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Combustion Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Combustion Devices Engineer II

Hawthorne, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $155K/yr

... research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and ... Vast is looking for a Combustion Devices Engineer II , reporting to the Senior Manager of E-2 ...

Industrial Combustion Tech (CRE)

Cressona, PA ยท On-site

$28.58 - $42/hr

Through our unique combination of local expertise, global network, and unmatched R&D capabilities ... Responsible to assist engineers and supervisors in formulating test, calibration, repair and ...

Industrial Combustion Tech (CRE)

Cressona, PA ยท On-site

$28.58 - $42/hr

Through our unique combination of local expertise, global network, and unmatched R&D capabilities ... Responsible to assist engineers and supervisors in formulating test, calibration, repair and ...

Role Overview We're looking for an R&D Process Engineer to bring process engineering rigor to Arbor ... Direct experience with gasification, oxy-combustion, slag-forming combustion, FCC, coker ...

Combustion and Metals Technology/Fabrication * Reaction Engineering * Operations Research * Process Equipment * Process Chemistry * Heat Transfer * Food/Beverage and Water Applications * Cryogenic ...

Showing results 41-60

Combustion Research Engineer information

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$37K

$106K

$142.5K

How much do combustion research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for combustion research engineer in the United States is $106,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a combustion research engineer?

A Combustion Research Engineer requires a strong background in mechanical or chemical engineering, thermodynamics, and chemistry, typically supported by at least a bachelor's (often master's or Ph.D.) in a relevant field. Proficiency in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools such as ANSYS Fluent, familiarity with laboratory combustion equipment, and knowledge of emissions measurement systems are commonly expected. Standout candidates possess strong analytical thinking, effective problem-solving abilities, and clear communication skills for collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. Mastery of these technical and interpersonal skills is essential for advancing innovative and efficient combustion technologies while meeting safety and environmental standards.

What does a typical day look like for a combustion research engineer?

A typical day for a Combustion Research Engineer involves a combination of experimental testing in laboratories, analyzing combustion data, and using simulation software to model fuel behavior. You will often collaborate closely with other engineers and scientists to design experiments, interpret results, and troubleshoot combustion systems or processes. Additionally, you'll prepare technical reports, present findings to stakeholders, and keep up with the latest industry research. Most work settings are fast-paced, project-driven, and encourage innovation, offering you opportunities to contribute to advancements in cleaner and more efficient combustion technologies.

What does a combustion research engineer do?

A Combustion Research Engineer studies, develops, and optimizes combustion processes in engines, industrial systems, or power generation. They analyze fuel efficiency, pollutant emissions, and flame behavior to improve performance and reduce environmental impact. Using computational simulations, laboratory experiments, and data analysis, they design and test new combustion technologies. Their work ensures safer, cleaner, and more efficient energy conversion systems.

More about Combustion Research Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Combustion Research Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Combustion Research Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Combustion Research Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,012 per year, or $51 per hour.

Combustion Devices Engineer II

Vast

Hawthorne, CA โ€ข On-site

$110K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo's 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first commercial space station when it launches, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
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 production and low cost. In this role, you will join a team with exciting momentum that has produced and successfully tested fully integrated engine development samples. You will be a key member who will help complete the flight engine design and transition the system from development to production.
You will contribute expertise toward creating the world's highest-performing engine for small launchers while optimizing for production and low cost. In this role, you will join a team with exciting momentum that has produced and successfully tested fully integrated engine development samples. You will be a key member who will help complete the flight engine design and transition the system from development to production.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Hawthorne location.
Responsibilities:
  • Design: work with our team and Chief Engineer to advance the design of E-2. Create models and drawings of parts and assemblies. Perform calculations and analyses with team support.
  • Manufacturing: work with our internal manufacturing team to create finished E-2 parts. Support parts through 3d-printing, machining, post processing, and inspection. Incorporate feedback to improve design for manufacturing.
  • Assembly and test: support our integration team with propulsion component assembly build and testing.
  • Create schematics and document processes.
  • Participate in engine testing with our test team and support with troubleshooting as needed.
  • Communicate effectively with entire team to regularly provide updates on progress and issues.
  • Always follow proper safety procedures and wear personal protective equipment in the workplace.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
  • 3+ years of experience with mechanical design, development, fabrication, assembly, or test (internships included)

Preferred Skills & Experience:
  • Ability to work as a teammate and independently to achieve ambitious goals
  • Hands-on engineering (Full-stack: computer to wrench to broom)
  • Communication (Written, visual, slides)
  • CAD (NX preferred)
  • Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
  • Problem-solving
  • Capable to grow positive, respectful, and professional relationships
  • Willing to make mistakes, take responsibilities, work independently and be transparent about your work
  • ANSYS
  • MATLAB

Additional Requirements:
  • Able to lift 25 lbs unassisted.
  • Work in an outdoor environment exposed to extreme weather conditions.
  • Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.

Pay Range: California
$110,000-$155,000 USD
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUSThe person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. ยง 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast 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.