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Engine Assembly Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Engine Technician

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Hands on engine, head, and sub-assembly build experience. * Must have strong mechanical skills; ability to proficiently use all build related tools. * Proficient in MS Office products - Excel, Word ...

Previous race or production engine assembly or rebuilding experience * Previous Aerospace or Defense industry experience (Deburr, and/or Assembly) Responsibilities: * Collaborate with Manufacture ...

Responsible for coordinating both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance for rocket engine systems and support equipment. * Includes the coordination of engineering tasks between the assembly ...

Responsible for coordinating both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance for rocket engine systems and support equipment. * Includes the coordination of engineering tasks between the assembly ...

Engine Mechanic I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

San Diego, CA 92121 Shift: 2nd Shift (2:30 PM - 11:00 PM) Position Overview The Engine Mechanic I role is an entry-level position supporting the disassembly, inspection, repair, and assembly of aero ...

Engine Mechanic I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

San Diego, CA 92121 Shift: 2nd Shift - 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM Position Overview The Engine Mechanic I role is an entry-level position supporting the disassembly, inspection, repair, and assembly of aero ...

Engine Mechanic I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

Support engine disassembly, repair, and assembly processes following established work instructions. * Assist in preparing, cleaning, and visually inspecting engine parts and tools. * Learn and apply ...

Engine Mechanic II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

Engine Mechanic II Client : Aerospace Industry Duration : 6 months Location : San Diego, CA 92121 ... Actively participates, learns and applies knowledge to support disassembly, cleaning and assembly ...

Showing results 21-40

Engine Assembly information

See California salary details

$11

$16

$21

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.

Lead, Propulsion Analysis

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA

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

You will lead a team of analysts that is responsible for the analysis of integrated design hardware, which consists of things like the Aeon R engine's gimbal, bellows, flex hoses, propellant ducts, manifolds, primary structure, secondary structure, tubing, etc. Additionally, your team will own generating interface loads via engine assembly FEA models that drive the sizing of hardware across the entire engine. You will also be a key voice in conversations pertaining to best practices for analysis approaches, acceptable design factors, material allowables, etc. This role will require managing a small team, requiring strong mentorship, project management, establishing priorities, communicating with leadership, providing technical guidance, and recruiting. Close collaboration with stakeholders within Propulsion Engineering (Combustion Devices, Turbomachinery, and Components) and external to Propulsion Engineering (Materials, Design Criteria) is essential. To be successful in this role, you should be someone who thrives in ambiguity and knows how to lead (and guide) projects to completion. 

You and your team will be:

  • Responsible for the thermal, structural, dynamic, and durability (fatigue/fracture) analyses on Aeon-R engines and subsystems, to guide design decisions and ensure reliability and performance requirements are met
  • Responsible for the analysis of 3D-printed engine components, complex mechanical assemblies, and/or the structural integrity of the fully integrated engine assembly
  • Work hand-in-hand with mechanical designers and manufacturing engineers to arrive at optimal solutions for the engine and vehicle programs
  • Develop and execute tests to support development and qualification, including hands-on work like test article integration, instrumentation setup, and data processing

About You

  • Bachelor's degree in a science, engineering, technology, or mathematics field
  • 5+ years of relevant analysis experience, preferably with complex engineering systems
  • Experience in mentoring and demonstrated leadership skills
  • Experience with Finite Element Analysis Experience with computer aided design (CAD) software
  • Detail-oriented, organized, and able to follow through Strong drive to deliver on ambitious schedule

Nice to haves, but not required:

  • Experience in leading high performing teams 
  • Experience with design of liquid propulsion components and systems
  • Experience with Siemens NX, Teamcenter, and ANSYS workbench
  • Familiarity with industry best practices
  • Familiarity with aerospace standards

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