Is it permissible to pay a sum of money to obtain a job commensurate with one's academic qualification (engineer) given the difficulty of finding work through legitimate means, knowing that the person is currently working in a lesser position (technician) and does not wish to disobey Allah's command?

It is permissible to pay money to obtain a job if the person is qualified for it and finds no alternative but to pay a bribe to secure their right, especially if they are the most competent and skilled for the position. The sin falls upon the receiver, not the giver. Contentment with what Allah has ordained does not mean settling for less, but rather being satisfied with what cannot be changed while striving to improve one's condition.