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Chief Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

anduril

AI Chief Engineering Lead

Costa Mesa, CA

$254K - $336K/yr

AI Chief Engineering Lead Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise ...

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ASTRION, INC.

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA

$65/hr

Operates and maintains the assigned vessel's propulsion and auxiliary engineering systems. * Work with the vessel Master and the Chief Mate in executing the USAV Worthy maintenance program. Oversee ...

Astrion

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA

$65/hr

Operates and maintains the assigned vessel's propulsion and auxiliary engineering systems. * Work with the vessel Master and the Chief Mate in executing the USAV Worthy maintenance program. Oversee ...

Astrion

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Operates and maintains the assigned vessel's propulsion and auxiliary engineering systems. * Work with the vessel Master and the Chief Mate in executing the USAV Worthy maintenance program. Oversee ...

Astrion

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA

$65/hr

Operates and maintains the assigned vessel's propulsion and auxiliary engineering systems. * Work with the vessel Master and the Chief Mate in executing the USAV Worthy maintenance program. Oversee ...

anduril

Chief Engineer, Space

Costa Mesa, CA

Chief Engineer, Space Costa Mesa, California, United States Anduril Industries is a defense ... Contribute technical inputs to proposals to include engineering execution plans * Provider ...

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WINDSOR CAPITAL GROUP

Chief Engineer

Brea, CA · On-site

The hotel Chief Engineer is responsible for the entire facilities operations including all Fire ... Establishes a training program for the engineering department to ensure base knowledge of the hotel ...

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Chief Engineering information

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$32.1K

$91.7K

$178.6K

How much do chief engineering jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief engineering in California is $91,728.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $118,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 knowledge, leadership experience, and a relevant engineering degree—often supported by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with project management software, CAD systems, and industry-specific technical tools is typically required. Strong decision-making, communication, and team management skills help distinguish high-performing Chief Engineers. These competencies are crucial for successfully leading engineering teams, ensuring technical excellence, and delivering projects on time and within budget.

What are some common challenges faced by a Chief Engineering Officer when leading cross-functional teams?

As a Chief Engineering Officer, one common challenge is ensuring effective communication and alignment between engineering and other departments, such as product management, design, and operations. Balancing technical priorities with business objectives often requires negotiation and strategic planning. Additionally, fostering a culture of innovation while maintaining productivity and meeting deadlines can be demanding. Successful Chief Engineering Officers proactively address these challenges by promoting transparency, encouraging collaboration, and implementing clear processes for decision-making.

What does a Chief Engineering do?

A Chief Engineering, often referred to as the Chief Engineer, oversees all engineering operations within an organization. They are responsible for managing engineering teams, developing technical strategies, ensuring that projects meet quality standards, and maintaining compliance with safety and industry regulations. The Chief Engineering also collaborates with other departments to support business objectives and drive innovation. Their leadership ensures the technical excellence and efficiency of engineering projects from conception to completion.

What is the difference between Chief Engineering vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectChief EngineeringMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, often with leadership experienceBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles overseeing engineering teams and projectsDesign, analysis, and development of mechanical systems
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large corporations, industrial, and infrastructure projectsCommon in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and product design

Chief Engineering roles focus on leadership, project oversight, and strategic planning within engineering teams, often requiring experience and advanced credentials. Mechanical Engineers are involved in designing and analyzing mechanical systems, typically with a focus on technical expertise. Both roles are essential in engineering industries but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Chief Engineering jobs in California? For Chief Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chief Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Chief Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Chief Engineering job openings:
Chief Engineering jobs near you
Director of Chief Engineering I

Director of Chief Engineering I

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$203.90K - $305.90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 336 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 511 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Director of Engineering to lead the Chief Engineering functional organization for the Advanced Weapons Business Unit (AW BU) in Northridge, CA. Reporting to the AW BU Senior Director of Engineering, this role is instrumental in driving program engineering excellence across all programs.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Oversee engineering execution across the Advanced Weapons portfolio as the functional lead for all Chief Engineering activities.
  • Lead and develop a unified governance framework by aligning Chief Engineers across AW programs.
  • Institute rigorous performance metrics, proactive issue tracking, and standardized processes to ensure consistent engineering excellence.
  • Establish and chair a cross-Business Unit Engineering Review Board to drive collaboration and alignment across programs.
  • Provide technical leadership by ensuring the delivery of engineering commitments related to cost, schedule, and technical quality.
  • Offer visibility into project status and risks to both AW BU leadership and discipline engineering leadership.
  • Champion technical excellence and innovation while balancing mission-critical timelines and cost constraints.
  • Serve as a primary resource for Chief Engineers and Architects to elevate issues and secure sector-wide support.
  • Maintain an awareness of engineering challenges across multiple programs and ensure robust risk mitigation plans are in place.
  • Guide the development of flight-critical and/or safety-critical software and lead hardware/software integration efforts.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related STEM discipline.
  • Minimum of 15 years of progressive engineering experience within the aerospace, defense, or related industries.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience directing multi-function engineering teams to achieve common goals, including planning, risk management, and project performance.
  • Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and complex technical programs.
  • Demonstrated expertise in complex systems development, advanced digital engineering, and data-driven process improvement.
  • Excellent strategic planning, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Current active Secret or Top-Secret clearance, or the ability to obtain one.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Engineering or a STEM field.
  • Experience in missile design, integration, and test.
  • Proven background in developing flight-critical and/or safety-critical software.
  • Experience with hardware/software integration in large-scale engineering programs.
  • Familiarity with modern digital engineering tools and agile methodologies.

Primary Level Salary Range: $203,900.00 - $305,900.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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