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Humanitarian Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

Civil Engineer

Chico, CA

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

... humanitarian outreach and military deployment. PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start, you'll ... Following your initial tour as a Civil Engineer, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS ...

U.S. Navy

Civil Engineer

Arcata, CA

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

... humanitarian outreach and military deployment. PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start, you'll ... Following your initial tour as a Civil Engineer, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS ...

U.S. Navy

Civil Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

... humanitarian outreach and military deployment. PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start, you'll ... Following your initial tour as a Civil Engineer, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS ...

U.S. Navy

Civil Engineer

Sacramento, CA

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

... humanitarian outreach and military deployment. PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start, you'll ... Following your initial tour as a Civil Engineer, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS ...

U.S. Navy

Civil Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

... humanitarian outreach and military deployment. PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start, you'll ... Following your initial tour as a Civil Engineer, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS ...

U.S. Navy

Civil Engineer

Northridge, CA

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

... humanitarian outreach and military deployment. PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start, you'll ... Following your initial tour as a Civil Engineer, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS ...

U.S. Navy

Civil Engineer

Northridge, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

... humanitarian outreach and military deployment. PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start, you'll ... Following your initial tour as a Civil Engineer, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS ...

U.S. Navy

Civil Engineer

Arcata, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

... humanitarian outreach and military deployment. PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start, you'll ... Following your initial tour as a Civil Engineer, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS ...

U.S. Navy

Civil Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

... humanitarian outreach and military deployment. PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start, you'll ... Following your initial tour as a Civil Engineer, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS ...

U.S. Navy

Civil Engineer

Pomona, CA

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

... humanitarian outreach and military deployment. PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start, you'll ... Following your initial tour as a Civil Engineer, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS ...

U.S. Navy

Civil Engineer

Merced, CA

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

... humanitarian outreach and military deployment. PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start, you'll ... Following your initial tour as a Civil Engineer, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS ...

U.S. Navy

Civil Engineer

Fresno, CA

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

... humanitarian outreach and military deployment. PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start, you'll ... Following your initial tour as a Civil Engineer, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS ...

U.S. Navy

Civil Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

... humanitarian outreach and military deployment. PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start, you'll ... Following your initial tour as a Civil Engineer, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS ...

U.S. Navy

Civil Engineer

Fresno, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

... humanitarian outreach and military deployment. PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start, you'll ... Following your initial tour as a Civil Engineer, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS ...

U.S. Navy

Civil Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

... humanitarian outreach and military deployment. PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start, you'll ... Following your initial tour as a Civil Engineer, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS ...

U.S. Navy

Civil Engineer

Bakersfield, CA

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

... humanitarian outreach and military deployment. PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start, you'll ... Following your initial tour as a Civil Engineer, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS ...

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All JobsHumanitarian Engineer JobsHumanitarian Engineer Jobs in California

Humanitarian Engineer information

See California salary details

$52.8K

$129.6K

$191K

How much do humanitarian engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for humanitarian engineer in California is $129,629.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,100.00 and $145,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a humanitarian engineer do?

Humanitarian engineers develop technology to improve the standard of living in poor or developing communities. In this role, you may design agricultural methods to promote sustainable living, create technology for clean water and sanitation, improve healthcare tools, and build lighting, heating, and cooking methods that produce less pollution. A humanitarian engineer may work in underdeveloped countries or help in areas that have suffered from a natural disaster. Your specific job duties may differ, depending on the situation, but your ultimate goal is to improve the lives of those in poverty or who have lost much of what they had through unforeseen circumstances. Humanitarian engineers typically work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, and faith-based charities.

What is a humanitarian engineer?

Humanitarian engineers are professionals who apply engineering principles and technology to address challenges faced by vulnerable or underserved communities. Their work focuses on designing, developing, and implementing solutions that improve access to basic needs such as clean water, sanitation, shelter, and energy. Humanitarian engineers often collaborate with local communities, NGOs, and international organizations to create sustainable and culturally appropriate solutions. Their projects may take place in disaster-stricken areas, developing countries, or marginalized regions. The goal is to use engineering skills for social good and enhance the quality of life for people in need.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a humanitarian engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Humanitarian Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, problem-solving, and project management, often with a degree in engineering and experience in international or development work. Familiarity with tools like AutoCAD, GIS software, and knowledge of standards such as SPHERE or WASH guidelines is typically required. Strong communication, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration skills set successful professionals apart in diverse, resource-limited environments. These skills are vital for designing and implementing sustainable solutions that effectively address the urgent needs of vulnerable communities.

How much does a humanitarian engineer make?

A humanitarian engineer's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the organization. Senior roles or those with specialized skills may earn higher wages, especially in international or field-based positions requiring technical expertise and project management skills.

What are some common challenges faced by humanitarian engineers when working in the field?

Humanitarian engineers often encounter challenges such as limited resources, unpredictable environments, and cultural differences while working in the field. Adapting technical solutions to local contexts and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including community members and NGOs, is crucial for effective project delivery. Additionally, balancing sustainability with immediate impact and ensuring that solutions are maintainable by local communities can require creative problem-solving and strong communication skills.

What is the difference between Humanitarian Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectHumanitarian EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in engineering, often with humanitarian or development focusBachelor's or higher in civil engineering, professional licensure often required
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in disaster zones, developing countries, or underserved areasConstruction sites, urban planning projects, infrastructure development
Employer & IndustryNGOs, international agencies, humanitarian organizationsConstruction firms, government agencies, consulting firms
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on humanitarian projects, disaster relief, sustainable developmentInfrastructure, urban development, transportation projects

Humanitarian Engineers and Civil Engineers share foundational engineering skills, but Humanitarian Engineers focus on projects in disaster zones and underserved communities, often working with NGOs and international agencies. Civil Engineers typically work on infrastructure and urban development within more traditional settings. Both roles require engineering credentials, but their work environments and project types differ significantly.

More about Humanitarian Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Humanitarian Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Humanitarian Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Humanitarian Engineer jobs in California? For Humanitarian Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Humanitarian Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Humanitarian Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Humanitarian Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Humanitarian Engineer job openings:
Humanitarian Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Humanitarian Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,629 per year, or $62.3 per hour.

Global Response Manager - Emergency Response Team

CORE Community Organized Relief Effort

Los Angeles, CA • On-site, Remote

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Description
CORE is seeking a Global Response Manager - Emergency Response Team to support the design, implementation, and management of humanitarian and emergency response programs globally. This role deploys within 48 hours to disasters and humanitarian crises to establish and lead response programs, manage field teams, and coordinate with local partners, governments, and humanitarian coordination systems
In addition to emergency response leadership, this role will support the management of humanitarian programs across CORE's portfolio and contribute to strengthening the organization's operational readiness and response capacity.
The Global Response Manager will also play a key role in capacity building and preparedness efforts within CORE's existing markets and offices in the United States and internationally, helping strengthen locally led response capabilities, operational systems, and program readiness for future crises.
The ideal candidate is an experienced humanitarian practitioner with strong field leadership experience, familiarity with international humanitarian coordination systems, and the ability to manage programs and teams in complex environments.
Practical field experience in operational response activities-such as debris removal, emergency shelter repair, construction, logistics support, or other hands-on humanitarian response operations-is highly desirable.
Main Responsibilities:
Emergency & Humanitarian Operations
  • Available for global deployment on short notice (within 48 hours), including to complex emergency environments, to establish and oversee humanitarian response operations.
  • Lead field teams and ensure safe, effective, and accountable program implementation.
  • Conduct rapid needs assessments and support the development of response strategies and operational plans.
  • Coordinate with local governments, NGOs, community-based organizations, and humanitarian coordination mechanisms to ensure integrated response efforts.
  • Support the design and implementation of humanitarian programs including debris removal, emergency shelter repair, cash and voucher assistance (CVA), community recovery initiatives, and other emergency support programs.
  • Manage operational aspects of field programs including staffing, logistics, procurement, and implementation oversight.

Program Management
  • Support the planning, implementation, and oversight of humanitarian programs across CORE's response portfolio.
  • Assist in the development of program strategies, operational plans, and budgets for new and ongoing response programs.
  • Ensure program implementation aligns with donor requirements, CORE policies, and humanitarian standards.
  • Monitor program progress, track outputs, and contribute to reporting on program performance and impact.
  • Document lessons learned and support continuous improvement of CORE's humanitarian programming.
  • Utilize CORE systems and platforms (e.g., Survey123, ArcGIS/Esri products, Microsoft 365) to support data collection, program tracking, analysis, and reporting.
  • Support the implementation of Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) programs using financial service provider (FSP) platforms (e.g., RedRose, Tremendous), including beneficiary registration, distribution tracking, and reconciliation processes.

