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 JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 6,789+ Mechanical Engineer jobs
Company Overview
KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.
Group/Division
With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA’s metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides inspection solutions to both the mask shops and the semiconductor fabs to ensure that lithography yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing.
About RAPID
The RAPID division is the leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. We deliver advanced inspection systems to both mask shops and semiconductor fabs, ensuring consistently high lithography yields and enabling cost-effective manufacturing.
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our RAPID engineering team, supporting the development of next-generation semiconductor capital equipment. This role requires a strong technical foundation combined with an ownership mindset—from concept through manufacturing handoff.
The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguous environments, brings clarity to requirements, and leads complex engineering efforts end-to-end.
As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will develop sophisticated precision mechanical and opto-mechanical inspection systems. You will take full ownership of the design process—from requirements definition and feasibility studies through detailed design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing release.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end mechanical design and development, from requirements definition through manufacturing release
- Translate ambiguous or high-level requirements into clear, actionable engineering specifications
- Perform and guide detailed engineering analyses, including:
- Structural analysis
- Modal and vibration analysis
- Thermal analysis
- Fluid flow modeling
- Design and optimize systems with a focus on vibration isolation and damping performance
- Drive concept development, engineering studies, and design decisions, balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability
- Own subsystem or product-level deliverables, ensuring technical quality, schedule adherence, and accountability
- Collaborate cross-functionally with systems, manufacturing, suppliers, and service teams
- Support design reviews (RDR, CDR, DDR), validation, and system integration
- Lead manufacturing handoff, including documentation, vendor engagement, and issue resolution during builds
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in semiconductor capital equipment or similar high-complexity hardware systems
- Familiarity with:
- Vibration damping and isolation techniques
- GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision engineering
- Manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, welding, etc.)
- Experience leading projects from concept through manufacturing release
What We’re Looking For
- A self-starter who can bring structure to ambiguity
- A systems thinker who understands cross-disciplinary trade-offs
- A technical leader who takes pride in ownership and delivery
- Someone comfortable operating in a fast-paced, multi-project environment
Minimum Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Doctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) with 2+ years of experience, OR
Master’s degree with 4+ years of experience, OR
Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience
- Strong technical expertise in at least two of the following areas:
+ Structural/FEA analysis
+ Modal & vibration analysis
+ Thermal engineering
+ Fluid flow / CFD
- Experience designing mechanical systems
- Extensive experience with CAD assemblies and detailed drawings
- Experience creating procedures for manufacturing, field installation, and service
- Proven track record of taking ownership of sophisticated engineering problems and delivering solutions
- Strong decision-making skills with demonstrated accountability and follow-through
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Base Pay Range: $0.00 - $0.00 Annually
Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA
KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave. Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.
Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.
Company Overview
KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.
Group/Division
With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA’s metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides inspection solutions to both the mask shops and the semiconductor fabs to ensure that lithography yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing.
About RAPID
The RAPID division is the leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. We deliver advanced inspection systems to both mask shops and semiconductor fabs, ensuring consistently high lithography yields and enabling cost-effective manufacturing.
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our RAPID engineering team, supporting the development of next-generation semiconductor capital equipment. This role requires a strong technical foundation combined with an ownership mindset—from concept through manufacturing handoff.
The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguous environments, brings clarity to requirements, and leads complex engineering efforts end-to-end.
As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will develop sophisticated precision mechanical and opto-mechanical inspection systems. You will take full ownership of the design process—from requirements definition and feasibility studies through detailed design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing release.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end mechanical design and development, from requirements definition through manufacturing release
- Translate ambiguous or high-level requirements into clear, actionable engineering specifications
- Perform and guide detailed engineering analyses, including:
- Structural analysis
- Modal and vibration analysis
- Thermal analysis
- Fluid flow modeling
- Design and optimize systems with a focus on vibration isolation and damping performance
- Drive concept development, engineering studies, and design decisions, balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability
- Own subsystem or product-level deliverables, ensuring technical quality, schedule adherence, and accountability
- Collaborate cross-functionally with systems, manufacturing, suppliers, and service teams
- Support design reviews (RDR, CDR, DDR), validation, and system integration
- Lead manufacturing handoff, including documentation, vendor engagement, and issue resolution during builds
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in semiconductor capital equipment or similar high-complexity hardware systems
- Familiarity with:
- Vibration damping and isolation techniques
- GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision engineering
- Manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, welding, etc.)
- Experience leading projects from concept through manufacturing release
What We’re Looking For
- A self-starter who can bring structure to ambiguity
- A systems thinker who understands cross-disciplinary trade-offs
- A technical leader who takes pride in ownership and delivery
- Someone comfortable operating in a fast-paced, multi-project environment
Minimum Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Doctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) with 2+ years of experience, OR
Master’s degree with 4+ years of experience, OR
Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience
- Strong technical expertise in at least two of the following areas:
+ Structural/FEA analysis
+ Modal & vibration analysis
+ Thermal engineering
+ Fluid flow / CFD
- Experience designing mechanical systems
- Extensive experience with CAD assemblies and detailed drawings
- Experience creating procedures for manufacturing, field installation, and service
- Proven track record of taking ownership of sophisticated engineering problems and delivering solutions
- Strong decision-making skills with demonstrated accountability and follow-through
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Base Pay Range: $0.00 - $0.00 Annually
Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA
KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave. Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.
Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.
See All 6,789+ 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
- Apple579
- NVIDIA249
- Google180
- Amazon170
- Adobe89
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software2,823
- Electronics & Hardware1,340
- Consulting & Professional Services459
- Manufacturing286
- Artificial Intelligence242
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 Apple, NVIDIA, and Google, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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, Santa Clara, 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 21% of mechanical engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 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 6,789+ Mechanical Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs