Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs in California
Mechanical Project Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor manufacturing, energy infrastructure, and advanced medical devices across a hiring market that runs from entry-level design roles through senior program leads. The largest hiring metros are Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Diego, where employers such as Northrop Grumman, Applied Materials, and Qualcomm maintain deep engineering headcounts. The most in-demand specialties are thermal systems, electromechanical integration, and capital project delivery for semiconductor fabs and clean-energy facilities. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 24+ Mechanical Project Engineer jobs
An exciting career awaits you
At MPC, we’re committed to being a great place to work – one that welcomes new ideas, encourages diverse perspectives, develops our people, and fosters a collaborative team environment.
Mechanical Project Engineer
Job Summary
The Marathon Los Angeles Refinery located in Wilmington/Carson, California has an opening for a Mechanical/ Project Engineer.
This position is responsible for providing technical and mechanical support to the assigned Operating Area while developing and managing a wide range of engineering and construction projects.
The available onsite schedules for the position are 9/80, 5/40 or 4/1, after-hour calls are expected a few times during a month and support of TAR once or twice a year.
Key Responsibilities
Define and implement Projects to improve safety, profitability and reliability. Ensures compliance with Management of Change (MOC), Process. Coordinate project scope development with other departments and outside engineering contractors. Develop estimates, decision support packages (DSPs) for assigned projects, Construction Work Packages (CWPs) and support construction.
Review new and existing equipment designs working with Operations, SME’s, Reliability, Inspection, and Maintenance to identify potential problems, root cause issues, or areas for improvement on as needed basis.
In depth understanding of engineering and construction codes and specs to ensure project designs meet company and applicable standards (RAGAGEP) including ASME, TEMA, API, ANSI, NBIC and Marathon Specifications.
Provide technical input for the purchase and fabrication of engineered equipment, piping, valves and perform technical reviews of vendor drawings.
Support maintenance with technical reviews and approvals of temporary repair packages per ASME PCC-2 and applicable standards.
Develop CWPs and provide technical engineering support as needed to support day to day operations, including temporary installations
Initiate, develop, and execute MOCs for assigned projects.
Participate in unit and project PHAs.
Promotes safety awareness and takes corrective action when unsafe practices or conditions are observed.
Lead or participate in incident investigations and root cause analyses and participates in HAZOP reviews and incident investigations; applies safety and environmental standards to designs.
Education, Experience and Skills
Minimum Qualifications
Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Must have a minimum of 4 years post degree experience as a Mechanical or Project Engineer in the refining, petrochemical or manufacturing industry.
Must have fixed equipment and detail mechanical/piping design knowledge.
Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously of varying magnitude and complexity from conception to commissioning and start-up.
Must have strong understanding of Management of Change requirements and processes.
Must have excellent communication, time management, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Must be proficient in Microsoft: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Outlook and have the ability to learn other computer systems.
Must be able to wear appropriate PPE in the refinery (respirator), be able to physically perform all tasks in the field and take hair drug test and physical.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Must be legally authorized to work in the US without the need for future VISA sponsorship.
Travel Requirement is 5% or less.
Must be able to work on of the onsite schedules: 9/80, 5/40 or 4/1, after hours calls are required a few times a year and support of TAR once or twice a year.
Preferred Qualifications
Refinery experience is preferred.
Piping stress engineering experience is preferred.
Project engineering experience is preferred.
Demonstrated expertise with refinery equipment is preferred. (pumps, heat exchangers, heaters, vessels, piping, etc)
Relocation may be available. https://mympcbenefits.com/relocating/
This job will posted through August 26, 2026.
This position belongs to a family of jobs with increasing responsibility, competency and skill level. Actual position title and pay grade will be based on the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Learn more about Marathon Petroleum’s benefits at https://mympcbenefits.com/
As an energy industry leader, our career opportunities fuel personal and professional growth.
Location:
Carson, CaliforniaJob Requisition ID:
00023263Pay Min/Max:
$106,900.00 - $184,300.00 SalaryGrade:
11 - 12Location Address:
2350 E 223rd StAdditional locations:
Education:
Bachelors (Required)Employee Group:
Full timeEmployee Subgroup:
Regular
Marathon Petroleum Company LP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decision-making, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition or AIDS/HIV status, ancestry, national origin, genetic information, military, veteran status, marital status, citizenship or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. If you would like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant, click here.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process at Marathon Petroleum LP, please contact our Human Resources Department at talentacquisition@marathonpetroleum.com. Please specify the reasonable accommodation you are requesting, along with the job posting number in which you may be interested. A Human Resources representative will review your request and contact you to discuss a reasonable accommodation. Marathon Petroleum offers a total rewards program which includes, but is not limited to, access to health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, 401k matching program, paid parental leave, and educational reimbursement. Detailed benefit information is available at mympcbenefits.com. The hired candidate will also be eligible for a discretionary company-sponsored annual bonus program.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Veteran / Disability
We will consider all qualified Applicants for employment, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. In reviewing criminal history in connection with a conditional offer of employment, Marathon will consider the key responsibilities of the role.
An exciting career awaits you
At MPC, we’re committed to being a great place to work – one that welcomes new ideas, encourages diverse perspectives, develops our people, and fosters a collaborative team environment.
Mechanical Project Engineer
Job Summary
The Marathon Los Angeles Refinery located in Wilmington/Carson, California has an opening for a Mechanical/ Project Engineer.
This position is responsible for providing technical and mechanical support to the assigned Operating Area while developing and managing a wide range of engineering and construction projects.
The available onsite schedules for the position are 9/80, 5/40 or 4/1, after-hour calls are expected a few times during a month and support of TAR once or twice a year.
Key Responsibilities
Define and implement Projects to improve safety, profitability and reliability. Ensures compliance with Management of Change (MOC), Process. Coordinate project scope development with other departments and outside engineering contractors. Develop estimates, decision support packages (DSPs) for assigned projects, Construction Work Packages (CWPs) and support construction.
Review new and existing equipment designs working with Operations, SME’s, Reliability, Inspection, and Maintenance to identify potential problems, root cause issues, or areas for improvement on as needed basis.
In depth understanding of engineering and construction codes and specs to ensure project designs meet company and applicable standards (RAGAGEP) including ASME, TEMA, API, ANSI, NBIC and Marathon Specifications.
Provide technical input for the purchase and fabrication of engineered equipment, piping, valves and perform technical reviews of vendor drawings.
Support maintenance with technical reviews and approvals of temporary repair packages per ASME PCC-2 and applicable standards.
Develop CWPs and provide technical engineering support as needed to support day to day operations, including temporary installations
Initiate, develop, and execute MOCs for assigned projects.
Participate in unit and project PHAs.
Promotes safety awareness and takes corrective action when unsafe practices or conditions are observed.
Lead or participate in incident investigations and root cause analyses and participates in HAZOP reviews and incident investigations; applies safety and environmental standards to designs.
Education, Experience and Skills
Minimum Qualifications
Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Must have a minimum of 4 years post degree experience as a Mechanical or Project Engineer in the refining, petrochemical or manufacturing industry.
Must have fixed equipment and detail mechanical/piping design knowledge.
Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously of varying magnitude and complexity from conception to commissioning and start-up.
Must have strong understanding of Management of Change requirements and processes.
Must have excellent communication, time management, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Must be proficient in Microsoft: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Outlook and have the ability to learn other computer systems.
Must be able to wear appropriate PPE in the refinery (respirator), be able to physically perform all tasks in the field and take hair drug test and physical.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Must be legally authorized to work in the US without the need for future VISA sponsorship.
Travel Requirement is 5% or less.
Must be able to work on of the onsite schedules: 9/80, 5/40 or 4/1, after hours calls are required a few times a year and support of TAR once or twice a year.
Preferred Qualifications
Refinery experience is preferred.
Piping stress engineering experience is preferred.
Project engineering experience is preferred.
