and tracking projects, risk/opportunities, proposals, processes, and employees.
  • 5+ years of experience demonstrating strong verbal and written skills for the internal team, customers, and program stakeholders.
  • 3+ years of experience in earned value (EV) management, metrics development and tracking, and basis of estimates.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Technical depth and breadth in GPS / PNT technology, MGNSS, Anti-Jam, Anti-Spoof, GPS-denied/degraded, Alternative/Supplemental/Cooperative Navigation technology.
  • Technical depth and breadth in High Frequency and RF circuitry to 2GHz on miniature board design.
  • Demonstrated ability to drive closure and resolve complex technical issues and challenges effectively.
  • Experience leading failure investigations and troubleshooting for Development and Production programs.
  • Strong mentoring skills.

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 Min $127,500.00 - $236,500.00 Max. The salary range for this role in Colorado state, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York state, Cleveland Ohio, and Vermont is $110,500.00 Min - $205,500.00 Max. 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.