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Technical Assistant Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Technical Project Assistant

Palo Alto, CA

$44K - $51K/yr

An engineering firm is seeking a Technical Project Assistant to work directly with Principal by supporting project and administrative functions at their Palo Alto, CA office. Your Day Includes

Engineer - Assistant

Auburn, CA ยท On-site

$49.94 - $62.38/hr

Engineer - Assistant (Auburn) 2026-14202-01 Department of Public Works - Engineering Division: This ... DEFINITION To perform professional and technical engineering work in the office and in the field ...

Showing results 41-60

Technical Assistant Engineer information

See California salary details

$18.8K

$43.7K

$75.5K

How much do technical assistant engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical assistant engineer in California is $43,687.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,000.00 and $43,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a technical assistant engineer do?

A Technical Assistant Engineer supports senior engineers and project teams by assisting with technical tasks such as preparing reports, conducting tests, troubleshooting equipment, and maintaining project documentation. They often help with data collection, analysis, and ensuring that engineering projects run smoothly and efficiently. Their role bridges the gap between technical staff and management, making sure that day-to-day technical operations are well-coordinated.

What are some typical daily tasks for a technical assistant engineer, and how do they support senior engineers?

Technical Assistant Engineers often handle a mix of hands-on technical tasks and administrative support. Their daily responsibilities may include preparing and updating engineering documents, assisting with equipment setup and maintenance, and collecting or analyzing technical data. They frequently collaborate with senior engineers by organizing project materials, participating in site visits, and troubleshooting minor issues. This support helps ensure projects run smoothly and allows Technical Assistant Engineers to learn practical skills while building relationships with senior team members.

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

To thrive as a Technical Assistant Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, problem-solving, and relevant technical education, often supported by a diploma or bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, diagnostic tools, and project management systems is typically required, along with any industry-specific certifications. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These competencies are essential for supporting engineering teams, ensuring project accuracy, and facilitating efficient technical operations.

What is the difference between Technical Assistant Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectTechnical Assistant EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsDiploma or Bachelor's in Engineering, certifications often preferredBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering, professional licensure optional
Work EnvironmentAssists senior engineers in design, testing, and maintenance tasks, often in labs or on-siteDesign, analysis, and development of mechanical systems, primarily office and manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in construction, manufacturing, and engineering firms for support rolesCommon in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors

The Technical Assistant Engineer typically supports senior engineers with technical tasks and requires relevant diplomas or certifications. Mechanical Engineers are responsible for designing and analyzing mechanical systems, often holding a bachelor's degree. Both roles are integral in engineering projects but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

What cities in California are hiring for Technical Assistant Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Technical Assistant Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Technical Assistant Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,687 per year, or $21 per hour.

Assistant Engineer (RSC)

Systems Application & Technologies, Inc

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$37.44/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Position Type: Full-time, Non-exempt
Work Location: Naval Base Point Loma, CA
Pay Info: $37.44/hr plus $7.50/hr Health & Wellness through the Union and Underway rates (when underway)
THIS IS NOT A LIVE-AT-SEA-POSITION
TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN 1 HOUR OF NAVY BASE POINT LOMA AND HAVE A VALID MMC WITH A QMED ENDORCEMENT
Systems Application & Technologies, Inc. (SA-TECH) is a progressive and well-established Department of Defense (DoD) contractor specializing in Range operations and maintenance (O&M); weapons testing; facilities management; aerial, ground and seaborne targets O&M; technical, logistics and other engineering support; systems integration; electronics and communications maintenance services; and a growing cybersecurity business. We are highly focused and, among other efforts, currently operate a dozen active test and/or training ranges for the Army, Air Force and Navy. Our 35-year heritage is founded on supporting complex and diverse DoD programs and we've developed a standout reputation for providing the highest quality services, superior workmanship and cost-effective results while achieving complete customer satisfaction.
At Naval Base Point Loma (NBPL), SA-TECH provides O&M support for home-ported Range Support Crafts (RSC) vessels. Located on the Point Loma peninsula in the city of San Diego, NBPL is a major U.S. Navy base, housing over 70 tenant commands, including submarines, a floating dry dock, and various other military units.
The RSCs provide fleet training support for the Southern California Tactical Training Range (SCTTR) in the San Clemente Island Range Complex (SCIRC) W-291 area.
SA-TECH is seeking to hire an Assistant Engineer for RSC at NBPL to manage daily deck operations.
Specific duties include (but are not limited to):
  • Reports to vessel Captain/Mate.
  • Manages daily deck operations.
  • Performs exterior maintenance.
  • Directs deckhands in daily duties.
  • Maintains accurate inventory of onboard deck department maintenance supplies.
  • Executes equipment inspections as needed.

