Mechanical Engineer Jobs in California
Mechanical engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor and advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and medical devices across roles from entry-level design positions through principal and staff engineers. The Los Angeles Basin, San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego are the largest hiring markets, with employers like Northrop Grumman, Apple, and Raytheon Technologies maintaining major California engineering footprints. Thermal systems, product development, and systems integration are among the most sought-after specialties in the state right now. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The Lethality team is a diverse, multidisciplinary group with one common goal: to enable Anduril products to achieve decisive effects on target. The team brings over 100 years of combined experience designing, analyzing, manufacturing, testing, and fielding ordnance assemblies designed for complex operational environments.
Our engineers and technicians work closely with multiple business lines to provide core warhead and explosives expertise for Anduril. This vertically integrated approach allows us to design and develop payload solutions directly alongside the delivery vehicle, enabling Anduril to provide the warfighter operational capabilities faster than ever before.
The Lethality team operates with a strong bias toward execution and a hands-on commitment to delivering on schedule. Team members are expected to take ownership, work directly with vehicle teams, collaborate across engineering and operations, and rapidly turn technical concepts into reliable, safe, and performant systems that can be produced and deployed at scale
ABOUT THE JOB
Our warfighters need lethal systems capable of deterring our adversaries and defending our allies. The Anduril Lethality Team is looking for a Senior/Staff Mechanical Engineer who is up for the challenge: lead new warhead designs from prototype to production at Anduril speed. This role is focused on warhead mechanical design, platform integration, modeling and simulation, performance testing, qualification assessment, and transition to production.
Yes, you heard that right! We want to pay you to blow stuff up!
This role is a strong fit for creative engineers who are willing to learn and want to take ownership in leading a program developing new mechanical designs from the ground up. We are a hands-on, fast-paced team working on technically demanding systems where mechanical design and system safety have a direct impact on mission outcomes.
At the Senior level, a background in warhead design is strongly preferred but not required. Strong mechanical concept development skills, hands-on experience leading teams to develop complex systems, and a continued desire to learn are the keys to being successful in this role.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Lead warhead and complex ordnance/munitions system designs from prototype to production.
- Develop mechanical designs, drawings, specifications, test procedures, technical reports, and engineering documentation.
- Create high-fidelity prototype assemblies and assess performance through rigorous testing.
- Execute and manage arena, ground, flight, and system-level testing of munitions products, including high-speed video capture, data analysis, and design iteration based on results.
- Develop project plans, program schedules, design-of-experiments, and coordinate safety protocols.
- Work with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors supporting critical design, prototype, test, and production efforts.
- Support the assembly and disassembly of explosive test articles and precision targets.
- Operate in a fast-paced environment where engineers learn quickly, take ownership, and execute with urgency.
IMPACT YOU'LL HAVE
- Deliver Mission-Critical Defense Capabilities: Your warhead and munitions systems will directly enhance national security and protect those who serve on the front lines.
- Own End-to-End Product Development: Take full ownership of complex mechanical systems from initial concept through prototype, testing, qualification, and transition to production—delivering capabilities at unprecedented speed.
- Shape Mission Outcomes Through Engineering Excellence: Apply mechanical engineering fundamentals to systems where performance, reliability, manufacturability, and safety converge to determine success in the field.
- Solve Complex Problems Across Disciplines: Partner with analysis, test, safety, manufacturing, vehicle integration, and operations teams to tackle engineering challenges that push the boundaries of defense technology.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- BS or higher degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering discipline.
- 5-10+ years' experience leading cross-functional teams to develop, analyze, and test new design concepts.
- Proficiency creating complex mechanical designs and drawings using CAD/PLM tools such as NX and Teamcenter.
- Experience executing tests to verify and validate designs meet system objectives and requirements.
- Experience preparing engineering documentation (specifications, test procedures, technical reports, technical data packages).
- Ability to travel as required for testing (surges up to 25%).
- Passion for defending the United States and her allies.
- Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.
- Subject to pre-employment and randomized substance screening.
- Must be a U.S. Person, due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT STAFF LEVEL
- 10-15+ years' experience leading cross-functional teams to develop, analyze, and test new design concepts.
- Experience in design and testing of ordnance/munitions systems.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Active U.S. security clearance (DoD Secret or Top Secret, or DOE L or Q).
- Experience in design and testing of ordnance/munitions systems.
- Experience scaling mechanical components to production volumes.
- Experience with DoD Weapons Safety Boards.
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
- Please always verify communications:
- Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
- Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.
Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The Lethality team is a diverse, multidisciplinary group with one common goal: to enable Anduril products to achieve decisive effects on target. The team brings over 100 years of combined experience designing, analyzing, manufacturing, testing, and fielding ordnance assemblies designed for complex operational environments.
Our engineers and technicians work closely with multiple business lines to provide core warhead and explosives expertise for Anduril. This vertically integrated approach allows us to design and develop payload solutions directly alongside the delivery vehicle, enabling Anduril to provide the warfighter operational capabilities faster than ever before.
The Lethality team operates with a strong bias toward execution and a hands-on commitment to delivering on schedule. Team members are expected to take ownership, work directly with vehicle teams, collaborate across engineering and operations, and rapidly turn technical concepts into reliable, safe, and performant systems that can be produced and deployed at scale
ABOUT THE JOB
Our warfighters need lethal systems capable of deterring our adversaries and defending our allies. The Anduril Lethality Team is looking for a Senior/Staff Mechanical Engineer who is up for the challenge: lead new warhead designs from prototype to production at Anduril speed. This role is focused on warhead mechanical design, platform integration, modeling and simulation, performance testing, qualification assessment, and transition to production.
Yes, you heard that right! We want to pay you to blow stuff up!
This role is a strong fit for creative engineers who are willing to learn and want to take ownership in leading a program developing new mechanical designs from the ground up. We are a hands-on, fast-paced team working on technically demanding systems where mechanical design and system safety have a direct impact on mission outcomes.
At the Senior level, a background in warhead design is strongly preferred but not required. Strong mechanical concept development skills, hands-on experience leading teams to develop complex systems, and a continued desire to learn are the keys to being successful in this role.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Lead warhead and complex ordnance/munitions system designs from prototype to production.
- Develop mechanical designs, drawings, specifications, test procedures, technical reports, and engineering documentation.
- Create high-fidelity prototype assemblies and assess performance through rigorous testing.
- Execute and manage arena, ground, flight, and system-level testing of munitions products, including high-speed video capture, data analysis, and design iteration based on results.
- Develop project plans, program schedules, design-of-experiments, and coordinate safety protocols.
- Work with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors supporting critical design, prototype, test, and production efforts.
- Support the assembly and disassembly of explosive test articles and precision targets.
- Operate in a fast-paced environment where engineers learn quickly, take ownership, and execute with urgency.
IMPACT YOU'LL HAVE
- Deliver Mission-Critical Defense Capabilities: Your warhead and munitions systems will directly enhance national security and protect those who serve on the front lines.
- Own End-to-End Product Development: Take full ownership of complex mechanical systems from initial concept through prototype, testing, qualification, and transition to production—delivering capabilities at unprecedented speed.
- Shape Mission Outcomes Through Engineering Excellence: Apply mechanical engineering fundamentals to systems where performance, reliability, manufacturability, and safety converge to determine success in the field.
- Solve Complex Problems Across Disciplines: Partner with analysis, test, safety, manufacturing, vehicle integration, and operations teams to tackle engineering challenges that push the boundaries of defense technology.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- BS or higher degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering discipline.
- 5-10+ years' experience leading cross-functional teams to develop, analyze, and test new design concepts.
- Proficiency creating complex mechanical designs and drawings using CAD/PLM tools such as NX and Teamcenter.
- Experience executing tests to verify and validate designs meet system objectives and requirements.
- Experience preparing engineering documentation (specifications, test procedures, technical reports, technical data packages).
- Ability to travel as required for testing (surges up to 25%).
- Passion for defending the United States and her allies.
- Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.
- Subject to pre-employment and randomized substance screening.
- Must be a U.S. Person, due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT STAFF LEVEL
- 10-15+ years' experience leading cross-functional teams to develop, analyze, and test new design concepts.
- Experience in design and testing of ordnance/munitions systems.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Active U.S. security clearance (DoD Secret or Top Secret, or DOE L or Q).
- Experience in design and testing of ordnance/munitions systems.
- Experience scaling mechanical components to production volumes.
- Experience with DoD Weapons Safety Boards.
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
- Please always verify communications:
- Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
- Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.
Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.
See All 555+ Mechanical Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Engineer JobsMechanical Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Tesla29
- Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical)20
- Anduril13
- Northrop Grumman12
- Affiliated Engineers9
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware10
- Consulting & Professional Services7
- Manufacturing5
- Technology & Software5
- Staffing & Recruiting4
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mechanical engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
- Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or AutoCAD for design work
- Experience with finite element analysis, thermal modeling, or simulation tools
- Familiarity with California-relevant industry standards including aerospace, semiconductor, or medical device regulations
- Professional Engineer license issued or recognized by the California Board for Professional Engineers preferred for senior roles
- Strong documentation and cross-functional collaboration skills for California's heavily team-based engineering environments
Mechanical Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mechanical engineer in California?
Becoming a mechanical engineer in California starts with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from an ABET-accredited program, which most California employers require at minimum. For roles in public infrastructure, consulting, or any position requiring stamped drawings, you pursue licensure through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and later the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam after gaining qualifying experience.
How much do mechanical engineers make in California?
Mechanical engineers in California earn a median of about $130,900 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $82,070 for the lowest 10% to over $203,620 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire mechanical engineers in California?
Employers hiring mechanical engineers in California right now include Tesla, Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical), and Anduril, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, semiconductor manufacturers, and medical device companies means demand stays broad across industry sectors rather than clustering around a single employer type.
Which California cities have the most mechanical engineer jobs?
San Francisco, Sunnyvale, and San Diego have the most mechanical engineer openings in California right now. The distribution reflects the state's major industry clusters: the Los Angeles area draws heavily from aerospace and defense contractors, the Bay Area is driven by semiconductor, hardware, and clean-tech firms, and San Diego is anchored by defense systems and biomedical engineering employers.
Are there remote mechanical engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Most mechanical engineering work is hands-on and tied to labs, test facilities, or manufacturing floors, which limits full remote arrangements. About 36% of mechanical engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those tend to favor design review, simulation, and systems analysis tasks rather than prototype or production roles.
How can I get hired as a mechanical engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an internship or new-graduate rotational program, which major California aerospace and technology employers run specifically for candidates without full-time experience. Companies like Northrop Grumman and Applied Materials recruit from California's engineering programs into structured early-career roles. A portfolio of senior capstone or project work, along with an Engineer-in-Training designation from the California Board, signals readiness and gives candidates a concrete edge in competitive entry-level applicant pools.
Where can I find and apply to mechanical engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to mechanical engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly from the listings on this page.
See All 555+ Mechanical Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs