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Military Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MalaceHR

Lead Operating Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA

$110K - $144K/yr

Technical or trade school background, union training, or military engineering experience * Background in industrial maintenance or manufacturing environments Role impact This position is designed for ...

Military Department

Chief Engineer II

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$6.9K - $8.9K/mo

The Chief Engineer II plans, assigns, and supervises the work of skilled and semiskilled personnel ... CA Military Dept. Work Shift: 7:00am to 3:30pm Work Week: Monday - Friday Department Information ...

PPG

Senior Quality Engineer, Military

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$89K - $121K/yr

You will work with directly with military programs. You bring technical quality expertise while ... Apply quality engineering tools such as RCCA, MSA, and SPC to resolve issues and improve process ...

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All JobsMilitary Engineering JobsMilitary Engineering Jobs in California

Military Engineering information

See California salary details

$45.9K

$144.9K

$171.7K

How much do military engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for military 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 the difference between Military Engineering vs Civil Engineering?

AspectMilitary EngineeringCivil Engineering
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, military clearance, specialized trainingEngineering degree, professional licensure
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, field operations, combat zonesConstruction sites, urban and rural infrastructure projects
Employer & Industry UsageMilitary organizations, defense contractorsConstruction firms, government agencies, private sector

Military Engineering focuses on designing and constructing military facilities, fortifications, and infrastructure in challenging environments, often requiring security clearances. Civil Engineering involves planning, designing, and maintaining public infrastructure like roads, bridges, and buildings. While both fields require engineering degrees, Military Engineering emphasizes defense-related projects and field operations, whereas Civil Engineering centers on civilian infrastructure development.

What is military engineering?

Military engineering is a specialized field that involves designing, constructing, and maintaining structures and systems to support military operations. This includes building fortifications, bridges, roads, airfields, and other infrastructure essential for defense and combat effectiveness. Military engineers also handle tasks like demolitions, minefield clearance, and providing logistical support to ensure the mobility, survivability, and effectiveness of armed forces in various environments.

What military engineering jobs are there in the military?

Military engineering jobs include roles such as combat engineers, construction engineers, and explosive ordnance disposal specialists. These positions involve tasks like building infrastructure, demolitions, and providing technical support in various operational environments, often requiring specialized training and security clearances.

What are some common challenges military engineers face while working on active deployment sites?

Military engineers often encounter unique challenges on active deployment sites, such as unpredictable environmental conditions, limited access to supplies, and the need to quickly adapt plans to changing mission requirements. Working under strict security protocols and tight deadlines is common, and collaboration with military personnel from diverse backgrounds is essential for successful project completion. Adaptability, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are crucial in overcoming logistical obstacles and ensuring that infrastructure and support systems are safely and efficiently constructed or maintained.

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

To thrive as a Military Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, mathematics, and physical sciences, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and military training. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS systems, and military construction standards, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), is often required. Strong problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork skills help individuals excel in challenging and dynamic environments. These skills and qualities ensure mission readiness, the safety of personnel, and the successful completion of critical infrastructure projects under demanding conditions.

What do military engineers do?

Military engineers design, construct, and maintain infrastructure such as bridges, roads, fortifications, and facilities to support military operations. They also analyze terrain, develop engineering solutions, and may work with specialized tools like surveying equipment and construction machinery in challenging environments.

What are the qualifications to get a military engineering job?

The qualifications for a military engineering job differ by position. To be a military engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in a specific type of engineering, such as civil, hydraulic, or architectural engineering. Many positions also require you to have at least some experience before employment with the federal government. You need strong technical skills, including experience with CAD software. Some military engineering jobs are only open to specific groups, such as those currently enlisted in the armed forces or military spouses.

More about Military Engineering jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Military Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Military Engineering jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Military Engineering jobs in California? For Military Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Military Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Military Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Military Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Military Engineering job openings:
Military Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Military Engineering job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,945 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Lead Operating Engineer

MalaceHR

Costa Mesa, CA

$110K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Lead Operating Engineer Facility Operations
What this role involves
This position leads engineering operations within a large commercial facility, overseeing building systems performance, maintenance execution, and team supervision. The role is responsible for ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient operation of all critical infrastructure while guiding a technical team in daily and preventative maintenance activities. You will play a key leadership role in maintaining operational continuity, improving system performance, and supporting a high standard of facility reliability.
Core responsibilities
In this role, you will:
  • Provide day-to-day supervision and coordination of engineering staff, including task delegation and oversight of preventive maintenance programs, repairs, and equipment installations
  • Conduct routine and advanced inspections of building systems to ensure compliance with established maintenance and safety standards
  • Operate, monitor, and maintain critical infrastructure systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, generators, and emergency backup systems
  • Diagnose system issues, troubleshoot malfunctions, and implement corrective actions to restore optimal performance
  • Monitor building automation systems (BAS), respond to alarms in real time, and initiate appropriate corrective or escalation procedures
  • Coordinate emergency repair work based on priority, staffing, and operational impact
  • Oversee facility permitting processes including hot work, roof access, and maintenance-related work authorizations
  • Maintain adequate inventory of tools, parts, and supplies, including procurement coordination and vendor sourcing
  • Ensure adherence to safety protocols and promote a strong safety-first culture across all engineering activities
  • Participate in an on-call rotation for after-hours and emergency response support
Required qualifications
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • 5+ years of experience working with commercial building systems and general facility maintenance
  • At least 2 years of supervisory or lead experience in a facilities or engineering environment
  • Strong knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and life safety systems
  • Experience working with CMMS and BAS platforms
  • Proven ability to manage maintenance quality assurance programs
  • Experience coordinating and overseeing contractor work and compliance requirements
  • Ability to interpret technical documentation including blueprints, schematics, work orders, and manuals
  • EPA Universal
Preferred qualifications
  • Experience building and maintaining a safety-focused operational culture
  • Familiarity with commercial real estate or large-scale facility management practices
  • Experience working with cross-functional stakeholders including vendors, contractors, and internal teams
  • Technical or trade school background, union training, or military engineering experience
  • Background in industrial maintenance or manufacturing environments
Role impact
This position is designed for a hands-on technical leader who can balance field expertise with team supervision. Success in this role means maintaining uninterrupted building operations, strengthening system reliability, and ensuring all engineering activities are performed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with operational standards.
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