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Combustion Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Toyon

Computational Multiphysics Engineer

Goleta, CA

$125K - $195K/yr

We are seeking a Computational Multiphysics Engineer with expertise in numerical methods and mathematical simulation to support the design and analysis of advanced antenna systems integrated into ...

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Combustion Engineer information

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$10.9K

$87.1K

$129.3K

How much do combustion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for combustion engineer in California is $87,059.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $88,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a combustion engineer?

A combustion engineer is skilled in the process of harnessing the energy created by heating up fuel. Job duties include installing combustion systems and testing the equipment once it is operational. A combustion engineer may also have to troubleshoot issues with equipment that is not working correctly. This technology can be found in many heating systems, including in a building or a car. Qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering.

What does a combustion engineer do?

A Combustion Engineer specializes in the design, operation, and optimization of systems that burn fuel to produce energy, such as boilers, furnaces, and engines. They analyze combustion processes to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and ensure safety. Their work often involves troubleshooting equipment, developing new combustion technologies, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Combustion Engineers play a critical role in industries like power generation, manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive engineering.

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

To thrive as a Combustion Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or chemical engineering, with expertise in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and combustion principles, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation software (such as ANSYS Fluent or CHEMKIN), emissions testing equipment, and relevant industry certifications are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set exceptional professionals apart in this field. These competencies are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant combustion system design and operation.

What are some common challenges combustion engineers face when optimizing industrial combustion systems?

Combustion Engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing efficiency, emissions control, and system safety when optimizing industrial combustion systems. Addressing varying fuel qualities, maintaining equipment reliability, and complying with strict environmental regulations can be demanding. Effective collaboration with process engineers, maintenance teams, and environmental specialists is essential to troubleshoot issues and implement improvements. Staying updated with advancements in combustion technology and control systems also helps in overcoming these challenges and ensuring optimal plant performance.

What is the difference between Combustion Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectCombustion EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in combustion or thermodynamicsEngineering degree, mechanical or related certifications
Work EnvironmentPower plants, industrial facilities, research labsManufacturing, design firms, maintenance facilities
Industry UsageEnergy, power generation, petrochemicalManufacturing, automotive, aerospace

Combustion Engineers focus on designing and optimizing combustion processes, often working in energy and industrial sectors. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on machinery, systems, and product design across various industries. While both roles require engineering degrees, combustion engineers specialize in combustion systems, whereas mechanical engineers work on mechanical components and systems.

More about Combustion Engineer jobs

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Combustion Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Combustion Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,059 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Senior Combustion Devices Engineer II / Principal Combustion Devices Engineer

Rocket Lab Corporation

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$109K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

NEUTRON 

Rocket Lab's Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron's structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron's launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time. 

SENIOR COMBUSTION DEVICES ENGINEER II / PRINCIPAL COMBUSTION DEVICES ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Principal/Senior Combustion Devices Engineer will be responsible for the development of one or more combustion devices (preburners, main injectors, thrust chambers assemblies and vacuum nozzles). These devices are an integral portion of the 200,000 lbf Archimedes engine, which operates in a demanding but efficient ox-rich, staged combustion architecture.

In this role, you'll take ownership of all aspects of a component: design and analysis, manufacturing and test support, and successful flights and subsequent, high-cadence, re-flights. By doing so, you will help propel the Neutron rocket, expanding human capabilities in space and providing value to the company and its shareholders.

Please note: This position can be hired as a Senior Combustion Devices Engineer II or Principal Combustion Devices Engineer Level.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: 

  • Design, analyze, and perform trades studies to achieve programmatic targets. 
  • Define requirements, test and flight qualification plans.  
  • Work with the interface owners, like turbomachinery and engine systems teams, to make a high-end product that could be iterated fast and seamlessly.
  • Work with manufacturing and build engineers to design easily manufacturable, cost-effective, beautiful parts.
  • Work with the test and launch teams to interpret data and provide solutions to enable a high cadence - of tests, flights and re-flights. 

AS A SENIOR COMBUSTION DEVICES ENGINEER II, YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent 
  • 8+ years of combustion device design experience
  • In-depth knowledge of combustion and fluid dynamics, heat transfer and structural mechanics. 
  • Fundamental understanding of design principals and manufacturing methods.

AS A PRINCIPAL COMBUSTION DEVICES ENGINEER, YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent 
  • 12+ years of combustion device design experience
  • In-depth knowledge of combustion and fluid dynamics, heat transfer and structural mechanics. 
  • Fundamental understanding of design principals and manufacturing methods.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

  • Master's or a PhD.
  • Advanced proficiency in NX, ANSYS Mechanical, StarCCM, MATLAB and GD&T.
  • Proficiency in niche software like: TDK, ROCCID, PERCORP, CEA, ROCETS.
  • Reacting flow CFD.
  • Expertise in high-speed data/video analysis in time and frequency domains.
  • Experience with designing reusable, propulsively landing rocket engines.
  • Experience in an iterative and scrappy development environment. 

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas

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