Training, Capacity Building & Market Readiness
  • Develop and facilitate training sessions for emergency response personnel, team leads, and field staff.
  • Support the development and refinement of CORE's emergency response playbooks, operational frameworks, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Provide operational mentorship and technical support to CORE staff and partners in domestic and international programs.
  • Strengthen locally led response capacity within CORE's existing program locations through training, mentorship, and operational guidance.
  • Support the development of CORE's emergency response roster and leadership pipeline.

Preparedness & Organizational Readiness
  • Monitor emerging humanitarian crises and disaster events using internal and external data sources to support early response planning and decision-making.
  • Support organizational preparedness planning and operational readiness initiatives across CORE departments.
  • Design and support simulation exercises and readiness drills to test response systems and coordination.
  • Identify operational gaps and recommend improvements to response systems, tools, and workflows.
  • Monitor emerging humanitarian crises, disasters, and global risk trends to inform early response planning.
  • Support contingency planning and preparedness coordination across CORE's domestic and international program locations.

Coordination & Partnerships
  • Represent CORE in coordination meetings with humanitarian partners, government agencies, and NGOs.
  • Support engagement with local partners, community leaders, and operational stakeholders in response settings.
  • Coordinate across CORE departments including logistics, programs, finance, and People & Culture to ensure effective program implementation.
  • Contribute to building partnerships that strengthen CORE's humanitarian response capacity.

Budget & Resource Management
  • Assist with monitoring program budgets and operational expenses.
  • Coordinate with logistics and procurement teams to secure resources required for program implementation.
  • Support the identification of funding opportunities and contribute to proposal development when needed.

Deliverables for this Role Include:
  • Successful deployment and leadership of emergency and humanitarian response operations.
  • Effective implementation and management of humanitarian programs in domestic and international contexts.
  • Development of training materials, operational documentation, and response frameworks that strengthen CORE's emergency operations capacity.
  • After-action reports and program documentation capturing lessons learned and operational improvements.
  • Strengthened preparedness and operational readiness across CORE's programs and offices.

Scope and Travel:
  • Must be available for global deployment on short notice (often within 48 hours) for response assignments ranging from 2-10 weeks in domestic and international locations, including complex and low-resource environments.
  • Will directly supervise field teams and coordinate with emergency response stakeholders.
  • Expected to lead training and simulations in both remote and in-person settings.
  • Position requires frequent travel, driving and the ability to work in challenging field environments.
  • Must be based in the U.S
  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens with current and valid passport

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in humanitarian studies, emergency management, international development, public administration, or a related field preferred but not required.
  • Candidates with extensive relevant field experience in humanitarian response, disaster operations, or program management in lieu of formal education are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Equivalent combinations of education, professional experience, field deployments, or technical training will be considered.
  • Valid Passport & Driver's License with no significant infractions in the last five years.

Experience:
  • Minimum 4 years of experience in humanitarian response, disaster operations, or international program management.
  • Experience deploying to field operations in humanitarian or disaster response settings.
  • Experience managing programs, operations, or field teams in complex environments.
  • Experience working with NGOs, international organizations, or humanitarian coordination systems.
  • Experience using operational data systems (e.g., Survey123, ArcGIS/Esri, Microsoft 365) and/or supporting Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) programming through financial service provider (FSP) platforms (e.g., RedRose, Tremendous) is highly desirable.
  • Practical field experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:
    • Debris removal or disaster cleanup operations
    • Shelter repair or reconstruction
    • Emergency home repair
    • Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) programming
    • Humanitarian logistics or operational response support

Skills & Competencies:
  • Strong leadership and crisis management skills in high-stress environments.
  • Experience managing humanitarian programs and field operations.
  • Familiarity with humanitarian coordination mechanisms and response frameworks (VOADs/Clusters).
  • Ability to work in dynamic environments and adapt to rapidly evolving operational contexts.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills.
  • Ability to develop operational documentation, training materials, and response frameworks.
  • Strong logistics coordination, budgeting, and operational planning skills.
  • Knowledge of humanitarian standards including Sphere and humanitarian accountability principles.
  • Bilingual candidates preferred (Spanish, French, or Arabic highly desirable).
  • Comfortable with extensive travel and deployment to challenging field environments.

Apply