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Engine Assembly Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Engine Assembly information

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How much do engine assembly jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 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.
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:
Engine Assembly jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engine Assembly job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% 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.
Senior Propulsion Test Responsible Engineer

Senior Propulsion Test Responsible Engineer

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

About the Role: 

This role is on the Engine Systems & Test Team. Our work spans simulation & software tools; system-level architecture, requirements, and interfaces; component & integrated system hotfire testing; and more. We collaborate closely with component engineers, our manufacturing team, our Stennis test team, and our Cape launch team to deliver engines that will successfully propel the Terran rocket to orbit. We strive for continuous improvement and support the development of our technical hardware and human teammates alike. 

We are hiring for the integrated engine test team (which tests the full engine assembly). Your work may span several different areas depending on your skillset and the team's needs at the time.

  • In the test part of your role, you will serve as a Responsible Engineer for propulsion test articles.
    • You will develop test plans in collaboration with product owners, and you will execute test campaigns with our Stennis team, troubleshooting technical puzzles along the way.
    • You will own the exploratory operation of new and existing test article designs, diving deep into the evaluation of test hardware behavior in support of continuous engine development and certification.
    • This role is extremely varied day-to-day and, in addition to overall campaign ownership, can include writing test sequences, reviewing data, hands-on work with test articles, writing code, sitting console for hotfire tests, designing tooling, and more.
  • Most test roles also involve systems work - on this side of your role, you may support engine subsystem troubleshooting, partner team product investigations, engine system analysis and simulation, trade studies, and more.
  • You will also take ownership of projects of your creation to increase our collective efficiency.
  • As our vehicle development program progresses, you may have the opportunity to be involved in stage test and flight campaigns - including sitting console for launch operations, defining stage test objectives, and defining flight concepts of operations (CONOPS).

In order to be successful in this role, you should be a self-starter who is capable of leading collaborative projects to completion. You should be always looking for ways to improve yourself & learn more about the systems that interface with yours - who will leverage the training & mentorship we provide to grow as an engineer and an individual. Along with these high expectations comes the opportunity to have a significant influence on a fast- growing startup company and to make rapid professional gains in an environment that encourages growth and risk.

Work schedule & travel:

  • This role is full-time onsite in Long Beach, CA with an average of 25% travel to our test & launch sites.
  • This role may occasionally require weekend work for critical milestones.
  • This role requires working shifted schedules (1st and 2nd shift) on a rotating basis

About You:  

  • We believe varied perspectives & backgrounds strengthen our team. Prior experience in aerospace is not required.
  • 5+ years of experience in a complex engineering system development and/or test environment
    Bachelor's degree in a science, engineering, technology, or mathematics field
  • Experience with:
    • Applying engineering fundamentals in fluid mechanics & thermodynamics
    • Problem-solving
    • Working in a collaborative environment
  • Demonstrated ability to execute high-ownership projects on ambitious schedules, especially if unconventional solutions are necessary to do so

Nice to haves but not required:  

  • Exposure to test operations environments
  • Working knowledge of at least one of the following: combustion devices, valves, heat exchangers, or instrumentation

Apply