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Jet Engine Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Must be able to perform the following functions in variable weather conditions as well as environmental conditions, i.e., jet engine fumes, vehicle emissions, dust, and jet engine noise. * Load and ...

Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $7.4 Billion in revenue in 2024, our products play a crucial role ...

Aircraft Mechanic

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$39 - $45/hr

Jet Engine - Inspection, engine control rigging, and basic maintenance. * Electrics - Use wiring schematics, trace ground, and power faults, and rectify component failures. * Minor Fuel system repair ...

Showing results 21-40

Jet Engine information

See California salary details

$12

$29

$41

How much do jet engine jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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.

What is a jet engine?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a jet engine mechanic?

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 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.

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.

How to become a jet engine?

A jet engine is a mechanical component, not a job position. To work on jet engines, individuals typically pursue a career as an aerospace or aircraft maintenance technician, which requires relevant technical training, certifications such as FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification, and experience with engine repair and maintenance. Gaining knowledge of aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and safety standards is essential for working with jet engines in the aviation industry.
Infographic showing various Jet Engine job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,724 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Staff Propulsion Integration Engineer, Omen with Security Clearance

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$220K - $292K/yr

Other

Re-posted 11 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,812 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years. ABOUT THE JOB Anduril is seeking a Staff Propulsion Integration Engineer to join the Omen Team at our Costa Mesa HQ. Omen is Anduril's hover-to-cruise autonomous air vehicle (AAV) that packs the endurance, payload, and mission flexibility of much larger airplanes into a novel runway-independent Group 3 platform. Omen can operate from ship decks, beaches, or remote island clearings, providing true runway independence and freedom of maneuver across defense and civilian domains. Omen is the first tail-sitter aircraft with a mass-production contract, with an order of 50 systems representing a decisive investment that anchors production and accelerates the development of future systems. You will work on new aircraft development in a lean, high-ownership culture where you directly shape the product and operate at a velocity to fly new designs within months, not years ABOUT THE TEAM You will work on core product development for unmanned rotorcraft and complex systems, including but not limited to composites, mechanisms, structures and tooling. The ideal candidate would be practical, hands-on and a self starter. High growth potential is possible as well as additional leadership opportunities. WHAT YOU'LL DO * Critical member of team for selection and integration of aircraft engines, engine components, and fuel systems on unmanned air vehicles * 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 * Support critical hardware demonstrations with customers as needed * Critical member of team supporting CAD design for internal aerodynamic loft, surfaces and structures * Travel to test sites as needed REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS * 12+ years of propulsion engineering experience on air vehicles (manned or unmanned) * Professional experience with jet engines in the 1,000-20,000 lbf thrust class. * Knowledge of jet engine fundamentals * Experience with use of engine cycle decks * Exposure to testing of engines or powertrain components * Experience designing mechanical parts and surface loft (CAD) * Understanding of manufacturing methods (machining, sheet metal, composites, 3D printing, injection molding, etc) * BS or higher degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering * Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. security clearance PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS * Experience in NX/Teamcenter * Hands-on experience with jet engine testing including test practices, instrumentation, and data processing * Knowledge and experience working with Engine Management Systems (EMS), OEM or motorsport * Experience procuring parts and working in a machine shop. Working knowledge of machine safety and shop safety protocols * Experience with Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Design Build Fly, etc. US Salary Range $220,000 - $292,000 USD The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including: Benefits At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits . Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information. To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind: * No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates. * Please always verify communications: * Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address. * Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to . * Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links. * What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to . Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts. Data Privacy To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/ . By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security. Create a Job Alert Interested in building your career at Anduril Industries? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email. Create alert

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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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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