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Combustion Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arbor Energy

Lead Combustion Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

Our team includes aerospace engineers, combustion experts, and systems thinkers with a shared goal: to build technology worthy of the world we want to live in. While many of us began our journeys ...

Arbor Energy

Sr. Combustion Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Our team includes aerospace engineers, combustion experts, and systems thinkers with a shared goal: to build technology worthy of the world we want to live in. While many of us began our journeys ...

Arbor Energy

Lead Combustion Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

Our team includes aerospace engineers, combustion experts, and systems thinkers with a shared goal: to build technology worthy of the world we want to live in. While many of us began our journeys ...

ERG

NC · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated Combustion Engineer or Scientist to join our expanding technical team. This role is ideal for a driven professional with strong academic training in Mechanical ...

Arbor Energy

Combustion Analysis Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Our team includes aerospace engineers, combustion experts, and systems thinkers with a shared goal: to build technology worthy of the world we want to live in. While many of us began our journeys ...

Arbor Energy

Sr. Combustion Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$150K - $175K/yr

Our team includes aerospace engineers, combustion experts, and systems thinkers with a shared goal: to build technology worthy of the world we want to live in. While many of us began our journeys ...

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 ...

Arbor Energy

Combustion Analysis Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Our team includes aerospace engineers, combustion experts, and systems thinkers with a shared goal: to build technology worthy of the world we want to live in. While many of us began our journeys ...

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Combustion Engineer information

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$88.2K

$131K

How much do combustion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 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 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.

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Combustion Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Combustion Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,214 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Lead Combustion Engineer

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Arbor Energy
Accounting Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Arbor Energyexternal

$170K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

About Us

At Arbor Energy & Resources Corporation ("Arbor Energy"), we're creating technology to power our lives while protecting the planet that sustains them.  Our advanced power systems deliver clean, reliable baseload electricity with zero operating emissions—modular, fuel-flexible, and engineered for the realities of today's energy demand. At the core is a supercritical CO₂ turbine with integrated carbon capture, designed to bring carbon-neutral power online quickly at meaningful scale. 

Our team includes aerospace engineers, combustion experts, and systems thinkers with a shared goal: to build technology worthy of the world we want to live in. While many of us began our journeys looking to the stars, we're applying that expertise here at home to deliver dependable, emission-free baseload power and a future of lasting abundance.  

If you share our values and are drawn to rigorous work with lasting impact, we'd love to learn more about you. Come build what the future will run on.

Steward our planet: We build for tomorrow, ensuring every bolt we tighten and every hand we lend leaves our environment stronger than we found it.

Lead with Love: We champion the success of our people, partners, and planet, nurturing excellence through camaraderie and rigor.

Explore the Uncharted: We embrace the unknown with curiosity, using courage and discipline to transform uncertainty into opportunity.

Role Overview

Our Lead Combustion Engineer serves as the technical authority pioneering our rocket-inspired, high-pressure oxy-fuel combustion systems - integral in delivering carbon-neutral and carbon-negative power cycles at scale. 

In this leadership role, you'll own the combustion subsystem, guiding a talented team through end-to-end development of breakthrough, high-efficiency devices in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment. You'll drive strategy from clean-sheet concepts and advanced modeling through hands-on testing, rapid iteration, and performance validation, establishing the technical direction that powers a sustainable future. 

You'll mentor junior engineers, align cross-functional efforts with test, analysis, and design teams, and make critical trade-off decisions to accelerate progress while pushing the boundaries of efficiency and reliability. 

This is an onsite opportunity in our El Segundo, CA office. 

Responsibilities
  • Serve as technical lead for oxy-fuel combustion systems: own architecture, clean-sheet design, rigorous analysis, and delivery of breakthrough performance 
  • Define and lead high-pressure/high-temperature test campaigns—from planning and execution through in-depth data analysis and actionable recommendations 
  • Direct system configuration trades and performance optimization to achieve maximum efficiency, reliability, and scalability 
  • Own rapid hardware development cycles—from manufacturing and assembly through testing and iterative improvements 
  • Champion the use of additive manufacturing, modern CFD/tools, and advanced simulation to shorten timelines and enable innovation 
  • Mentor team members, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and implement design upgrades that elevate system capability 
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical engineering, or related field
  • 7+ years of experience in combustion system design, analysis, and testing
  • Deep expertise in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and combustion
  • Hands-on experience with high-temperature and pressure equipment
  • Strong leadership presence with experience mentoring engineers and influencing cross-functional teams  
  • Demonstrated ability to own product lifecycle from conceptual design to validation
  • Curious, inventive, and entrepreneurial mindset—thrives in ambiguity and drives progress relentlessly 
Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Chemical Engineering 
  • Direct experience leading hot-fire testing campaigns in rocket propulsion, gas turbines, or similar environments 
  • Proficiency in programming for data analysis and automation (Python, MATLAB, etc.) 
  • Prior success in startup or fast-paced hardware development environments 
Benefits & Compensation
  • Pre-IPO stock options
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (Arbor covers 90% for employees)
  • Basic life insurance fully covered
  • Health savings account (HSA) with matching
  • Flexible savings account (FSA)
  • Unlimited PTO  
  • 12+ company holidays, including Earth Day!  
  • 401(k)
  • Commuter benefits
  • Annual learning and development stipend
  • And more!
Base Pay: $170,000 - $185,000 USD/year. The salary is subject to the applicant's skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.
Our Commitment

Arbor Energy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Solving global energy challenges requires a wide range of perspectives and experiences, and we are committed to building a team that reflects the world we serve.

Our hiring process is designed to be accessible, fair, and focused on the work that matters most for this role. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process and employment—please let us know if you need one.