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Technical Expert Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Technical Expert information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$154.3K

$203.3K

How much do technical expert jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical expert in California is $154,301.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $202,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a technical expert?

A Technical Expert is a professional with specialized knowledge and skills in a particular field, such as information technology, engineering, or science. They provide in-depth expertise, troubleshoot complex issues, and offer guidance on best practices and solutions. Technical Experts often support teams by translating technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders and ensuring projects meet technical standards. Their role may also involve mentoring, training, and staying updated with the latest advancements in their area of expertise.

How do technical experts typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex technical challenges?

Technical Experts often work closely with cross-functional teams, such as engineering, product management, and support, to address complex technical issues. They provide deep subject-matter expertise, facilitate technical discussions, and help translate business requirements into viable technical solutions. This collaboration usually involves regular meetings, joint problem-solving sessions, and clear documentation of solutions, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned and technical challenges are efficiently resolved. Building strong communication skills and staying adaptable are key to thriving in this collaborative environment.

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

To thrive as a Technical Expert, you need deep subject matter expertise in your field, a relevant degree, and substantial hands-on experience. Familiarity with industry-standard software, diagnostic tools, and often certifications such as CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and a collaborative mindset set top performers apart. These competencies ensure Technical Experts can effectively resolve complex issues, support teams, and drive technological innovation within their organizations.

What is the difference between Technical Expert vs Engineer?

AspectTechnical ExpertEngineer
Required credentialsSpecialized certifications, advanced technical knowledgeEngineering degree, professional engineering license
Work environmentConsulting, troubleshooting, technical supportDesign, development, testing
Employer & industry usageTech companies, manufacturing, consulting firmsEngineering firms, construction, manufacturing
Common search intentTechnical expertise, problem-solvingDesign, project execution

While both roles require strong technical skills, a Technical Expert typically focuses on providing specialized knowledge and troubleshooting within a specific area, often in consulting or support roles. Engineers are involved in designing, developing, and implementing technical solutions, often with a broader scope in engineering projects.

Technical Expert jobs near you
Infographic showing various Technical Expert job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,301 per year, or $74.2 per hour.

Drinking Water Process Technical Expert

kennedyjc

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a National Water Treatment Technical Expert to serve as a drinking water quality and treatment subject matter expert for clients and project teams across the firm.

The ideal candidate will have broad understanding and experience in drinking water treatment technologies and regulations, and a desire to serve as a mentor to mid-level staff to develop their skills in water treatment. If you are a motivated and experienced drinking water engineer with a passion for mentoring staff and serving our water clients, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

What You’ll Do

As a National Water Treatment Technical Expert, you will provide technical leadership, strategic guidance, and client-facing support for complex water quality and treatment initiatives.

  • Provide technical expertise: Provide technical process and water quality expertise for municipal drinking water treatment, water reuse, and advanced water purification, including treatment process evaluation, process selection, preliminary engineering studies, and operations optimization.
  • Support business development: Support client service managers and business development efforts, serving as a technical subject matter expert at in-person and virtual meetings and project interviews.
  • Lead pursuits and technical approaches: Participate in project pursuits and interviews, including developing treatment process innovations, technical approach and scope items.
  • Guide planning and pilot testing: process design in feasibility studies, facility plans, and process pilot testing for complex water projects.
  • Lead preliminary design: Advise preliminary process design, including basis of design reports and preliminary engineering drawings and specifications for complex water projects.
  • Review technical deliverables: Guide development and provide quality control review of process flow diagrams, process design criteria, and process and instrumentation diagrams.
  • Optimize facility performance: Evaluate process performance and operations optimization of existing water treatment facilities.
  • Engage the industry: Actively participate in water-focused professional organizations; submit abstracts and present technical material at regional and national conferences.
  • Collaborate on research: Collaborate with our Applied Research Group staff to support and/or participate in research projects related to water quality and water treatment processes.
  • Support private sector work: Team up with private sector water treatment staff to support and participate in industrial water quality and water treatment processes.

What Makes This Role Different

  • Firmwide technical influence: Serve as a trusted technical expert supporting clients and project teams across the firm.
  • Solve complex water challenges: Apply your expertise to advanced treatment, reuse, purification, and optimization projects with meaningful community impact.
  • Mentorship and knowledge-sharing: Help develop mid-level staff by sharing expertise in water quality, treatment processes, regulations, and practical project delivery.

What You Bring

  • Client-facing communication: Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical information for clients, project teams, and stakeholders.
  • Technical interpretation: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, government regulations, reports, design drawings, specifications, and technical memos.
  • Quality control and documentation: Experience reviewing technical deliverables and providing constructive guidance to multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Industry engagement: Ability to collaborate with and mentor junior and senior staff in water quality and water treatment processes and regulations.
  • Work style: Ability to work independently and/or as a valuable member of the team.

Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related scientific discipline required.
  • Experience: 15+ years of experience in drinking water treatment engineering.
  • Licensure: Professional Engineer (PE) license required; license in one or multiple states preferred, including CA, CO, FL, HI, OR, TX, VA, and WA.

Kennedy Jenks supports a healthy work-life balance and utilizes a hybrid model of home and office work, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. This approach empowers our people to thrive, collaborate, and do their best work.

Salary range for this position is anticipated to be $150,000 to $200,000 and may vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications and geographic location.

Benefits summary: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; a health savings account; a 401(k); bonus programs; tuition reimbursement; employee ownership opportunity; professional registration support; business travel assistance; competitive paid time off and holidays; an employee assistance program; and additional programs that support your wellbeing and professional growth.

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