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Combat Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Army

Heavy Machine Operator (12N)

Morgantown, WV · On-site

Transport heavy construction equipment with tractor-trailer * Assist in performance of combat engineer missions Basic Qualifications: * Age - 17 to 34 years old * Education - Current Senior in High ...

Leidos

Combat Systems Test Engineer

Arlington, VA

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 Jul 19, 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 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 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.

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $25,080 per year, or $12.1 per hour.
Heavy Machine Operator (12N)

Heavy Machine Operator (12N)

U.S. Army

Morgantown, WV • On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

United States Army rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 486 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

As a part of a team of soldiers, you secure your future with a career in the Active Duty Army (full-time), pay for college, guaranteed healthcare with family benefits. You gain leadership skills, college credit, and job-security. This is an entry level position with no experience necessary.
 
Position requirements:
  • Attend Basic and advanced training (Paid)
  • Complete  (ASVAB)
  • 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

Basic Qualifications: 
  • Age - 17 to 34 years old
  • Education - Current Senior in High School(HS), HS Diploma, GED or higher
  • Citizenship - U.S. Citizen/Permanent Resident or greencard holder
  • Submit to background and medical screening 
  • Current Drivers License

Benefits:
  • Up to $50K bonus 
  • Up to $115,000 for additional education benefits
  • 30 days vacation with pay per year
  • Additional living expenses for those who have dependents 
 
When you are interested in finding out more about this position, please apply now and within 24-48 hours, you will receive an email/text from our Army virtual recruiting station.
Thank you!

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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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