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Non Traditional Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Staff Software Engineer (Backend)

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site +1

$227K - $324K/yr

AI-Driven Development Practice This role goes beyond traditional engineering. As a Staff Engineer ... For US-based non-exempt Tubi employees, the FOX Employee Benefits summary accurately captures the ...

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Non Traditional Engineering information

See California salary details

$17

$32

$47

How much do non traditional engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for non traditional engineering in California is $32.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.11 and $37.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is non traditional engineering?

Non Traditional Engineering refers to engineering fields, methods, or roles that fall outside the classic branches like civil, mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering. This can include interdisciplinary areas such as biomedical engineering, environmental engineering, or emerging fields like data science and robotics. It also encompasses engineering roles that use unconventional techniques, such as additive manufacturing (3D printing) or nanotechnology. Non Traditional Engineering often addresses new challenges or integrates diverse scientific principles to solve complex problems. These roles are increasingly in demand as technology evolves and industries require innovative solutions.

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

To thrive as a Non-Traditional Engineer, you need a solid grounding in engineering principles combined with expertise in interdisciplinary fields such as data science, sustainability, or business, often supported by relevant degrees or cross-disciplinary certifications. Familiarity with advanced analytics software, modeling tools, and project management systems is typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and strong problem-solving abilities are standout soft skills in this role. These skills enable professionals to innovate, bridge gaps across disciplines, and effectively address complex, evolving challenges in engineering contexts.

What are some common challenges faced by non traditional engineers, and how can I prepare to address them?

Non-Traditional Engineers often work at the intersection of multiple disciplines, such as combining engineering with design, business, or emerging technologies. A common challenge is adapting quickly to rapidly changing project requirements and integrating knowledge across diverse fields. Collaboration with professionals from non-engineering backgrounds is frequent, so strong communication and adaptability are essential. To prepare, focus on developing interdisciplinary skills, staying updated on industry trends, and building a flexible problem-solving mindset.

What is the difference between Non Traditional Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectNon Traditional EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering or related field, sometimes with specialized certificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, often with licensure or professional certification
Work EnvironmentVaries widely, including non-conventional settings like media, design, or emerging tech sectorsFactories, design labs, manufacturing plants, and research facilities
Industry UsageUsed across diverse industries such as entertainment, consulting, and tech startupsPrimarily in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors

Non Traditional Engineering encompasses roles outside the classic engineering fields, often involving creative or innovative applications, while Mechanical Engineering focuses on designing and manufacturing mechanical systems. Both require a strong technical background but differ in work environments and industry focus.

What are popular job titles related to Non Traditional Engineering jobs in California?

For Non Traditional Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Non Traditional Engineering job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,860 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Dynamics Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

K2 Space

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Temporary, Internship

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price - and with over $1 billion in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers, we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.
The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.
With multiple launches in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger - helping develop the solar system and build toward a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply.
The Role
We're looking for a stellar Dynamics Engineering Intern to join our team for a 3 month internship. As a member of our growing dynamics team, you will help own the successful derivation of loads and environments for K2 Space satellites during ground transportation, launch, deployment, and on-orbit operation. In these projects you will apply your university knowledge to help develop space hardware in a professional setting. K2 Space is a highly collaborative environment, and our interns will be encouraged to work with mentors and other team members to execute complex projects while maintaining a significant level of ownership and autonomy.
Responsibilities
  • Own dynamic analysis, test, and correlation to identify system performance solutions
  • Own and execute on a project that significantly impacts K2's mission with the support of a mentor
  • Use hand calculations, computational methods, and development tests to understand the physics behind your work
  • Engage with a cross-functional team to perform hardware trades relevant to your project
  • Solve real aerospace challenges by applying your knowledge from both inside and outside the classroom

Qualifications
  • Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline
  • 6+ months of experience applying technical engineering skills outside of the university classroom setting (eg: laboratory, research, extracurricular project teams, volunteering, personal projects or prior internship/work experience)

Additional Requirements
  • Available for a minimum 12-week internship in person at our HQ in Torrance

Nice to Have
  • Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
  • Experience with FEA software packages (experience can be in a professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting)
  • Experience with Python software development
  • Understanding of structural dynamics, testing, and measurements
  • Experience working with mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting (High Power Rocketry, CubeSats, Robotics Competitions, Formula SAE and Baja SAE, Engineers without Borders, Design-Build-Fly, NASA student launch, personal entrepreneurial ventures, etc.)

Compensation
  • Hourly pay range for this non-exempt role is $30 - $40 per hour
  • Hourly rate will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
  • Housing and travel stipend may also be available

If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!
If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
Export Compliance
As defined in the ITAR, "U.S. Persons" include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a "U.S. Person."
The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. ยง 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.
Equal Opportunity
K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space 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.

K2 Space logo

About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022