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Make Ready Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Long Wall

Head of Vehicle Engineering

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$165K - $245K/yr

... ready work while recognizing that no one succeeds alone. The best engineers, corporate professionals, and technicians make their teammates better. Knowing that complementary skills create force ...

F5, Inc.

Sr Director, Engineering

San Jose, CA · On-site

That means we obsess over how to make the lives of our customers, and their customers, better. And ... Are you ready to shape the future of engineering for the F5 Distributed Cloud product? We're ...

Roku

Senior Director, Software Engineering

San Jose, CA · On-site

$296K/yr

This is a senior leadership role: you'll set the technical vision, shape our architecture for an AI-native future, and make Enterprise Engineering's systems agent-ready - all while championing ...

Roku

Senior Director, Software Engineering

San Jose, CA · On-site

$296K/yr

This is a senior leadership role: you'll set the technical vision, shape our architecture for an AI-native future, and make Enterprise Engineering's systems agent-ready - all while championing ...

Roku

Senior Director, Software Engineering

San Jose, CA · On-site

$296K/yr

This is a senior leadership role: you'll set the technical vision, shape our architecture for an AI-native future, and make Enterprise Engineering's systems agent-ready - all while championing ...

Actalent

Engineering Manager

San Jacinto, CA · On-site

Engineering Manager Ready to shape the future of manufacturing? The Engineering Manager is a key ... This is an opportunity to build high-performing teams, solve complex challenges, and make a ...

Qualified Health

Engineering Director

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

... make a lasting impact on patient care. If you're ambitious, innovative, and ready to move fast, we ... This is an engineering leadership role with ownership across our entire engineering organization ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsMake Ready Engineering JobsMake Ready Engineering Jobs in California

Make Ready Engineering information

See California salary details

$45.9K

$144.9K

$171.7K

How much do make ready engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for make ready engineering in California is $144,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,000.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Make Ready Engineering?

Make Ready Engineering refers to the process of preparing existing infrastructure, such as utility poles or conduits, for the installation of new telecommunications or power lines. This involves surveying, designing, and modifying the infrastructure to ensure it can safely and efficiently accommodate additional equipment. Make Ready Engineers work closely with utility companies, contractors, and regulatory agencies to coordinate necessary adjustments, such as moving or reinforcing existing wires or hardware. The goal is to ensure compliance with safety standards and to minimize service disruptions during the installation of new lines.

What are some common challenges faced by Make Ready Engineering professionals during the project lifecycle?

Make Ready Engineering professionals often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple utility companies, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Unexpected field conditions—like undocumented infrastructure or right-of-way issues—can also arise and require quick problem-solving. Effective communication and collaboration with project managers, construction crews, and local authorities are essential to successfully navigate these obstacles and keep projects on schedule.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Make Ready Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Make Ready Engineer, you need a strong understanding of utility infrastructure, site planning, and engineering principles, typically supported by a degree in engineering or related field. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS mapping systems, and knowledge of industry standards such as NESC or OSHA regulations are essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial to coordinate with utility companies and project teams. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and compliant preparation of sites for telecommunications or utility installations.

What is the difference between Make Ready Engineering vs Construction Engineering?

AspectMake Ready EngineeringConstruction Engineering
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, possibly PE licenseEngineering degree, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentPre-construction, planning, site assessmentsActive construction sites, project management
Industry UsageTelecom, utilities, real estate developmentBuilding, infrastructure, civil projects
Common Search IntentPreparing sites for construction, project readinessManaging ongoing construction projects

Make Ready Engineering focuses on preparing sites and infrastructure for new development or upgrades, often involving planning and assessments. Construction Engineering involves overseeing and managing active construction projects. While both roles require engineering credentials and work within the construction industry, Make Ready Engineering emphasizes pre-construction activities, whereas Construction Engineering is centered on project execution.

What are popular job titles related to Make Ready Engineering jobs in California?

For Make Ready Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Make Ready Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Make Ready Engineering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Make Ready Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Make Ready Engineering job openings:

Make Ready Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Make Ready Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,945 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Head of Vehicle Engineering

Long Wall

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$165K - $245K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Long Wall Company was created in 2024 to accelerate missile defense technology for the U.S. and our allies. Building on the RS1 and GS0 launch systems, Long Wall develops containerized, mass-producible missile defense systems and offers rapid, low-cost flight testing. We believe that the future of global security and stability require defensive technology that is lower cost, higher performing, better tested, and more broadly distributed than is possible today. Join us.
 
What we look for
Mission-Driven Problem Solvers. The aerospace frontier demands ingenuity. We want Team members who approach challenges with curiosity, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and stay focused on delivering the best solution for the mission.
 
Total Ownership. We seek staff and engineers who take full responsibility for contributing to and delivering flight-ready work while recognizing that no one succeeds alone. The best engineers, corporate professionals, and technicians make their teammates better. Knowing that complementary skills create force multiplication and drive mission success.

Head of Vehicle Engineering

DESCRIPTION

Long Wall is hiring a Head of Vehicle to lead the multidisciplinary team responsible for taking missile defense hardware from concept through flight. This leader owns the engineering vision, technical execution, and hiring, across the flight hardware design disciplines (e.g., structures, fluid systems, mechanisms), and coaches a team of engineers. They drive technical decisions across product lines and partner closely with propulsion, avionics, manufacturing, and mission assurance leadership to ensure flight-ready delivery on aggressive timelines. The role is hands-on enough to maintain technical credibility, but the principal contribution is multiplying the output of the team in a fast-moving, evolving-priorities environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Own end-to-end engineering delivery of hardware products - structures, fluid systems, mechanisms, primary structure, avionics enclosures - from concept through manufacturing, qualification, and field support
  • Lead, hire, develop, and mentor a team of engineers; set the bar for technical excellence and total ownership across the department
  • Define and execute the technical roadmap for the Vehicle Engineering department, balancing flight-ready execution with the build-out of containerized, mass-producible product lines
  • Own department headcount, schedule and planning; allocate resources to maximize mission impact per dollar
  • Drive design reviews, qualification plans, and risk-based decision-making; serve as the senior technical authority on hardware architecture and major trade studies
  • Partner cross-functionally with propulsion, avionics, GNC, manufacturing, supply chain, and test/launch leadership to integrate hardware into flight-ready systems on aggressive schedules
  • Represent Long Wall hardware capabilities to executive leadership, customers, and program partners, including the U.S. Government and allied defense organizations
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline from an accredited university
• Experience: 8–12 years of progressive industry experience in hardware design and development, including direct people-management responsibility for multiple engineers, disciplines, or sub-teams

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Proven track record taking flight or mission-critical hardware from concept through qualification and field operations in aerospace, defense, or similarly high-stakes environments
  • Direct management of engineering teams with accountability for hiring, performance, and career development
  • Ownership of departmental roadmap and investment, with experience making cost/schedule/risk trade-offs across multiple programs
  • Deep technical fluency in mechanical design, structural mechanics, fluid systems, manufacturing processes, GD&T, and DFM/DFA principles
  • Strong analytical foundation across hand calculations and FEA/CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS, NASTRAN); able to challenge analysis and red-team designs
  • Excellent written and verbal communication; able to brief executive leadership, customers, and government stakeholders on technical scope, risk, and progress
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Prior experience as a Head, Director, or Senior Manager of hardware engineering at a launch, missile, satellite, or defense systems company
  • Experience scaling a hardware engineering function from prototype to rate production, including the introduction of containerized or mass-producible designs
  • Familiarity with U.S. missile defense, hypersonics, or tactical/strategic deterrent programs and the associated customer environment (MDA, DoD, allied partners)
  • Working knowledge of major CAD platforms (NX, CATIA, CREO/Pro-E) and PLM systems (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill)
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity and shifting priorities on aggressive, mission-driven schedules
  • Active or recent U.S. security clearance (Secret or above)
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
  • Ability to use a computer to complete assignments
  • Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone and telepresence
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in an office environment
  • Ability to travel between sites as needed by company

This is the lowest to highest compensation range we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

In addition to base pay and equity, we offer:

  • Heavily employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
  • Long Wall paid life insurance and LTD coverage
  • 4% 401k match
  • Student loan repayment assistance program
  • Paid parental leave
  • Family planning assistance program
  • Long Wall paid financial wellness program
  • Paid time off for non-exempt employees and flexible vacation policy for exempt employees
ITAR Requirement
This position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations.  As such, US person status (including US citizens, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted U.S. asylum status, or individuals admitted in U.S. refugee status) is a required qualification for this position.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages.