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Combustion Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Belcan

Combustion Systems- Staff Analyst

Brisbane, CA

$131K/yr

Combustion Systems- Staff Analyst Location: Brisbane , CA Pay range: $131,000/yr $62.98/hr Shift ... Structural & Mechanical Engineering Employment Type: Contractor full-time, convertible to salaried ...

Vast

Combustion Devices Engineer II

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

Vast is looking for a Combustion Devices Engineer II , reporting to the Senior Manager of E-2 Engineering , to create the world's highest performing engine for small launchers, while optimizing for ...

Alzeta Corporation

Be Seen First

Engineering Operations Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Combustion engineering design and support are provided for low NOx emission burners, radiant burners, surface burners, and waste gas abatement systems. With multiple surface technologies to offer ...

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All JobsCombustion Engineer JobsCombustion Engineer Jobs in California

Combustion Engineer information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$87.1K

$129.3K

How much do combustion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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 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.

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.
More about Combustion Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Combustion Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Combustion Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Combustion Engineer jobs in California? For Combustion Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Combustion Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Combustion Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Combustion Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Combustion Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Combustion Engineer jobs in CA? For Combustion Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Combustion Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Combustion 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 $87,059 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Sr. Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Combustion Devices)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$135K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SR. PROPULSION ENGINEER (RAPTOR COMBUSTION DEVICES)
The Propulsion Engineer role is responsible for owning the development, production, and operation of engine combustor hardware from concept through to successful flight operations. You will drive all necessary work to effectively and safely develop and fly your hardware on the most advanced full flow staged combustion engine on the largest launch vehicle in history.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Responsible engineer for engine combustor hardware, owning the success of design and requirements, delivery of production hardware at target throughput rates, and reliable operating performance at the integrated engine and vehicle level.
  • Identify, organize, and drive design changes related to department priorities such as reliability, simplification, and performance.
  • Own the development of combustor design and hardware from concept through testing and production while actively managing the existing fleet of hardware in operation.
  • Coordinate a team of peers through informal leadership and self-directed program organization to achieve goals. Assign clear responsibilities and hold teammates accountable for execution. Collaborate with engineers from other teams to design and develop hardware that meets system and high-level engine requirements.
  • Develop test requirements and participate in test operations early in the part life cycle to develop hardware and processes to accept engines for flight. Own anomaly reviews for defective hardware from comprehensive data review to complete hardware teardown.
  • Perform analysis on data from test and flight operations of the hardware. Iterate the results from data into improved designs, as well as make critical go/no-go calls on hardware performance in operation.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or astronautical engineering.
  • 4+ years of experience working with rocket or jet engine hardware or high-pressure fluid systems in a design, analysis, or experimental capacity.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
  • Master's degree or higher in mechanical, aerospace, or aeronautical/astronautical engineering.
  • 6+ years of professional or intense academic experience working with jet or rocket engines or other high-pressure fluid systems with tight timelines and high consequences of failure.
  • Demonstrable proficiency in the basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, combustion processes, combustion instability, acoustics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, and materials. Ability to apply first principles approach to quick models and estimates.
  • Experience designing and testing combustor injector elements and associated fluid manifolds.
  • Experience owning test campaigns, analyzing data and hardware to make technical decisions based on findings.
  • Experience with engine system operation including startup/shutdown transients and mainstage trim.
  • Experience designing parts and assemblies in professional CAD packages such as Siemens NX or Solidworks.
  • Experience designing for manufacturing and implementing designs into manufacturing process, including iterating designs based on downstream feedback.
  • Experience with manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment such as machining, additive manufacturing, welding, forming, tube bending, structural assembly, etc.
  • Experience owning cradle to grave projects from design conception into manufacturing and testing.
  • Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, MATLAB, C/C++).
  • Experience generating, reading, and interpreting GD&T drawings.
  • Professional experience completing thermal, fluid, or structural analysis (e.g. ANSYS, Fluent, Star-CCM+).
  • Self-motivated to solve complex problems with demonstrated ability to organize and motivate a team of peers to achieve common goals.
  • Demonstrated ability to act with good engineering judgment and execute high quality work in a technical environment on tight timelines.
  • Experience working in project teams in a professional role, or in student teams such as Rocket/Propulsion Teams, Formula/Baja SAE, or Hyperloop.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • 10% travel in support of hardware testing and launch operations
  • Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 3: $135,000.00 - $215,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

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Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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