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Second Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About Us: 4th Second is a nonprofit organization dedicated to driving systemic change and fostering ... Complete scheduled pickups of food boxes, tools, and materials to support programming Minimum ...

Layup 2nd shift Pay Rate: $23.75/hr. Location: Sylmar, CA Area Code: 818, 747 Zip Code: 91342 Stat ... Follow technical instructions, interpret engineering blueprints and technical terms. * Keep an eye ...

Layup 2nd shift Pay Rate: $23.75/hr. Location: Sylmar, CA Area Code: 818, 747 Zip Code: 91342 Stat ... Follow technical instructions, interpret engineering blueprints and technical terms. * Keep an eye ...

Layup 2nd shift Pay Rate: $23.75/hr. Location: Sylmar, CA Area Code: 818, 747 Zip Code: 91342 Stat ... Follow technical instructions, interpret engineering blueprints and technical terms. * Keep an eye ...

Showing results 21-40

Second Engineer information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$100.4K

$135.7K

How much do second engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for second 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 is a second engineer?

A Second Engineer, also known as the First Assistant Engineer, is a licensed member of the engineering department on a ship. They are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the vessel's engine room and its machinery. The Second Engineer ensures that all systems are running efficiently, supervises engine room staff, and assists the Chief Engineer with technical operations and record-keeping. Their role is essential for the safe and smooth functioning of a ship's propulsion and auxiliary systems.

What are the main responsibilities of a second engineer on a commercial vessel, and how do they interact with other crew members?

As a Second Engineer, you are primarily responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the vessel's engine room and machinery. This involves supervising engine room staff, conducting regular inspections, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. You will work closely with the Chief Engineer to implement maintenance schedules and may also coordinate with deck officers and other departments to ensure smooth vessel operations. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as you will routinely delegate tasks and report maintenance activities to both senior officers and your team.

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

To thrive as a Second Engineer, you need strong knowledge of marine engineering principles, machinery operation, and maintenance, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and a Certificate of Competency (STCW). Familiarity with engine room management systems, diagnostic tools, and compliance with international maritime regulations is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient operation of a vessel's machinery and compliance with safety and environmental standards.

What is the difference between Second Engineer vs Third Engineer?

AspectSecond EngineerThird Engineer
CertificationsSTCW certifications, Marine Engineering LicenseSTCW certifications, Marine Engineering License
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, engine roomOnboard ships, engine room
ResponsibilitiesAssist Chief Engineer, maintain engine systems, supervise junior engineersAssist Second Engineer, perform routine maintenance, support engine operations
Industry UsageMaritime shipping, cruise linesMaritime shipping, cruise lines

The Second Engineer and Third Engineer roles are both vital engine department positions on ships, requiring similar certifications and working in the engine room environment. The Second Engineer typically has more responsibilities, including supervising junior staff and overseeing engine maintenance, while the Third Engineer supports these tasks and handles routine maintenance. Both roles are essential for safe and efficient ship operations within the maritime industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Second Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Second Engineer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Second Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,420 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Environmental Test Engineer - 2nd Shift - Millennium Space Systems

Boeing

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 613 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 542 rated manufacturers


Job description

Environmental Test Engineer - 2nd Shift - Millennium Space Systems

Company:

Millennium Space Systems

Millennium Space Systems, a part of Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS), is a fast, agile small satellite company focused on national security space. Our missions have direct impact to global security, like missile warning and Earth observation.

Our team is curious, bold and innovative. We take risks, innovate and explore new techniques and technologies. We influence change because we challenge the status quo. And when we watch our satellites launch, we know each one of us made it happen.

Job Summary:

As an Entry Level Environmental Test Engineer, you will develop manufacturing processes to build, test, and launch satellites while dually implementing test procedures for dynamic and thermal environmental testing of components, subsystems, and satellite products. You will be responsible for leveraging design for testability and continuous improvement to deliver space-grade avionics, structures, and propulsion hardware at high rate and low cost, without ever compromising personnel safety or product reliability. A successful candidate for this role will demonstrate integrity, intellectual curiosity, empathy, technical capability, and a strong motivation to scale and support manufacturing test.

This position's internal job code is Test & Evaluation Engineer. Our team is currently hiring for a levels 1-2.

This role will support 2nd shift.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the primary point of support for environmental test equipment and processes, and maintain responsibility over test execution for spacecraft hardware

  • Create spacecraft hardware test procedures, ensure test readiness, and unblock issues that arise during test campaigns (qualification and acceptance)

  • Develop standard operating procedures for environmental test technicians

  • Establish and increase the efficiency of manufacturing test processes to maximize output, limit burden, and enable products to rapidly transition from engineering development to high rate production

  • Identify improvement opportunities and execute initiatives to maintain safe operations, ensure product quality, reduce lead time/labor hours, etc. through environmental test Identify, implement, and qualify environmental test equipment and processes in support of high reliability and throughput production

  • Troubleshoot and identify root cause of issues in environmental test processes (i.e. due to spacecraft hardware defects, test equipment anomalies, software problems, etc.), then implement permanent corrective actions to prevent recurrence

  • Enable production autonomy by challenging requirements, simplifying work processes, and implementing automation

  • Serve as the technical subject matter expert for environmental test processes and equipment

  • Develop test equipment automation to improve efficiency of environmental test processes, limit the likelihood of error, and maximize throughput

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Education/experience typically acquired through advanced technical education from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), computer science, engineering data science, mathematics, physics, or chemistry (e.g. Bachelor), or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience or non-US equivalent qualifications. In the USA, ABET accreditation is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard

  • Experience working with thermal chambers, TVAC chambers, and/or vibration shakers

  • Experience in authoring test procedures and implementing process improvements

  • This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. GovernmentrequiresU.S. Citizenship. A U.S. Security Clearance Post-Start isrequired

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • 2+ years of experience in environmental testing, with a focus on vibration, thermal ambient, and thermal vacuum testing

  • Excellent written, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills

  • Managing UUT non-conformances

  • Familiarity with SMC-S-016, GSFC-STD-7000A, or similar environmental testing standards Experience in a high-throughput manufacturing environment

  • Experience with PXI and other test instrumentation (i.e. thermocouples, accelerometers, DAQs etc.)

  • Experience successfully qualifying new products for space applications Thorough understanding of root cause analysis and related analytical methodology (Five Whys, Fishbone/Ishikawa Analysis, 8D, etc.)

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process

Drug Free Workplace:

Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, is a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Total Rewards:

At Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

Millennium Space Systems also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range:

  • Level 1: $76,500 - $112, 500

  • Level 2: $90,950 - $133,750

Millennium is DDTC-registered, ITAR-compliant Company. This position is located at a facility that requires special access. Applicants MUST be U.S. citizens and eligible for a security clearance. Additionally, applicants must be willing to apply for and maintain a security clearance. We encourage all interested candidates to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified.

Category = Engineering

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Top Secret/SCI Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 2 (United States of America)

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About Boeing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Boeing, we are all innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore and inspire. From the sea bed to outer space, you'll learn and grow, contributing to work that shapes the world. Find your future with us.

Industry

Aviation and aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US