Demonstrated expertise with refinery equipment is preferred. (pumps, heat exchangers, heaters, vessels, piping, etc)
Relocation may be available. https://mympcbenefits.com/relocating/
This job will posted through August 26, 2026.
This position belongs to a family of jobs with increasing responsibility, competency and skill level. Actual position title and pay grade will be based on the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Learn more about Marathon Petroleum’s benefits at https://mympcbenefits.com/
As an energy industry leader, our career opportunities fuel personal and professional growth.
Location:
Carson, CaliforniaJob Requisition ID:
00023263Pay Min/Max:
$106,900.00 - $184,300.00 SalaryGrade:
11 - 12Location Address:
2350 E 223rd StAdditional locations:
Education:
Bachelors (Required)Employee Group:
Full timeEmployee Subgroup:
Regular
Marathon Petroleum Company LP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decision-making, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition or AIDS/HIV status, ancestry, national origin, genetic information, military, veteran status, marital status, citizenship or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. If you would like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant, click here.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process at Marathon Petroleum LP, please contact our Human Resources Department at talentacquisition@marathonpetroleum.com. Please specify the reasonable accommodation you are requesting, along with the job posting number in which you may be interested. A Human Resources representative will review your request and contact you to discuss a reasonable accommodation. Marathon Petroleum offers a total rewards program which includes, but is not limited to, access to health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, 401k matching program, paid parental leave, and educational reimbursement. Detailed benefit information is available at mympcbenefits.com. The hired candidate will also be eligible for a discretionary company-sponsored annual bonus program.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Veteran / Disability
We will consider all qualified Applicants for employment, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. In reviewing criminal history in connection with a conditional offer of employment, Marathon will consider the key responsibilities of the role.
See All 24 Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs in California
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Find JobsMechanical Project Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mechanical Project Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Consulting & Professional Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mechanical project engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or closely related engineering discipline required
- Professional Engineer license from the California Board for Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists preferred for senior roles
- Three or more years of project engineering or project management experience in a relevant California industry
- Demonstrated proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent 3D mechanical design software
- Experience managing project scope, schedules, and budgets from concept through closeout
- Familiarity with California Title 24 energy codes and applicable ASME or ASTM standards
Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mechanical project engineer in California?
Most California employers require a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from an ABET-accredited program as the baseline. From there, candidates typically gain two to four years in a design or project coordination role before moving into a dedicated project engineer position. For roles in public infrastructure, utilities, or consulting, a Professional Engineer license issued by the California Board for Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists significantly improves advancement prospects and is often required to stamp drawings or lead permitted projects.
How much do mechanical project engineers make in California?
Mechanical project 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 project engineers in California?
Employers hiring mechanical project engineers in California right now include RIMEPRO, EMCOR, and Design West Engineering, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, semiconductor equipment makers, and clean-energy developers means demand is spread across multiple high-growth industries rather than tied to any single sector.
Which California cities have the most mechanical project engineer jobs?
Sacramento, El Cajon, and Los Angeles consistently post the most mechanical project engineer openings in California. Los Angeles anchors the aerospace and defense corridor, San Jose sits at the center of semiconductor and cleantech manufacturing, and San Diego draws demand from defense contractors and biomedical device companies, which is why smaller suburban engineering parks around those metros often appear in listings alongside the core cities.
Are there remote mechanical project engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely analytical roles because the work regularly involves site visits, lab testing, and hands-on coordination with fabrication teams. About 14% of mechanical project engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with most of those positions focused on the documentation, scheduling, and vendor management portions of the role rather than the physical design and commissioning stages.
How can I get hired as a mechanical project engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is landing a mechanical engineer or project coordinator role at a California defense contractor or semiconductor equipment manufacturer that runs structured rotational or new-graduate programs, such as those offered by large Los Angeles and South Bay employers. Building toward an Engineer-in-Training registration through the California Board for Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists signals seriousness to hiring managers. Lateral moves from adjacent roles like manufacturing engineer, test engineer, or facilities engineer are common stepping stones into the project engineering track.
Where can I find and apply to mechanical project engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to mechanical project engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to California employers. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 24 Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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