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Outdoor Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pathfinder Ranch

Outdoor Education Assistant

CA · On-site

$676 - $796/wk

... programming to the Executive Director * Complete required paperwork in a timely and thorough ... Sincere interest and ability to work with children in the outdoors * Communicate effectively with ...

Panasonic

Manager, Engineering

Irvine, CA · On-site

$133K - $223K/yr

... outdoor games like bocce, horseshoes, gaming tables, pickle ball, and basketball. For more ... Software Engineering * Lead engineering teams in the research, design, development, integration ...

Kier & Wright

Engineering Technician

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$20 - $29/hr

ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN - Santa Clara, CA What we're looking for? The Engineering Technician will be ... Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions (field checks) * Occasional travel e.g ...

Kier & Wright

Engineering Technician

Manteca, CA · On-site

$20 - $29/hr

ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN - Sacramento, CA What we're looking for? The Engineering Technician will be ... Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions (field checks) * Occasional travel e.g ...

Kier & Wright

Engineering Technician

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$20 - $29/hr

ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN - Santa Clara, CA What we're looking for? The Engineering Technician will be ... Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions (field checks) * Occasional travel e.g ...

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All JobsOutdoor Engineering JobsOutdoor Engineering Jobs in California

Outdoor Engineering information

See California salary details

$12

$31

$56

How much do outdoor engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for outdoor engineering in California is $31.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $37.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are outdoor engineering jobs?

Outdoor engineering jobs are positions requiring an engineer to work outside at a job site or in the field. These positions exist in several engineering specialties. An engineer who works on construction projects spends time at sites, as do engineers involved in civil engineering projects including roads, bridges, and other infrastructure designs. Electrical, environmental, and petroleum engineers likewise spend time in an outdoor environment when assessing work sites, auditing operations, ensuring proper use of equipment, and inspecting project results. The duties and responsibilities of most engineers who work outside include providing project guidance and ensuring quality standards and compliance with regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an outdoor engineer?

To thrive as an Outdoor Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, project management, and site analysis, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree and licensure (such as a PE). Familiarity with CAD software, GIS systems, and surveying equipment is typically required for planning and executing projects. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help Outdoor Engineers collaborate with diverse stakeholders and manage field challenges. These capabilities are essential for ensuring the safety, sustainability, and successful completion of outdoor engineering projects.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in outdoor engineering and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Outdoor Engineering often encounter challenges such as adapting designs to unpredictable weather conditions, meeting strict environmental regulations, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams on-site. Addressing these requires strong problem-solving skills, effective communication with stakeholders, and staying up to date with the latest sustainable engineering practices. Additionally, flexibility and adaptability are key, as project requirements and site conditions can change rapidly during the course of a project.

What is outdoor engineering?

Outdoor engineering is a field of engineering that focuses on designing, developing, and maintaining infrastructure and systems that function in outdoor environments. This can include projects such as roads, bridges, parks, outdoor recreational facilities, and utility networks. Outdoor engineers consider factors like weather, terrain, environmental impact, and public safety in their work. They often collaborate with other engineers, architects, and environmental specialists to create sustainable and efficient solutions.

What is the difference between Outdoor Engineering vs Civil Engineering?

AspectOutdoor EngineeringCivil Engineering
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in outdoor or environmental engineering, certifications in environmental safetyRequires a degree in civil engineering, PE licensure often preferred
Work EnvironmentOutdoor sites, construction areas, environmental settingsConstruction sites, urban and infrastructure projects, offices
Industry UsageEnvironmental projects, outdoor infrastructure, parks, recreation facilitiesBuildings, roads, bridges, water systems

Outdoor Engineering focuses on outdoor and environmental projects, emphasizing sustainability and outdoor site development. Civil Engineering covers a broader range of infrastructure projects, including urban development and transportation. While both roles require engineering credentials, Outdoor Engineering is more specialized in outdoor environments, whereas Civil Engineering has a wider scope in infrastructure development.

More about Outdoor Engineering jobs
What are popular job titles related to Outdoor Engineering jobs in California? For Outdoor Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Outdoor Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Outdoor Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Outdoor Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Outdoor Engineering job openings:
Outdoor Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,765 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Engineering Manager

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

Vacaville, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories seeks an Engineering Manager to support the West Region within the Engineering Services Division. In this role you'll be leading teams to deliver power system solutions for utilities, industrial, and government sectors.

As an Engineering Manager in Engineering Services, a typical day might include the following:

  • Leads on discipline/technology/process, keeping cost, schedule, and performance objectives in mind.

  • Assists portfolio planning and long-term strategy.

  • Performs management activities to attract, hire, supervise, and develop individual contributors to meet the goals of the group.

  • Participates at external meetings and presents at large internal meetings/forums.

  • Model, teach, and apply SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing Principles.


This job might be for you if:

  • B.S. in Engineering field or equivalent combination of education/experience

  • 8+ years of related engineering or management experience

  • Strong technical knowledge in one or more engineering disciplines/technologies

  • Demonstrated ability to design/produce/support successful products/processes

  • Ability to manage product line/process problems requiring creativity, ingenuity, and guidance from manager

  • Project Management

  • Strong desire to develop employees and lead projects

  • Ability to define general approaches and specific solutions to technical problems

Location:

Vacaville, CA- This position is located in Vacaville, CA where you'll enjoy an unmatched quality of life. Positioned between Sacramento and Napa Valley, the city's close proximity will allow you to enjoy great shopping, dining, and entertainment. In Vacaville, enjoy easy access to outdoor recreation, and wide open spaces. Vacaville has it all, making it the perfect place to live and work.

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.

People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.

  • We're 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.

  • We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.

  • We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.

  • We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.

  • Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Pay Range:We anticipate filling this position as a Engineering Manager I $136,000- $201,000. We are open to reviewing additional candidates with more or less experience and the salary range may differ if filled at a different level. Our salary ranges are determined by job, responsibility, and location. We base our starting pay offer and title on location and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills.

Communication with Applicants

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAMfilteror reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.

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