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.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs

Overview

Open roles1,151+
Top employerTesla
Top citySan Francisco, CA
Cities hiring130
Work type68% On-site
Top industryManufacturing

Showing 5 of 1,151+ Mechanical Engineer jobs

Mechanical Engineer
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New 59m ago
Mechanical Engineer
Fit-Line Global
Santa Ana, California
Engineering (Non-Software)
Manufacturing Engineering
Specialized Engineering
On-Site
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

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Mechanical Engineer
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New 1h ago
Mechanical Engineer
Castelion
Torrance, California
Engineering (Non-Software)
Manufacturing Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

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Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
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New 1h ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
Castelion
Torrance, California
Engineering (Non-Software)
Manufacturing Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

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Senior Mechanical Systems & Configuration Engineer
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New 1h ago
Senior Mechanical Systems & Configuration Engineer
Castelion
Torrance, California
Engineering (Non-Software)
Manufacturing Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

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Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer
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New 2h ago
Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer
Elantis
San Jose, California
Engineering (Non-Software)
Mechanical Engineering
Product Management
Specialized Engineering
$60 - $90/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering
51-200

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See All 1,151+ Mechanical Engineer Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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Mechanical Engineer Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

San Diego
59 jobs

Mechanical Engineer Job Market in California

A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • Tesla84
  • Anduril30
  • KLA23
  • Northrop Grumman20
  • General Atomics16

Top Industries Hiring

  • Manufacturing40
  • Consulting & Professional Services38
  • Electronics & Hardware35
  • Technology & Software22
  • Construction & Real Estate13

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, Anduril, and KLA, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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, Fremont, and San Jose 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 32% of mechanical engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 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 1,151+ Mechanical Engineer Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs