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Master Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Equipment Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$133K - $184K/yr

Master's degree from an accredited institution in mechanical, manufacturing, or other related ... bearings, lifting/rigging, etc. * Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

$120K - $170K/yr

Be able to recognize all aspects of hoist requirements for erection, rigging, hoisting operations ... Lead in developing and updating the project master schedule; coordinate with subcontractors to ...

Assistant Captain

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$70K - $89K/yr

USCG Merchant Mariner Credential as Master of 1600 Gross Registered Tons (GRT) for Oceans with ... API Rigger and Hydraulic Crane Operator certificates (or ability to obtain) * Possess or obtain ...

Flight Test Aircraft Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$93K - $158K/yr

... the master Bill of Materials (BOM) and system configuration record * Coordinates, tracks and ... Conducts on-aircraft functional tests as well as rigging and actuator calibration procedures ...

Flight Test Aircraft Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$93K - $158K/yr

... the master Bill of Materials (BOM) and system configuration record * Coordinates, tracks and ... Conducts on-aircraft functional tests as well as rigging and actuator calibration procedures ...

Lead Operating Engineer

San Diego, CA

$109K - $143K/yr

Journeyman or Master Electrician License, City Licenses, Operators License, Steam Engineers License ... install rigging/lifting devices • Regularly required to crouch and reach to install/move ...

Master's degree from an accredited institution in mechanical, manufacturing, or other related ... rigging, etc. * Experience with design of multi-component assemblies in CAD (NX or similar)

USCG Merchant Mariner Credential as Master of 1600 Gross Registered Tons (GRT) for Oceans with ... API Rigger and Hydraulic Crane Operator certificates (or ability to obtain) * Possess or obtain ...

Showing results 41-60

Master Rigger information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$36

How much do master rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for master rigger in California is $25.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a master rigger?

To thrive as a Master Rigger, you need extensive knowledge of rigging techniques, safety regulations, load calculations, and usually a certification such as NCCCO or equivalent. Familiarity with rigging hardware, hoists, cranes, and specialized lifting equipment is essential, along with the ability to read technical drawings and blueprints. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective team communication are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe and efficient handling of heavy loads, minimizing risk and ensuring successful project completion.

What is the difference between Master Rigger vs Rigger?

AspectMaster RiggerRigger
CertificationsOSHA certifications, specialized rigging licensesOSHA certifications, basic rigging training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial facilities, heavy lifting projectsConstruction sites, shipping yards, event setups
ResponsibilitiesOversees complex rigging operations, supervises rigging teamsPerforms rigging tasks under supervision, sets up lifting equipment

Master Riggers typically have advanced certifications and oversee complex lifting operations, while Riggers perform the hands-on setup and basic rigging tasks. Both roles are essential in construction and industrial settings, but Master Riggers hold more responsibility and specialized credentials.

What is a master rigger?

Master Riggers are highly skilled professionals responsible for lifting, moving, and positioning heavy objects using cranes, hoists, and other rigging equipment. They plan and oversee complex rigging operations, ensuring safety and precision at every step. Master Riggers often work in industries like construction, shipping, entertainment, and manufacturing, where moving large structures or machinery is required. Their expertise ensures that heavy loads are handled safely and efficiently, preventing accidents and equipment damage.

What are common challenges master riggers face when coordinating lifts on complex job sites?

Master Riggers frequently encounter challenges such as limited space, unpredictable weather conditions, and the need to manage multiple teams and equipment simultaneously. Effective communication and precise planning are essential to coordinate safely with crane operators, engineers, and site supervisors. Additionally, Master Riggers must ensure all lifting gear is inspected and certified, and that safety protocols are strictly followed to prevent accidents and delays. Staying up-to-date with regulations and adapting quickly to changes on-site are also key aspects of the role.

What are popular job titles related to Master Rigger jobs in California?

For Master Rigger jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Master Rigger jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Master Rigger jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Master Rigger job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,405 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Build Reliability Engineer (Falcon/Starship Valves & Components)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$103K - $130K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
BUILD RELIABILITY ENGINEER (FALCON/STARSHIP VALVES AND COMPONENTS)
The Build Reliability organization at SpaceX is an inclusive, inter-disciplinary team that is committed to the reliability of flight components and production assemblies. Your breadth of hardware ownership as a Build Reliability Engineer will be immense as you collaborate with other core groups at SpaceX, guiding the hardware from design to production and operation. You will employ "reliability by any means necessary", stretching your expertise in fabrication methods, work instructions, tooling design, inspection procedures, data gathering/visualization, and broad collaboration. You will build new processes from the ground up, and routinely grade/improve execution of existing processes, driving continuous production improvement and ultimately be responsible for build-induced vehicle risk. Driving decisions through data is critical, for new hardware this may require defining what data needs to be collected to inform future decisions. As issues arise you will need to have the ability to deep dive problems to understand the root cause and implement robust corrective actions. You thrive in a hands-on environment and will spend time in the office, on the factory floor, and in the lab to execute on the mission to make humanity interplanetary.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop manufacturing, integration, assembly, welding, NDE, cleanliness, and checkouts processes from the ground up, then enforce consistency across different work centers.
  • Identify current reliability gaps in the manufacturing/design process, ideate on solutions and implement to continue to improve reliability without slowing down build rate
  • Responsible partner with design engineering and manufacturing teams through product development and production to create quality plans for flight hardware, including identification of key characteristics, prototype testing for functionality and manufacturability, first article and detailed inspection planning, and consideration of past failures and lessons learned
  • Monitor the success of products and processes through production ramp-up using a suite of quality and analysis tools
  • Conduct regular build quality reviews to ensure that design intent is achieved and well-communicated; identify opportunities for risk reduction and removal of complexity in designs and processes to improve manufacturability, collaborating with integrated product teams to drive improvements and address high-impact and repeating non-conformances
  • Investigate failures in production, test and flight, identifying and mitigating the immediate and underlying root causes in order to reduce risk and improve reliability of designs and processes
  • Design and implement tooling for work access, mechanical/avionics/propulsion testing, build fixturing, lifting & rigging, and fluids.
  • Define and document inspection requirements and procedures.
  • Contain suspect or known non-conforming product, providing guidance to quality inspectors, technicians, shop supervisors and engineers to assist in quarantining and rework activities across multiple sites

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials engineering, manufacturing engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, or another STEM related field
  • 1+ years in a manufacturing, quality and/or design engineering role (student project team or internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Experience with the build, assembly, or integration of structures, avionics, valves, fluid system components, actuators, thermal protection systems, or other aerospace components.
  • Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, enthusiasm for the team's spirit of innovation and mission of improving reliability in cutting-edge technology
  • Master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials engineering, or electrical engineering
  • Demonstrated application of process controls in high volume manufacturing, test, and quality environment
  • Knowledge of welding requirements, demonstrated experience implementing process improvements for welding processes and implementing process controls for both automated and manual welding processes
  • Knowledge of quality tools such as Lean principles, measurement systems analysis, design of experiments, statistical process control, root cause analysis and corrective action, advanced product quality planning (APQP), metrology, process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA), control plans, and various problem solving approaches
  • Experience with the build, assembly, or integration of structures, avionics, valves, fluid system components, actuators, thermal protection systems, or other aerospace components.
  • Experience developing or supporting any of the following products/processes:
    • Complex mechanical/structural assemblies
    • Fluid component/valve assembly
    • CNC machining, forming, bending
    • Fluid system pressure testing
    • Welding (electron beam (EB)/TIG)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and offsite as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Build Reliability Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00/per year
Build Reliability Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US