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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 Aug 15, 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?

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.

Is engine assembly a good career?

Engine assembly is a skilled trade that involves assembling and installing engine components, often requiring mechanical aptitude and attention to detail. It offers steady employment opportunities in manufacturing and automotive industries, with potential for advancement and certification. The job typically involves working in a factory environment with safety protocols and may require physical stamina and technical training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in engine assembly, 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.

How do you become an engine assembler?

To become an engine assembler, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should have mechanical skills and attention to detail. Many employers provide on-the-job training, and some may prefer candidates with experience in manufacturing or with certifications in mechanical or technical fields.

How much do engine assemblers make?

Engine assemblers typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled assemblers with certifications or specialized tools may earn higher wages, and the job often involves working in manufacturing or automotive environments with safety protocols in place.

What are popular job titles related to Engine Assembly jobs in California?

For Engine Assembly jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Engine Assembly jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Engine Assembly jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Engine Assembly job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,188 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Senior Propulsion Engineer, Engine Assembly Design

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$94K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Relativity Space rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 72 rated aerospace companies


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 
  • 5+ 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

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.)

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