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Temporary Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

Coronado, CA · On-site

$89K/yr

This is a full-time temporary assignment not to exceed 1 year. May be filled as a temporary ... and reviewing engineering design for proposed changes. Reviewing contractor cost proposals to ...

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ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

Monterey, CA · On-site

$89K/yr

This is a full-time temporary assignment not to exceed 1 year. May be filled as a temporary ... and reviewing engineering design for proposed changes. Reviewing contractor cost proposals to ...

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ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

China Lake, CA · On-site

$89K/yr

This is a full-time temporary assignment not to exceed 1 year. May be filled as a temporary ... and reviewing engineering design for proposed changes. Reviewing contractor cost proposals to ...

USAJOBS - Search

$89K/yr

This is a full-time temporary assignment not to exceed 1 year. May be filled as a temporary ... and reviewing engineering design for proposed changes. Reviewing contractor cost proposals to ...

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All JobsEngineering JobsTemporary Engineering JobsTemporary Engineering Jobs in California

Temporary Engineering information

See California salary details

$12

$31

$56

How much do temporary engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary 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 is the difference between Temporary Engineering vs Contract Engineering?

AspectTemporary EngineeringContract Engineering
DurationShort-term, project-based or seasonalProject-specific, can be short or long-term
Employment StatusTypically employed through staffing agenciesHired directly or through agencies for specific projects
CredentialsUsually requires engineering degree and relevant certificationsSame as temporary engineering, often similar credentials
Work EnvironmentOn-site or remote, varies by projectOn-site or remote, depending on project needs

Temporary Engineering involves short-term, project-based roles often filled through staffing agencies, focusing on immediate project needs. Contract Engineering also involves project-specific work but can be longer-term and may involve direct hiring. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but differ mainly in duration and employment structure.

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

To excel as a Temporary Engineer, you typically need an engineering degree, relevant technical expertise, and the ability to quickly adapt to new projects or environments. Familiarity with industry-specific software (such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or MATLAB) and compliance with safety or quality certifications may be required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and time management skills help temporary engineers integrate quickly and contribute effectively within diverse teams. These abilities are vital for delivering quality results on short-term assignments and ensuring seamless project execution.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary engineers, and how can they navigate them effectively?

Temporary engineers often face challenges such as quickly adapting to new company cultures, learning unfamiliar systems, and managing short onboarding periods. To succeed, it's important to proactively communicate with team members, ask clarifying questions early on, and make use of available documentation and resources. Building strong relationships with colleagues and demonstrating flexibility can also help temporary engineers integrate smoothly and make a meaningful impact during their assignment.

What is temporary engineering?

Temporary engineering jobs are short-term positions where engineers are hired for a specific project or a set period, rather than as permanent employees. These roles can cover a wide range of engineering disciplines, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or software engineering. Temporary engineers often help companies manage increased workloads, cover employee leaves, or bring in specialized skills for particular projects. These positions can offer valuable experience and networking opportunities, and sometimes lead to permanent employment.

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

The most popular types of Engineering jobs in California are:

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

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

What job categories do people searching Temporary Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary Engineering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Temporary Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Temporary Engineering job openings:

Temporary Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,765 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$89K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

You will serve as an Engineering Technician (Construction) in the Public Works Department of of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic.
This position is a 100% TDY position to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa. This is a full-time temporary assignment not to exceed 1 year. May be filled as a temporary promotion or temporary reassignment.

Qualifications:Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Coordinating facility services and scheduling with Construction Managers to ensure customer requirements are met; 2) Evaluating and recommending necessary corrections in the Contractor Quality Control System and its operations; 3) Providing advice and solutions and assisting in the resolution of technical matters requiring extensive knowledge of multiple construction trades and related construction methods; 4) Independently preparing technical analysis and cost estimates and reviewing engineering design for proposed changes. Reviewing contractor cost proposals to validate quantities, costs and validity; and 5) Administering technical design assistance to tenant and user activities on facility engineering and construction criteria to ensure requirements are met. NOTE: This information must be FULLY supported in your resume to be considered for the position.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/engineering-technical-series-0802/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Work Environment: Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa is located in a harsh environmental setting with adverse weather conditions for many months of the year (excessive heat, humidity, and rain) and working in areas populated by poisonous snakes, plants, and/or insects, and contagious diseases and poor air quality, chemical handling areas, and damp and unheated spaces. The work may require extensive work shifts of 12-16 hours a day and more than a 5 day workweek. Generally, indoor work location has power, water, heating and air conditioning, although outages should be expected. The incumbent will be required to live on the camp, where living quarters are a container living unit (CLU), which may be very cramped with the requirement to share bathroom facilities. Initial living quarters may be a tent. Fatigue may occur from long work hours and uncomfortable living conditions.
The position may be required to provide immediate contingency support requiring a physical and immunizations deemed necessary for the environment in which this support is provided.
Incumbent is entitled to 25% Post Differential pay.
Potential benefits for working in Djibouti: Ability to gain international work experience.
Professional development by working in an area at the forefront of construction and community growth.
High potential for overtime pay.
Local Market Supplement (based on parent command location)
Imminent Danger Pay - $225/month (first 42 days)
Post Differential Allowance - currently 25% of base pay (beginning day 43+)Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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