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Combat Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Entry-Level Engineer

Port Hueneme, CA ยท On-site

$52K - $82K/yr

JSL is seeking an Entry-Level Engineer to provide support for the Modular Guns Weapons System (MGWS) Surface Warfare (SUW) Mission Package (MP), Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), and programs for Mission ...

Engineer V

Poway, CA ยท On-site

$105K - $189K/yr

As a Capability Development Engineer on our FQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Program, you will help define and deliver next-generation capabilities that integrate advanced autonomy, sensors ...

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a highly experienced Systems Engineer to support Space Systems Command Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power (SSC/SZ) portfolio. In this role, you won't just ...

Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a highly experienced Systems Engineer to support Space Systems Command Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power (SSC/SZ) portfolio. In this role, you won't just ...

Senior Combat Designer (Encounters)

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $148K/yr

As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will be responsible for scripting and shaping ... We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams ...

Showing results 41-60

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 9, 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.

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 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:
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.

Combat Power Systems Engineering Lead with Security Clearance

Aerospace Corporation

El Segundo, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers' portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems. The Aerospace Space Domain Superiority Directorate, in the Special Programs Division, supports a broad array of Combat Power missions covering the entire threat response chain from the Space Domain Awareness function through the multidomain effects needed for space superiority. These programs include major system acquisitions for multiple ground and space segments, future architecture definition at the data/software/hardware levels, and research and technology for continuous evolution of space warfighting capabilities. We are looking for a Combat Power Systems Engineering Lead to contribute to a team that is developing and delivering a critical space control capability to guarantee space superiority for our nation. This work is focused on supporting all aspects of implementing programs within the tightly integrated program office consisting of military, Aerospace, and SETA personnel. You will work on site in the government program office, where you will have frequent interaction with the government and support contractors. This opportunity will also collaborate with National Security Space mission partners that are building and integrating capabilities. This position allows for the opportunity to see your contributions to a critical mission become realized in the near future. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, California. What You'll Be Doing * Contribute to requirements development, capability evaluation, and implementation of solutions for challenging problems
* Build teams of domain authorities from the Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) to support system development
* Develop, evaluate, and implement concepts, solutions, and tactics, techniques and procedures for addressing challenging problems
* Forge pathways to inform decisions related to feasibility and advise customers and management of activities
* Provide system engineering support. This includes technical guidance and insight of multiple prime contractors, working with the Enterprise community
* Collaborate and guide technical teams to ensure that program office and Aerospace Engineering Matrix staff are effectively teamed to work closely with the customer.
* Develop positive, lasting working relations with customer senior management and all levels of customer/contractor staff What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements for Project Leader - Systems Engineering - Acquisitions and Systems Engineering: * Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, or related technical subject area
* 8 or more years of progressively more responsible experience:
* Experience in spacecraft development (design, build, integration, or testing)
* Ability to obtain additional security accesses
* Experience building and maintaining effective teams and developing good working interpersonal relations with multiple government partners and contractors
* Ability to travel moderately
* Current Top Secret/SCI clearance required, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: * Systems engineering experience to include space systems development
* Experience in payload developments (e.g. optical, RF)
* Experience with assessing designs for Mission Assurance
* Proven organizational and project leadership skills with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams
* Space Superiority mission and/or mission acquisition experience
* Experience in Agile acquisition of space systems (e.g. bus, components, software)
* Experience in Space Operations including Launch and Early Operations, nominal operations, mission operations, end of life operations
* Capability to identify and mitigate risks
* Experience in the Space Control Mission Area We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. (Min - Max)
$120,800.00 - $181,100.00 Pay Basis: Annual Leadership Competencies Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who: * Operate Strategically * Lead Change * Engage with Impact * Foster Innovation * Deliver Results Ways We Reward Our Employees During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits. Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include: * Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
* Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
* Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
* 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
* Flexible spending accounts
* Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
* Relocation assistance
* Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
* Education assistance programs
* An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation. Equal Opportunity Commitment The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .