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Combustion Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Combustion Devices Engineer II

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $155K/yr

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 ...

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Combustion Engineer information

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$11K

$88.2K

$131K

How much do combustion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for combustion engineer in the United States is $88,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $90,000.00 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 designs, analyzes, and optimizes combustion systems such as boilers, burners, and engines to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. They often work with tools like combustion modeling software and may require certifications in safety and environmental standards. Their work environment typically involves industrial facilities, power plants, or manufacturing plants.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced combustion engineers working in specialized industries such as energy, aerospace, or chemical manufacturing can earn salaries of $300,000 or more annually, especially with advanced certifications and managerial responsibilities. These roles often require extensive expertise, leadership skills, and sometimes work in high-cost-of-living areas or international locations.

How much does a combustion engineer make?

The average salary for a combustion engineer in the United States ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience.

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.
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Combustion Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Combustion Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,214 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
Combustion Devices Engineer II

Combustion Devices Engineer II

CesiumAstro

El Segundo, CA

$108K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We are looking to add a Combustion Devices Engineer II to our team. In this role, you will work across the full hardware lifecycle from early concepts and CAD models through manufacturing, test execution, and design iteration.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Design and develop a variety of combustion devices of liquid rocket engine, combustion chambers, pre-burners, igniters.  Create models and drawings of parts and assemblies.  Perform calculations and analyses with team support.
  • Create schematics and document processes.
  • Own requirements definition, architecture trades, and system-level integration for assigned subsystems.
  • Work with manufacturing team to create finished engine parts.  Support parts through 3d-printing, machining, post processing, and inspection. Incorporate feedback to improve design for manufacturing.
  • Develop and execute test programs, analyze experimental data, and apply findings to optimize designs.
  • Collaborate across mechanical, aerospace, and controls engineering teams to deliver flight-ready hardware.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
  • 2+ years of experience with mechanical design, development, fabrication, assembly, or test (internships included)
  • Strong proficiency in CAD tools (Siemens NX, SolidWorks) - the ability to model complex three-dimensional geometry of the combustion chamber cooling channel.
  • Familiarity with aerospace safety and reliability practices.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work as a teammate and independently to achieve ambitious goals.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
  • Prior experience designing of liquid rocket engine, combustion chambers, pre-burners, igniters or other rocket systems.
  • Practical experience in test bench setup and performance diagnostics.
  • Hands-on engineering (Full-stack: computer to wrench to broom).
  • Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Experience in a start-up or rapid development environment.
  • Experience with tools such as ANSYS and MATLAB.
$108,000 - $129,900 a year
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.  Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.  
 
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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