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Mastering Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This is a great opportunity for a tugboat Chief Engineer looking to transition to a shoreside ... Understanding importance and taking pride and responsibility in mastering the small things, before ...

This is a great opportunity for a tugboat Chief Engineer looking to transition to a shoreside ... Understanding importance and taking pride and responsibility in mastering the small things, before ...

Port Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$120K/yr

This is a great opportunity for a tugboat Chief Engineer looking to transition to a shoreside ... before mastering the big ones. • Understand and respect the chain of command. Ability to take ...

The AI Engineer role focuses on mastering Claude Code, building AI orchestration patterns, and refining the architecture for real-time decision-making in AI systems. Responsibilities : • Become the ...

Description As an RF Integrity Engineer, you are a natural problem-solver, comfortable navigating issues without clear boundaries and passionate about mastering new technologies. You possess deep ...

Staff Software Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$200K - $500K/yr

You have a track record of diving into complex domains, mastering them quickly, and guiding others ... You have a track record of leading the resolution of difficult engineering challenges, whether it ...

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Mastering Engineer information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$100.4K

$135.7K

How much do mastering engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for mastering engineer in California is $100,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Mastering Engineer, you need a deep understanding of audio engineering, acoustics, signal processing, and typically a degree or certificate in audio production or a related field. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, specialized mastering software, and high-end audio equipment is essential. Attention to detail, critical listening, and strong communication skills set outstanding mastering engineers apart. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality, commercially viable audio that meets industry standards and client expectations.

What are mastering engineers?

Mastering engineers are audio professionals who prepare and finalize music or audio recordings for distribution. They use specialized equipment and software to balance frequencies, adjust dynamics, and ensure consistency across tracks, making sure the final product sounds polished on all playback systems. Mastering engineers also sequence tracks, embed metadata, and create various formats required for streaming, CDs, or vinyl. Their expertise is crucial in giving recordings a professional, cohesive sound that meets industry standards.

Who is a famous mastering engineer?

One of the most renowned mastering engineers is Bob Ludwig, known for his work on numerous Grammy-winning albums. Mastering engineers use specialized equipment and techniques to prepare recordings for distribution, ensuring consistent sound quality across formats.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in tech companies or industries with high demand for technical expertise.

What are some common challenges Mastering Engineers face when working with a variety of musical genres?

Mastering Engineers often encounter the challenge of adapting their technical approach and artistic judgement to suit diverse musical genres, each with its own sonic characteristics and listener expectations. For example, mastering a jazz record requires preserving dynamic range and subtlety, while electronic dance music may prioritize loudness and punch. Navigating these differences demands a deep understanding of genre conventions, critical listening skills, and effective communication with clients to achieve the desired sound. Staying current with industry standards and collaborating closely with mixing engineers and artists are key to overcoming these challenges.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level engineering positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of project management and technical expertise.

What exactly does a mastering engineer do?

A mastering engineer is responsible for preparing audio recordings for distribution by balancing sound levels, equalization, and compression to ensure consistency across tracks and formats. They use specialized equipment and software to enhance audio quality and ensure the final product meets industry standards before release.

What is the difference between Mastering Engineer vs Mixing Engineer?

AspectMastering EngineerMixing Engineer
CredentialsAudio engineering certifications, specialized mastering coursesAudio engineering certifications, mixing courses
Work EnvironmentPost-production, mastering studios, often independentRecording studios, post-production, often collaborative
Industry UsageFinalizing tracks for distribution, ensuring consistencyCreating the initial stereo mix, balancing elements

Mastering Engineers focus on preparing a final stereo track for distribution, ensuring consistency and optimal sound quality across formats. Mixing Engineers create the initial mix, balancing individual tracks. While both roles require audio engineering skills and certifications, their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly, with mastering being the final step before release.

What cities in California are hiring for Mastering Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Mastering Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Mastering Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 61% Physical, and 39% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,420 per year, or $48.3 per hour.
Port Engineer

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Efficiency. Innovation. Integrity. These are our 3 Pillars. At Curtin Maritime, these core values are the framework for safe performance and operational excellence; proof of these pillars is evident in our people and our fleet. For 25 years, Curtin Maritime has been an industry leader in quality maritime solutions. With current and upcoming projects expanding rapidly, we are looking to utilize your expertise to support us in accelerating our organizational growth.


TRAVEL REQUIRED


THIS ROLE:


Curtin Maritime is looking for innovative thinkers who have a high level of accountability, ownership, and take pride in their work. This is a great opportunity for a tugboat Chief Engineer looking to transition to a shoreside position, but this is not required. The preferred candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of experience in an engineering position, or similar mechanical aptitude, on tugboats and must have strong computer and administrative skills. Experience in the management of vessel drydockings, and actual hands-on mechanical skills on a wide variety of equipment is ideal. The position is based in Long Beach, CA.


The Port Engineer will work hand in hand with Engineering Manager and collaborate with team to meet below responsibilities and tasks.


WHAT YOU'LL DO:


Assist Engineering Manager with Vessel Engineers & Engineering Support Staff (Shoreside Mechanics/Welders)
Support implementation of Engineering policies and procedures
Purchasing related to normal vessel operations
Enforcement of Helm Connect related to engineering tasks
Assist as directed with all Engineering and Marine Transportation department needs
Assist in Management of Vessel Engineers
Coordinate with Senior Port Engineer in assigning tasks to vessel engineers
Secondary Point of Contact for Vessel Engineers
Enforce Tasks are completed in timely manner
Ensure Parts Requests are completed and delivered to vessel
Vessel Operation and Engineering
Assist in management of work plans for the fleet through Helm Connect
Attend vessel drydock periods, report on progress and budgets
Assist in mobilization and outfitting efforts of vessels going on long-term or specialty jobs


Support Development and implementation of Engineering policies, procedures, and training
Enforce Engineering policies and procedures for all vessels
Actively participate in training programs


Purchasing related to normal vessel operations
Liaison with purchasing department
Review requisitions relating to engineering before Senior Port Engineer approval
Assist in determining vendors and tracking specific parts


Helm Connect related to engineering operations
Ensure all planned and completed tasks are input in Helm Connect
Ensure all staff are utilizing Helm Connect properly


WHO YOU ARE:


Mental Aptitudes
Ability to handle stressful situations with focus.
Understanding importance and taking pride and responsibility in mastering the small things, before mastering the big ones.
Understand and respect the chain of command. Ability to take direction no matter how it is given.
Continuously demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and ownership by being pro-active in all situations/tasks.


Physical Aptitudes
The employee must meet physical requirements including but not limited to, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing up/down ladders and stairs, negotiating uneven and moving surfaces
Able to work in confined spaces and carry heavy tools for extended periods of time
Must be able to pull heavy lines/hoses, lift, carry heavy items, climb onto barges and up and down ladders.
Must be comfortable entering tanks and other confined spaces
Must be able to work in difficult conditions with exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, wind, heat, etc.)
Must be comfortable working aboard boats and barges using heavy lines, winches, and mechanical tools for repairs
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Ability to work when exposed to odors, dust, dirt, mechanical hazards, high noise levels, and potentially hazardous equipment.


Minimum Qualifications
At least 5 years of related experience
TWIC Card


WHAT WE OFFER:
Competitive Compensation
Generous benefits package including Medical (Dental, Vision, STD & AD&D/Life Insurance at no cost for employee's coverage) with additional option to elect incremental Life Insurance for employee and dependents and choice to elect Health and/or Dependent Flexible Spending Account


Curtin Maritime is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.