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Engine Assembly Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ability to operate an engine block liner bore hone machine (Sunnen CK21 or similar) * Competent ... Strong mechanical and component assembly experience * Production engine assembly or rebuilding ...

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Engine Assembly information

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How much do engine assembly jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for engine assembly in California is $16.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Engine Assembly job?

An Engine Assembly job involves assembling, testing, and inspecting engine components to ensure they meet quality and performance standards. Workers follow technical drawings, use hand and power tools, and work in a team to build engines for vehicles, machinery, or industrial equipment. Attention to detail, mechanical skills, and adherence to safety procedures are essential. This role is common in manufacturing and automotive industries.

What is the highest paid car job?

In the automotive industry, master automotive technicians and specialized engine assembly supervisors tend to be among the highest paid roles. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and experience, and can command higher salaries compared to entry-level or general assembly roles.

What is the job description of an engine assembler?

An engine assembler is responsible for assembling internal combustion engines by following technical specifications and using hand tools and power tools. The role involves inspecting parts, ensuring quality standards, and working in a manufacturing environment, often requiring attention to detail and mechanical skills. Certifications in mechanical or technical fields can be beneficial for this position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Engine Assembly position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Engine Assembly, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a high school diploma or equivalent—often complemented by vocational training. Familiarity with hand and power tools, engine diagnostic equipment, and possibly certifications such as ASE are commonly required. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and a commitment to safety make candidates stand out. These skills ensure precise assembly, adherence to quality standards, and smooth collaboration on the production floor.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in Engine Assembly?

A typical day in Engine Assembly involves interpreting technical diagrams, gathering required engine components, and methodically assembling parts using specialized tools. You’ll perform quality checks and troubleshoot issues to ensure each engine meets safety and performance standards. Collaboration is common, as you coordinate with quality inspectors, supervisors, and other assembly team members to meet production targets. The environment is usually fast-paced and may involve shift work, but it provides hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing techniques and opportunities for long-term career growth in the automotive or manufacturing sectors.

Is an assembler a hard job?

Engine assembly can be physically demanding and requires attention to detail, manual dexterity, and knowledge of tools and procedures. The job often involves standing for long periods and working in a factory environment, but with proper training and experience, it becomes easier over time.

How to become an engine assembler?

To become an engine assembler, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, along with on-the-job training or technical schooling in engine assembly or related fields. Skills in mechanical systems, attention to detail, and familiarity with hand tools and assembly procedures are important; some positions may also require certifications in safety or specific technical areas.
Infographic showing various Engine Assembly job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,188 per year, or $16.9 per hour.
Staff Propulsion Engineer, Engine Assembly Design

Staff Propulsion Engineer, Engine Assembly Design

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$79K - $108K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

About the Team: 

The Propulsion team at Relativity is focused on developing and delivering highly performant and manufacturable engines for Terran R. Engineers are responsible for the entire lifecycle of their parts, from initial design through production to qualification and flight. The team fosters a culture of bottoms-up decision-making, free from technical gatekeeping, where ownership and accountability are key at all levels. But designing engines with a quarter million pounds of thrust is just the beginning. As the flight configuration enters qualification, the team is now exploring modifications for future engines, including thrust upgrades, new cycles, and design for mass production.
 

About the Role:

As an Engine Assembly Responsible Engineer on the Propulsion Integrated Design team, you will:

  • Own the overall layout and packaging of Aeon-R engines, in all of their different configurations (development, qualification, acceptance, first stage versus upper stage, etc.) 
  • Design and analyze final integration hardware, such as secondary structures, fluid manifolds, tubing, custom fittings, etc.
  • Work closely with component and sub-system owners across the Propulsion department to drive towards an optimal engine design.
  • Lead clean sheet conceptual design and layouts of new/upgraded engine configurations. 
  • Own and release top-level CAD models of the engine assembly. 
  • Track and report mass/mass projections of the Aeon-R engines. 
  • Own the Interface Control Diagram for Aeon-R engines, requiring close collaboration with vehicle and test stand partners. 
  • Champion configuration and change management for the Aeon-R engines. 
  • Partner closely with the Engine Integration engineers to successfully build and ship engines at increasing rate. 

About You:

  • Bachelor's degree in a science, engineering, technology, or mathematics field 
  • 8+ years of experience with fluid systems design and/or structural design
  • Experience applying fluid, thermal, structural, and mechanical design fundamentals
  • Experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD) software
  • Detail-oriented, organized, and able to follow through
  • Demonstrated drive to deliver on ambitious schedules, especially if unconventional & creative solutions are necessary to do so
  • Experience in mentoring junior engineers in the skills of design, layout trades, large assembly CAD ownership, change management, impact analysis, etc. 
  • Demonstrated project/technical leadership skills

Nice to haves, but not required:

  • Working knowledge of engine subsystems such as combustion devices, turbomachinery, valves, integration hardware, etc.
  • Experience in the design of liquid propulsion components and systems
  • Experience with large CAD model management, change management, and configuration management
  • Experience with Siemens NX, Teamcenter, and ANSYS workbench
  • Familiarity with industry best practices and aerospace standards
  • Familiarity with aerospace standards (AS, NAS, SAE, etc.)