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Navy Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

VSolvit

SYSTEMS ENGINEER II

Norco, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

The Systems Engineer will analyze complex Navy systems using Reliability, Maintainability, and Availability (RM&A) methodologies to evaluate operational readiness and support engineering decision ...

VSolvit

SYSTEMS ENGINEER ANALYST

Norco, CA · On-site

The Systems Engineer will analyze complex Navy systems using Reliability, Maintainability, and Availability (RM&A) methodologies to evaluate operational readiness and support engineering decision ...

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Navy Engineer information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$100.4K

$135.7K

How much do navy engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for navy 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 some common challenges Navy Engineers face when working on ships or submarines?

Navy Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining complex machinery in dynamic and sometimes harsh environments, troubleshooting under pressure, and adapting to evolving technology. Working on ships or submarines requires strong problem-solving skills, as issues must often be resolved quickly to ensure operational readiness. Additionally, Navy Engineers collaborate closely with diverse teams and may work long hours or non-standard shifts, which calls for adaptability and effective communication.

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-paying engineering positions often require advanced degrees, professional certifications, and work in high-demand industries or executive-level positions.

What are Navy Engineers?

Navy Engineers are specialized professionals who design, build, maintain, and repair the ships, submarines, and systems used by naval forces. Their work includes overseeing the mechanical, electrical, and structural integrity of naval vessels and ensuring that all technical equipment operates efficiently. Navy Engineers may serve either as military officers or civilian employees, and they often work both at sea and onshore in shipyards or naval bases. Their roles are crucial to national defense, supporting the Navy’s operational readiness and mission success.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and electrical engineering can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require specialized knowledge, professional certifications, and work in high-demand industries or locations with a high cost of living.

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

To thrive as a Navy Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, problem-solving, and a relevant degree in fields like mechanical, electrical, or marine engineering, often accompanied by security clearance. Familiarity with naval systems, CAD software, and military-grade technologies is typically required, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) can be advantageous. Adaptability, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating on complex projects and responding to dynamic situations at sea or onshore. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring operational effectiveness, safety, and successful mission outcomes in demanding naval environments.

What engineering jobs are in the Navy?

Navy engineers work in various roles such as mechanical, electrical, civil, and nuclear engineering, supporting ship design, maintenance, and operations. These positions often require specialized technical skills, security clearances, and training in military engineering standards and tools.

What is the difference between Navy Engineer vs Marine Engineer?

AspectNavy EngineerMarine Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, military training, security clearanceEngineering degree, maritime certifications, licensing
Work EnvironmentNaval ships, military bases, onboard vesselsCommercial ships, maritime industry, shipyards
Employer & IndustryU.S. Navy or military branchesShipping companies, maritime firms, shipbuilders

Both Navy Engineers and Marine Engineers require engineering degrees and maritime knowledge. Navy Engineers focus on military ships and naval operations, often working onboard vessels or at naval bases. Marine Engineers work in commercial shipping, shipbuilding, and maritime industries, maintaining and repairing ships. While their skills overlap, their work environments and employer types differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Navy Engineer jobs in California? For Navy Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Navy Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Navy Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Navy Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Navy Engineer job openings:
Navy Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Navy Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,420 per year, or $48.3 per hour.
Steam Main Propulsion Engineering & Control Systems Subject Matter Expert (SMP&C SME)

Steam Main Propulsion Engineering & Control Systems Subject Matter Expert (SMP&C SME)

Prevailance

San Diego, CA • On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Job Type
Full-time, Contract
Description
This position is contingent upon contract award
The Steam Main Propulsion Engineering & Control Systems Subject Matter Expert (SMP&C SME) provides technical oversight, engineering expertise, and maintenance support for Navy steam propulsion systems and associated auxiliary equipment aboard surface warships and military auxiliary vessels. This position serves as a subject matter expert responsible for supporting propulsion plant operations, engineering readiness, maintenance execution, and lifecycle sustainment activities in support of U.S. Navy fleet operations.
The SMP&C SME supports shipboard engineering operations, maintenance planning, technical assessments, and propulsion plant readiness initiatives while ensuring compliance with Navy engineering, operational, and safety standards.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide technical leadership and oversight for steam propulsion plant operations, maintenance activities, and engineering support efforts.
  • Serve as subject matter expert for steam turbine propulsion systems, steam turbine generators, associated control systems, and auxiliary engineering equipment.
  • Support planning, execution, and oversight of organizational-level and depot-level maintenance activities involving steam propulsion systems.
  • Monitor propulsion plant operational performance and maintenance activities to ensure mission readiness and compliance with Navy engineering standards.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering personnel, maintenance staff, and shipboard operators.
  • Analyze engineering data, maintenance trends, and operational reports to identify improvement opportunities and support propulsion plant reliability.
  • Coordinate with ship's force personnel, maintenance activities, and government representatives to resolve technical and operational issues.
  • Support development and implementation of engineering procedures, maintenance strategies, technical documentation, and readiness initiatives.
  • Ensure compliance with Navy engineering, maintenance, operational, and safety requirements.
  • Prepare technical reports, engineering assessments, maintenance evaluations, and readiness status updates for leadership review.

Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • A minimum of fifteen (15) years of supervisory-level watchstanding experience aboard warships or military auxiliary vessels with steam propulsion systems, including service as:
    • Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW),
    • Propulsion Plant Watch Officer,
    • Chief Engineer, or
    • Equivalent engineering leadership positions responsible for overall propulsion plant operations and associated control and auxiliary systems.
  • Direct operational and maintenance experience within the last five (5) years involving:
    • Steam turbine main propulsion systems,
    • Steam turbine generators,
    • Associated control systems, and
    • Auxiliary systems currently utilized by the U.S. Navy.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience supporting Navy fleet readiness, maintenance, modernization, or lifecycle sustainment programs.
  • Experience supporting shipyard maintenance, depot-level engineering activities, or waterfront operations.
  • Familiarity with Navy engineering documentation systems, maintenance databases, and readiness reporting tools.
  • Experience supporting technical assessments, inspections, or engineering evaluations.
  • Bachelor's degree or associate degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline.

Education Requirements
  • Equivalent Navy engineering training, qualifications, certifications, and operational experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Work Environment
  • Work may be performed in office environments, shipboard locations, waterfront operations areas, maintenance facilities, or shipyards.
  • Position may require travel to fleet concentration areas, operational commands, maintenance facilities, and shipboard locations in support of inspections, maintenance activities, and operational readiness efforts.

Security Clearance
  • Active DoD security clearance(Secret or higher) required.

Salary Description
$95,000-$115,000

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