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Combat Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Precise Systems

Combat Systems Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Combat Systems Engineer 100% allocated toward support of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Germany F-127 Frigate Programs. Serving as a direct report to the Germany Combat Systems Engineer (CSE), this ...

Full Scope

Navy AEGIS Combat System Engineer

Chesapeake, VA

$101.50K - $139.40K/yr

We are seeking motivated individuals to provide technical and engineering support for the planning, execution and post event analysis of AEGIS Combat System Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT) and ...

Full Scope

Navy AEGIS Combat System Engineer

Escondido, CA

$109.50K - $150.30K/yr

We are seeking motivated individuals to provide technical and engineering support for the planning, execution and post event analysis of AEGIS Combat System Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT) and ...

KES, Inc

AEGIS Combat Systems Engineer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Position Summary AEGIS Combat Systems Engineer II will provide technical, engineering, test and evaluation support for the planning, execution and post event analysis of AEGIS Combat System Ship ...

Leidos

Combat Systems Test Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Combat System Test & Trials Engineer Position Overview The Combat System Test & Trials Engineer will play a key role in planning, coordinating, and executing verification, validation, and acceptance ...

Leidos

Combat Systems Test Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Combat System Test & Trials Engineer Position Overview The Combat System Test & Trials Engineer will play a key role in planning, coordinating, and executing verification, validation, and acceptance ...

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Combat Engineer information

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$22K

$25.1K

$27.5K

How much do combat engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for combat engineer in the United States is $25,080.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24,500.00 and $26,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 are combat engineers?

Combat engineers are military personnel who perform a variety of construction and demolition tasks under combat conditions. Their duties include building and repairing roads, bridges, and defensive positions, as well as clearing obstacles and detecting or removing mines and explosives. They play a crucial role in ensuring mobility for their unit and impeding enemy movement. Combat engineers receive specialized training in engineering, explosives, and tactical operations to support both offensive and defensive missions.

Which engineers make $100,000?

Senior combat engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications can earn $100,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand areas or military roles with overtime and hazard pay. Salary levels depend on location, rank, and years of service, with higher pay often associated with leadership positions or advanced technical expertise.

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 cities are hiring for Combat Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Combat Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Combat Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Combat Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Combat Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Combat Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Combat Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Combat Engineer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Combat Engineer jobs? For Combat Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Combat Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Combat Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 94% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $25,080 per year, or $12.1 per hour.
Entry Level Horizontal Construction Engineer

Entry Level Horizontal Construction Engineer

U.S. Army

Hackettstown, NJ • Remote

$24.40K - $30.31K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

United States Army rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 468 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

Horizontal Construction Engineer (12N)

Overview
Horizontal construction engineers use bulldozers, cranes, graders and other heavy equipment to move tons of earth and material to complete construction projects for the Army. 
They are also responsible for operating tractors with dozer attachments, scoop loaders, backhoe loaders, hydraulic excavators, motorized graders and scrapers. 
Why the U.S. Army: 
  • Professional Growth: Engage in continued learning, training, and career advancement opportunities. 
  • Diverse Opportunities: From combat medic specialists to medical officers, choose a role that fits your passion and expertise. 
  • Community: Join a tight-knit community prioritizing camaraderie, service, and mutual support. 
 
Job Duties
  • Analyze the information on grade stakes and placing them
  • Drive bulldozers, roadgraders and other heavy equipment to level earth 
  • Clear, grub, strip, excavate, backfill, stockpile and push scraper with tractor crawler
  • Cut and spread fill material with scraper
  • Transport heavy construction equipment with tractor-trailer
  • Assist in performance of combat engineer missions

Requirements
Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.
Training
Job training for horizontal construction engineer requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and nine weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field with on-the-job instructions.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
  • Operation of different types of construction and rough terrain equipment
  • Maintenance and repair of equipment
  • Identification of soil types and placement of grade stakes

Helpful Skills
  • Interest in operating heavy construction equipment
  • Preference for working outdoors
  • Interest in working with your hands

Required ASVAB Score(s)
General Maintenance (GM): 90
Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.
Compensation
Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.
Earn Cash For In Demand Jobs
You could earn up to $40,000 in cash bonuses just for enlisting under certain Military Occupational Specialties. Visit Jobs in Demand to see if this job qualifies for an enlistment bonus.
Education Benefits
In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.
Future Civilian Careers
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with building contractors, state highway agencies, rock quarries, well drillers and construction firms.
PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUTH SUCCESS (PaYS) Program
Those interested in this job may be eligible for civilian employment, after the Army, by enrolling in the Army PaYS program. The PaYS program is a recruitment option that guarantees a job interview with military friendly employers that are looking for experienced and trained Veterans to join their organization. Find out more about the Army PaYS Program at http://www.armypays.com.
  • AT&T, Inc.
  • Hewlett-Packard Company
  • Kraft Foods Global, Inc.
  • Sears Holdings Corporation
  • Time Customer Service, Inc.
  • Walgreen Co.

What United States Army employees say

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About US Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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