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China Lake Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Quality Control Manager

Ridgecrest, CA ยท On-site

$96K - $120K/yr

Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, Ridgecrest, California Position Summary: The Quality Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, managing, and continuously improving the Quality ...

Embedded Computer/Hardware Developer

CA ยท On-site

$150K - $235K/yr

NAWS China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA preferred Salary: $150,000-$235,000 (DOE) Status: Full-time Clearance: Minimum active Secret to start and will be upgraded to Top-Secret. DOD Top-Secret Security ...

Embedded Firmware Developer

CA ยท On-site

$150K - $235K/yr

NAWS China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA preferred Salary: $150,000-$235,000 (DOE) Status: Full-time Clearance: Minimum active Secret to start and will be upgraded to Top-Secret. DOD Top-Secret Security ...

Junior System Administrator

Ridgecrest, CA ยท Hybrid

$90K - $105K/yr

NAWS China Lake, CA Security Clearance Requirement: Active Top Secret Telework Eligible? No, work will be performed on site at NAWS China Lake Support mission-critical Navy training systems at NAWS ...

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China Lake information

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$23K

$53.6K

$75.5K

How much do china lake jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for china lake in the United States is $53,610.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a China Lake engineer?

To thrive as a China Lake engineer, you generally need a background in engineering, physics, or related sciences, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or advanced degree. Familiarity with defense industry standards, modeling software, and security clearance protocols is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for advancing complex defense projects while ensuring compliance, safety, and collaboration in a high-security environment.

What is a China Lake job?

China Lake jobs refer to employment opportunities at the Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, a major U.S. Navy installation located in California's Mojave Desert. These positions can include roles for scientists, engineers, technicians, administrative staff, and security personnel, among others. The base is primarily focused on research, development, testing, and evaluation of naval weapons and systems. Employment at China Lake often requires security clearance and may offer federal benefits. Working at China Lake provides a unique opportunity to contribute to national defense and cutting-edge technology.

What is the difference between China Lake vs Radar Technician?

AspectChina LakeRadar Technician
Required CertificationsSecurity clearance, technical certificationsTechnical certifications, radar system training
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, defense facilitiesMilitary bases, defense contractors
Industry UsageDefense, military researchDefense, military maintenance and repair

China Lake refers to a military research facility specializing in defense technology, while Radar Technicians focus on maintaining and repairing radar systems. Both roles often require security clearances and technical certifications, and they operate primarily within military and defense environments. The main difference lies in China Lake being a location and research hub, whereas Radar Technicians are individual specialists working on radar equipment.

What is it like to work at China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station?

Working at China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station typically involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on research, development, testing, and evaluation of advanced weapons systems. Employees can expect a highly structured environment with a strong emphasis on safety, security protocols, and innovation. The site is located in a remote desert area, which means a tight-knit community atmosphere but also requires adaptability to the geographic location. Many roles offer unique opportunities for professional growth through specialized training and involvement in cutting-edge projects. Teamwork, attention to detail, and a commitment to national defense are highly valued.
More about China Lake jobs
What cities are hiring for China Lake jobs? Cities with the most China Lake job openings:
What states have the most China Lake jobs? States with the most job openings for China Lake jobs include:
Infographic showing various China Lake job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,610 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Sr. Software Systems Engineer - China Lake

