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Jet Engine Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Jet Engine information

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$12

$29

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How much do jet engine jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for jet engine in California is $29.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $35.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money does a jet engine mechanic make?

A jet engine mechanic typically earns a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Experienced mechanics with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, and the job often involves working in maintenance, repair, and inspection environments on aircraft engines.

What are some common challenges faced by jet engine technicians on the job?

Jet engine technicians often encounter challenges such as diagnosing complex mechanical or electronic issues under tight deadlines, adapting to rapidly evolving technologies, and working in high-pressure environments where safety is paramount. Maintenance and repairs may require collaboration with engineers, pilots, and other specialists, as well as meticulous attention to detail to ensure compliance with strict regulatory standards. Staying current with ongoing training and certifications is also essential for career advancement in this field.

Can you make 300k as an A&P mechanic?

Earning $300,000 as an A&P mechanic is uncommon and typically requires extensive experience, working in high-paying sectors such as corporate or private aviation, or holding supervisory or specialized roles. Most A&P mechanics earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, with higher salaries possible through overtime, certifications, or management positions.

What are jet engines and how do they work?

Jet engines are powerful propulsion systems used primarily in aircraft to generate thrust by expelling high-speed jets of gas. They work on the principle of Newton's Third Law: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Air is drawn into the engine, compressed, mixed with fuel, and ignited. The resulting high-pressure exhaust gases are expelled out the back, pushing the engine—and the aircraft—forward. Jet engines are known for their efficiency at high speeds and altitudes.

What is the highest paid aviation job?

The highest paid aviation jobs typically include airline pilots, especially captains of large commercial aircraft, and aerospace engineers involved in aircraft design and testing. These roles require extensive experience, specialized certifications, and often involve long hours and high responsibility, leading to top-tier salaries in the industry.

What is the difference between Jet Engine vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectJet EngineAircraft Maintenance Technician
Required CredentialsEngineering degree or specialized training in jet propulsionCertification such as FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and troubleshooting jet engines in labs or manufacturing facilitiesInspecting, repairing, and maintaining aircraft systems at airports or maintenance hangars
Employer & Industry UsageAircraft engine manufacturers, aerospace companies, militaryAirlines, private aviation, maintenance service providers

Jet Engine specialists focus on designing, testing, and troubleshooting jet propulsion systems, often working in labs or manufacturing settings. Aircraft Maintenance Technicians perform inspections, repairs, and maintenance on entire aircraft, including engines, in operational environments. Both roles require technical skills but differ in scope and work environment.

Can you make 100k as an aircraft mechanic?

Aircraft mechanics, including jet engine technicians, can earn $100,000 or more annually with experience, specialized skills, and certifications such as an FAA Airframe and Powerplant license. Salaries vary by location, employer, and level of expertise, with those working for major airlines or in high-cost areas often earning higher wages. Advancement and overtime can also contribute to reaching or exceeding this income level.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Jet Engine Mechanic, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Jet Engine Mechanic, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, aeronautics, and hands-on experience with turbine engines, often supported by FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification or equivalent. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, engine management systems, and manufacturer-specific maintenance software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure jet engines are maintained to the highest safety and performance standards, directly impacting flight safety and operational efficiency.
What are the most commonly searched types of Jet Engine jobs in California? The most popular types of Jet Engine jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Jet Engine jobs in California? For Jet Engine jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Jet Engine jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Jet Engine jobs in California are:
Jet Engine jobs near you
Infographic showing various Jet Engine job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,724 per year, or $29.2 per hour.
Senior Propulsion Engineer, Air Vehicles (Air Breathing Engine Integration)

Senior Propulsion Engineer, Air Vehicles (Air Breathing Engine Integration)

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

$112K - $148K/yr

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Air Dominance & Strike Propulsion Integration team is responsible for designing and integrating advanced hardware for Group 5 air vehicles and across missile platforms. Air Dominance & Strike Propulsion Engineers own the full development lifecycle, from concept generation, to integration and flight test, ensuring high-performance, resilient, and scalable mechanical systems that meet the demands of complex, contested environments.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Serve as a lead or key contributor in the selection, architecting, and integration of aircraft engines, engine components, and engine controls on unmanned air vehicles (UAVs).
  • Design, fabricate, and test prototype components and control systems.
  • Plan, instrument, and execute tests of aircraft propulsion systems.
  • Coordinate with engine vendors, develop strategic partnerships, and manage development projects.
  • Lead or support critical hardware demonstrations with customers as needed.
  • Critical member of team supporting CAD design for inlet / exhaust shaping, surfaces and structures.
  • Travel to test sites as needed.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering.
  • 8+ years of propulsion engineering experience on air vehicles (manned or unmanned).
  • Experience with jet engines in the 250-20,000 lbf thrust class.
  • Strong understanding of jet engine fundamentals and thermodynamic cycles.
  • Proven experience designing complex mechanical parts, structural components, and surface lofts (using 3D CAD).
  • Exposure to testing of engines or powertrain components.
  • Familiar with manufacturing methods (machining, sheet metal, composites, 3D printing, injection molding, etc.).
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience in NX / Teamcenter, Python, MATLAB, IADs.
  • Hands-on experience with jet engine testing including test practices, instrumentation, and data processing.
  • Previous work experience at a jet engine OEM or supplier, with a deep understanding of engine performance trade-offs.
  • Knowledge and experience working with FADEC, Engine Management Systems (EMS), or equivalent aircraft engine control systems.
  • Experience procuring parts and working in a machine shop. Working knowledge of machine safety and shop safety protocols.
  • Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

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About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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