Work Conditions:
  • Must live within an hour's drive of Point Loma as this position goes out to sea, but only for a few days at a time, not weeks or months. When not at sea, you will be working at portside.
  • Will work ashore and afloat on the RSC vessels.
  • Overtime is required.
  • Vessels may stay out at sea and not return to port multiple days in a row (occurs frequently).
  • Operations are conducted in a variety of weather conditions and sea states.
  • Normal shipboard physical activity is required.

Requirements
Education/Experience/Skills
  • High School diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Two (2) years of previous experience as an engineering department crewmember on vessels with diesel propulsion is required; five (5) years of experience is preferred.
  • Knowledge of marine electrical systems is preferred.
  • USCG Merchant Mariner Document endorsement as Qualified Member of the Engineering Department and a valid medical certificate are required.
  • USCG License Rating Qualified Member of the Engineering Department "Any Rating" with medical cert is preferred.
  • Current Driver's License required; must be able to be insured through company's vehicle insurance policy while driving work/government/rental vehicles during working hours, and for the duration of employment.
  • U.S. Citizenship required and you must be able to obtain a U.S. DoD Secret Security Clearance prior to hire date and maintain a SECRET clearance throughout employment.
  • All candidates will be required to pass background screening to include SSN, Driver Record, and Criminal Background Investigation.

Supporting Our Warfighters:
As a well-regarded DoD employer, SA-TECH recognizes that our success is indicative of our team members' hard work and dedication towards a common goal... Supporting our Warfighters . Along with unparalleled stability, we have the ingredients for superior performance with a servant leadership mentality that provides an affirmation of purpose and value in a team-oriented positive work environment. As such, we provide a sense of family, competitive pay and employee benefits, along with a strong commitment to the professional development of our workforce and for providing broad career opportunities throughout the United States.
SA-TECH provides employees with:
  • Employee Recognition
  • Above-Average Compensation
  • Competitive Employee Benefits
  • Continuous Training and Professional Development
  • Ample Career Advancement Opportunities

Benefits Offered:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability
  • 401(k) match
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • EAP
  • Education Assistance
  • Paid time off and Holidays
  • Vacation and Sick Leave

Other Important Information You Should Know:
  • Expressing Interest: By applying to this posting, you are expressing interest in the advertised position but could be considered for other career opportunities within our company requiring similar skills and experience. Should a match be identified, you may be contacted for this as well as other openings, including future opportunities.
  • Work Schedules: SA-TECH supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules are program-dependent and range from standard 40 hours over a five-day work week while others may be different. These alternate schedules are strictly program-dependent and provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
  • SA-TECH is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.
  • SA-TECH participates in the United States Department of Homeland Security E-Verify system and will verify information and photo submitted through the E-Verify system to verify authorization to work within the U.S.
  • The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
  • At SA-TECH, our priority is always maintaining an achievement- and opportunity-oriented work environment for all of our employees, coupled with a dedication to a healthy work-life balance. We are passionate about the professional development of our workforce. Continuously demonstrating our commitment to the values of quality, integrity, and excellence, our goal is to serve and empower today's - and tomorrow's - war fighters.
  • With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse opportunities across the United States designed to propel, develop, and boost careers. Our flexible work schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable SA-TECH employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at, and outside of, work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility. If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you're invited to apply for this position. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on SA-TECH Careers , and apply for roles that perhaps better align with your qualifications.
All responses will be handled with strict confidentiality.
** Please note that the provided salary information is a general guideline. SA-TECH considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education, training, and skills as well as market and business considerations when extending offers.
Salary Description
$37.44/hr + $7.50/hr (H&W through Union)