JT4 LLC

Ridgecrest, CA โ€ข On-site

$131K - $158K/yr

Other

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

JT4, LLC is looking for a highly experienced Senior Software Systems Engineer that is highly proficient with object oriented software design and that is also well versed with live-virtual-constructive simulation and aircraft avionics to MIL-STD-1153 and MIL-STD-1773. The position will manage software/system projects and provide guidance to technical staff. JT4, LLC provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S. Air Force, Space Force, and Navy under the Joint Range Technical Services Contract, better known as J-Tech II. JT4 develops and maintains realistic, integrated test and training environments and prepares our nation's war-fighting aircraft, weapons systems, and aircrews for today's missions and tomorrow's global challenges. **An ideal candidate will have an active secret clearance** **This position located at China Lake and is not eligible for telework** Range Requirements Demonstrates a knowledge of standard programming algorithms, design patterns, and object-oriented software design Demonstrated ability to program using C++ language code, C, and Python 3 Develops parallel processes, threading, process communication Familiar with utilizing Git for daily code management, including branching, merging, and resolving conflicts within a collaborative development environment Works proficiently with Git in both Bash (Linux) and Windows environments Interacts with remote repositories, pushes code updates, and manages local repositories Adheres to established branching strategies and understands the implications of working with master/production branches Collaborates with team members to design future enhancements Familiarity with time-series analysis a plus Familiarity with Red Hat Linux Familiarity with live-virtual-constructive simulation and aircraft avionics, MIL-STD-1153 and MIL-STD-1773 Individual must be capable of obtaining and maintaining a DOD Top Secret clearance Job Summary -- Essential Functions/Duties A Senior Software Systems Engineer IV provides software and systems engineering services, generally as a senior member of a work unit or group. Employee will be responsible for the following functions/duties: Manage software/system projects and provide guidance to technical staff Interact with customers and project managers on a regular basis Use broad judgment in defining and solving technical or managerial issues of the highest complexity or of far-reaching significance Capture and manage customer requirements at a system level and develop and analyze the most appropriate approach to solve complex technical problems Function as the system architect overseeing the overall design and configuration management of systems Develop the design of system/software and associated design documentation Prepare and conduct design reviews Implement design through software coding or hardware and document the design implementation Plan and execute unit, integration, and system testing Manage maintenance and sustainment activities of the system/software Provide work direction to subordinate technical staff Establish and maintain positive customer relations Support pursuit of new business efforts, lead proposal efforts, and act as a technical consultant Perform other job-related duties, as required Requirements -- Education, Technical, and Work Experience One of the following educational requirements must be met for this position: A bachelor's degree in an associated discipline and a minimum of eight years of related experience A master's degree in an associated discipline and a minimum of six years of experience A PhD in an associated discipline and a minimum of four years of experience In addition, a Senior Software Systems Engineer IV must possess the following qualifications: Demonstrated expertise with computer-based systems and applications Excellent programming skills in languages used for job-specific programming tasks Experience in the application of industry standard hardware and software design and documentation techniques Extensive knowledge of systems engineering and software development lifecycles Effective oral and written communication skills Good planning/organizational skills Ability to work under deadlines Salary The expected salary range for this position is $131,601.60 to $158,601.60 annually. Note: The salary range offered for this position is a good faith description of the expected salary range this role will pay. JT4 considers factors such as (but not limited to) responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market/business considerations when extending an offer. Other Responsibilities Each employee must read, understand, and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality, and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures, and policies pertaining to their job. Working Conditions Work is performed in a typical office environment with no unusual hazards. Occasional lifting (up to 20 pounds), constant sitting while using the computer terminal, constant use of sight abilities while reviewing documents, constant use of speech/hearing abilities for communication, and constant mental alertness are required. Travel to remote company work locations may be required. Disclaimer The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by personnel assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of persons so classified. Tasking is in support of a federal government contract that requires U.S. citizenship. Some jobs may require a candidate to be eligible for a government security clearance, state-issued driver's license or other licenses / certifications and the inability to obtain and maintain the required clearance, license or certification may affect an employee's ability to maintain employment. SCC: JSD12; A4CLR

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About JT4

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

JT4 provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S. Air Force and Navy under the Joint Range Technical Services Contract, better known as J-Tech II. We develop and maintain realistic integrated test and training environments, and prepare our nation's war-fighting aircraft, weapons systems, and aircrews for today's missions and tomorrow's global challenges.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Las Vegas, NV, US

Year founded

2001

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