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Combustion Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CesiumAstro

Combustion Devices Engineer II

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$108K - $129K/yr

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 ...

CesiumAstro

Combustion Devices Engineer II

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$108K - $129K/yr

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 ...

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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 Jul 15, 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 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
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Combustion Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Combustion Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,214 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - Computational Combustion Engineer

SWRI

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

  • Support the development, analysis, and testing of power generation and propulsion systems, with a specific focus on combustion applications.
  • Engage in the development of advanced computational models to explore complex combustion phenomena, contributing to cutting-edge research in thermofluids, power generation, and propulsion systems.
  • Utilize expertise in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, gas dynamics, and combustion processes to optimize designs and improve performance in power generation and propulsion systems.
  • Leverage state-of-the-art Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, including Ansys Fluent, Converge, and OpenFOAM to simulate flow conditions and analyze combustion processes in power generation and propulsion systems.
  • Integrate experimental insights with simulation data to validate models and develop predictive capabilities for combustion processes in power generation and propulsion systems operating under extreme conditions.

  • Provide cross-disciplinary support to multiple projects within the field of combustion, focusing mainly on computational tasks.
  • Conduct design, optimization, and validation of combustion processes using CFD.
  • Contribute to the design of combustion processes for power generation and propulsion systems.
  • Assist in executing experimental test campaigns, including data acquisition, processing, and analysis, to support model validation.
  • Be a problem solver that exercises creativity and independent judgement in developing approaches to address a wide range of technical challenges.

  • Requires a Bachelors, Masters or a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related engineering degree.
  • 5 years relevant professional experience required with Bachelors degree, 3 years relevant professional experience required with Masters degree, and 1 year of related experience required with PhD.
  • 1-5 years: Demonstrated experience in CFD simulations of thermofluids and combustion processes. Experience with supersonic and/or hypersonic flow simulations is preferred but not required.
  • 1-5 years: Experience in computationally-aided design of propulsion and power generation systems. Experience in designing system components is also valued.
  • 1-5 years: Demonstrated proficiency in using CFD software such as Ansys Fluent, Converge, STAR-CCM+, or OpenFOAM for simulating and analyzing combustion processes. Experience with additional simulation tools is preferred but not required.
  • Experimental experience with combustion processes and mechanical design is highly desirable but not mandatory. MS or PhD degrees in engineering are preferred, but not required. Relevant degrees will also be considered.
  • A valid/clear driver's license is required.

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