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Zoo Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About Us Zoo is building the next generation of hardware design tools redefining how hardware ... Our platform combines a modern, cloud-native CAD environment with AI-powered engineering workflows ...

... Zookeeper features * Investigate customer-reported bugs, gather reproduction steps, and partner with engineering to resolve issues * Escalate complex technical issues while maintaining clear ...

... Zoo, you will lead the development and operation of our manufacturing systems, machine shop, and hardware production workflows that power the future of engineering design. You will serve as a ...

Senior Software Engineer, Frontend

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site +1

$145K - $195K/yr

About Us Zoo is building the next generation of hardware design tools redefining how hardware ... Our platform combines a modern, cloud-native CAD environment with AI-powered engineering workflows ...

About Us Zoo is building the next generation of hardware design tools redefining how hardware ... Our platform combines a modern, cloud-native CAD environment with AI-powered engineering workflows ...

Senior Systems Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site +1

$145K - $195K/yr

About Us Zoo is building the next generation of hardware design tools redefining how hardware ... Our platform combines a modern, cloud-native CAD environment with AI-powered engineering workflows ...

About Us Zoo is building the next generation of hardware design tools redefining how hardware ... Our platform combines a modern, cloud-native CAD environment with AI-powered engineering workflows ...

... Zoo, you will lead the development and operation of our manufacturing systems, machine shop, and hardware production workflows that power the future of engineering design. You will serve as a ...

About The Role As a Senior Frontend Engineer at Zoo, you'll play a crucial role in the development and enhancement of our novel open-source CAD modeling app, Zoo Design Studio. This unique, DSL ...

Lead Machinist

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$30 - $45/hr

... at Zoo, you will own day-to-day operations of our machine shop and help build the physical hardware systems that power the future of engineering design. You will lead machining efforts across CNC ...

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Showing results 1-20

Zoo Engineering information

See California salary details

$45.9K

$144.9K

$171.7K

How much do zoo engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for zoo engineering in California is $144,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,000.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is zoo engineering?

Zoo engineering is a specialized field that combines principles of engineering with animal science to design, build, and maintain zoological facilities. Professionals in this area work to create safe, enriching, and sustainable habitats for animals, while also ensuring the safety and engagement of visitors. This work involves collaborating with architects, animal care staff, and biologists to meet strict regulatory standards for animal welfare and public safety. Zoo engineers may be involved in projects like designing animal enclosures, water filtration systems, and visitor pathways. Their work is crucial in supporting conservation, education, and research activities within zoos.

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

To thrive as a Zoo Engineer, you need expertise in civil or mechanical engineering, facility design, and an understanding of animal habitats, typically supported by an engineering degree and relevant licensure. Familiarity with CAD software, project management tools, and building codes related to animal enclosures is essential. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate with animal care staff and address unique design challenges. These abilities ensure that zoo environments are safe, functional, and conducive to animal well-being and visitor engagement.

What is the difference between Zoo Engineering vs Zoo Technician?

AspectZoo EngineeringZoo Technician
Required CredentialsDegree in engineering, environmental science, or related fieldTechnical diploma or associate degree in animal care or related field
Work EnvironmentDesigning and maintaining zoo infrastructure, working with engineers and architectsAnimal care, habitat maintenance, and supporting zoo operations
Employer & Industry UsageZoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, often involved in project planningZoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, focused on daily animal care and habitat upkeep

Zoo Engineering primarily involves designing and maintaining zoo infrastructure, requiring engineering or environmental science credentials. Zoo Technicians focus on animal care and habitat maintenance, with technical or animal care training. Both roles are essential in zoo operations but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

Do zoos hire zoo engineers?

Zoo engineers are specialized professionals who design, maintain, and improve zoo habitats, infrastructure, and exhibits. They often have backgrounds in engineering, architecture, or environmental design and may work closely with zoologists and conservation staff to create safe and sustainable environments for animals and visitors.

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Zoo Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Zoo Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Zoo Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,945 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Systems Engineer Manager - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$113K - $127K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Systems Engineering Manager oversees all aspects of service delivery including resource allocation and requirements to ensure our enterprise systems infrastructure is functioning as expected, including enterprise servers, backup solutions, monitoring software and on premises and cloud based needs. The Systems Engineering Manager reports to the Director of Infrastructure.
WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Hires, trains, leads, develops and coaches staff, monitors and evaluates performance and recommends and implements personnel actions.
  • Establishes and maintains strong and cohesive relationships with business partners, ensures great customer service and addresses ad-hoc analysis/requests as appropriate. Collaborates with other IT team departments and business partners on related matters and maintains regular communications to discuss processing issues, including system issues, and develops and implements solutions to address said issues. Team is responsible for managing, administering, patching/updating, monitoring and supporting Windows, Linux and Office 365 servers and resolving server disruptions, outages, security violations and attacks on server related devices and services. Works with IT team departments, business partners and vendors to rollout out new systems and technologies.
  • Oversees all aspects of build out, maintenance, and troubleshooting of our rapidly expanding infrastructures including enterprise servers, backup solutions, monitoring software and on premises and cloud based needs (some current hardware and software skills sets include Nutanix, Microsoft infrastructure management and Veeam management)
  • Leads and facilitates the analysis, design, programming, and implementation of viable solutions to highly complex business problems and to support evolving technological needs of the organization, including design of server and backup environment supporting development and maintenance of disaster recovery plans
  • Monitors and analyzes department work to develop more efficient procedures and use of resources while maintaining a high level of accuracy. Develops and implements project plans to support strategic system and server related initiatives. Supports the Director of Infrastructure with special projects and workflow process improvements.
  • Responsible for the Management and Administration of the Nutanix Servers & Veeam Backup Platforms.
  • Responsible for defining, creating and maintaining system policies, comprehensive server diagrams and documentation.


WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
JOB EXPERIENCE

  • 2 or more years in supervision required.
  • 5 or more years of experience supporting a complex Microsoft IT infrastructure network, Microsoft Windows Server Environment, Active Directory and Azure Administration required.
  • Experience with Nutanix, Veeam, Azure, O365 - required

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's Degree in related field required.
  • Nutanix, Veeam License required within one year.
  • Current Microsoft Expert Solutions & Cloud (Azure) required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

  • Strong working knowledge of current and emerging IT products, services, processes and methodologies.
  • Knowledge of computer systems, networking and Infrastructure.
  • Working knowledge of the implementation of server compute/storage/backup and management of enterprise systems and best practices.
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, including the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
  • Must have effective customer service skills.
  • Able to prepare reports, make presentations, and conduct trainings to large groups.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with others effectively in a diverse environment.
  • Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines using effective time management skills.

SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

  • Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
  • Family Passes
  • Complimentary Tickets
  • Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
  • Local and In-House Discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

  • Location: San Diego, CA
  • Position Type: Salaried Full-Time Exempt Position
  • Salary Range: $113,409 - $127,585

About The Salary Ranges

The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests' experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.