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Combat Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

2K

Combat Designer (Gameplay)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$167K/yr

Collaborate with other developers to help build an FPS combat paradigm that is accessible, satisfying, and allows for a high degree of player expression and experimentation within a highly reactive ...

2K

Combat Designer (Gameplay)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$167K/yr

Collaborate with other developers to help build an FPS combat paradigm that is accessible, satisfying, and allows for a high degree of player expression and experimentation within a highly reactive ...

2K

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA · On-site

$119K - $128K/yr

Communicate progress, workflows, and availability of AI and combat standards to content developers. * Maintain and tune assigned combat AI behavior and parameters through to project completion.

2K

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA · On-site

$119K - $128K/yr

Communicate progress, workflows, and availability of AI and combat standards to content developers. * Maintain and tune assigned combat AI behavior and parameters through to project completion.

Naughty Dog

Senior Game Designer (Combat)

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$145K - $181K/yr

Work with AI programmers to develop foundational NPC technology and implementing and tuning enemy ... Facilitate playtesting and feedback sessions to iterate on combat systems and fine-tune them based ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA · On-site

$119K - $128K/yr

As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will collaborate with an innovative team of designers, artists, and engineers to create industry-leading AI characters and combat gameplay. You will ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA · On-site

$119K - $128K/yr

As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will collaborate with an innovative team of designers, artists, and engineers to create industry-leading AI characters and combat gameplay. You will ...

2K

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA · On-site

$119K - $128K/yr

As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will collaborate with an innovative team of designers, artists, and engineers to create industry-leading AI characters and combat gameplay. You will ...

2K

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA · On-site

$119K - $128K/yr

As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will collaborate with an innovative team of designers, artists, and engineers to create industry-leading AI characters and combat gameplay. You will ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCombat Engineer JobsCombat Engineer Jobs in California

Combat Engineer information

See California salary details

$21.7K

$24.8K

$27.1K

How much do combat engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for combat engineer in California is $24,751.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24,200.00 and $25,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by combat engineers during deployment, and how can they prepare for them?

Combat Engineers often encounter challenging environments, including working under time pressure, harsh weather, and potentially hazardous conditions such as minefields or improvised explosive devices. To prepare, it's important to maintain physical fitness, stay proficient in technical skills like demolition and construction, and practice effective communication with team members. Adaptability and a strong understanding of safety protocols are also key to overcoming the unpredictable nature of missions and ensuring both personal and team safety.

What is a combat engineer?

A combat engineer is an enlisted member of a military team that assists with construction and demolition. Job duties involve building and maintaining roads, buildings, fixed firing positions, and defensive positions. A combat engineer may also place, detonate, or clear explosives in a combat zone. They are experts at clearing obstacles and helping troops move quickly and safely.

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

To thrive as a Combat Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, construction techniques, and demolition procedures, typically acquired through military training and completion of relevant technical courses. Proficiency with specialized tools, explosives, heavy machinery, and military mapping or navigation systems is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication set standout Combat Engineers apart. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring mission success, safety, and operational efficiency in high-pressure environments.

How much do combat engineers make?

Combat engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and rank. Military combat engineers may receive additional benefits such as housing allowances and hazard pay, while civilian roles often require specialized skills and certifications in construction, demolition, or explosives handling.

What is the difference between Combat Engineer vs Construction Engineer?

AspectCombat EngineerConstruction Engineer
CertificationsMilitary engineering certifications, specialized trainingProfessional engineering licenses, civil engineering degrees
Work EnvironmentMilitary settings, combat zones, field operationsConstruction sites, offices, urban development projects
Employer & IndustryMilitary branches, defense contractorsConstruction firms, engineering consulting companies

While both roles involve engineering skills, Combat Engineers focus on military operations, demolitions, and field engineering in combat zones, requiring military training and certifications. Construction Engineers work on civilian infrastructure projects, emphasizing design, planning, and project management in non-military settings. The key difference lies in their work environment and purpose, though both require strong engineering backgrounds.

More about Combat Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Combat Engineer jobs in California? For Combat Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Combat Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Combat Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Combat Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Combat Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Combat Engineer jobs in CA? For Combat Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Combat Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various 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 $24,751 per year, or $11.9 per hour.

Cruiser/Destroyer Combat Systems SME

Prevailance

San Diego, CA • On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Description:

This position is contingent upon contract award

Multiple positions available


The Cruiser/Destroyer Combat Systems SME provides combat systems training, assessment, and maintenance management guidance for CG/DDG (AEGIS) platforms. Covers AEGIS CS suite, sonar, VLS, CIWS, BMD, SPY radar, network/communications, and EW systems.


SME provides operational, technical, and maintenance expertise supporting Navy mine hunting platforms, mission systems, specialized deck equipment, and associated hull maintenance requirements. This position serves as a subject matter expert responsible for supporting fleet readiness, mission effectiveness, maintenance planning, lifecycle sustainment, and operational support activities for Navy units and military auxiliary vessels.


The position coordinates with ship’s force personnel, maintenance activities, government representatives, and technical support organizations to ensure mission readiness and compliance with Navy maintenance and operational standards.


Key Responsibilities

  • Coordinate with ship’s force personnel, maintenance organizations, training activities, and government representatives to resolve technical and operational issues.
  • Analyze system performance data, maintenance trends, readiness reports, and operational assessments to identify improvement opportunities and support mission readiness.
  • Ensure compliance with Navy maintenance procedures, operational standards, engineering requirements, and safety policies.
  • Support development and implementation of maintenance strategies, technical procedures, readiness initiatives, and lifecycle sustainment plans.
  • Prepare technical reports, readiness evaluations, maintenance assessments, and systems status updates for leadership review.
  • Provide mentorship and technical support to operations and maintenance personnel .
Requirements:

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum of fifteen (15) years of operational experience with the technical aspects of operations and maintenance of the AEGIS Combat Systems suite. Experience level should be comparable to AEGIS Combat Systems Maintenance Manager (CSMM).
  • Direct operational and maintenance experience, within the last five (5) years, involving Navy electronic warfare and countermeasures systems currently employed by the fleet.
  • Direct operational and maintenance experience with AGEIS Combat Systems suite, Navy Sonar systems, VLS, CIWS, BMD, and SPY radar systems.
  • Extensive experience with the technical aspects of the operations and maintenance of Navy network ad communications systems, supporting systems, and interfaces with associated shipboard systems.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience supporting fleet readiness assessments, modernization programs, lifecycle sustainment initiatives, or waterfront maintenance activities.
  • Familiarity with Navy maintenance databases, readiness reporting systems, and technical documentation processes.
  • Experience supporting depot-level maintenance, shipyard operations, or specialized hull preservation programs.
  • Associate degree or bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Marine Technology, Naval Science, Operations Management, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline.

Work Environment

  • Work may be performed in office environments, shipboard locations, waterfront operations areas, maintenance facilities, or shipyards.
  • Position may require travel to fleet concentration areas, operational commands, maintenance facilities, and shipboard locations in support of inspections, maintenance activities, and operational readiness efforts.

Security Clearance

  • Active DoD security clearance (Secret or higher) required.