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Associate Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in California

INA Solution Inc

Mechanical Design engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Location: Milpitas, CA (100% Onsite) Duration: Long-Term Contract Seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer with 4+ years of experience to support product/platform development ...

Xyant Services, Inc.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Location Santa Clara, CA ((Onsite 5 days/week) Contract Mandatory Areas Must Have Skills Skill 1 Mechanical Design Engineer with experience in hardware/mechanism design and ...

United Employment Solutions, Inc.

Be Seen First

Mechanical Design Engineer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

Mechanical Design Engineer Temp-to-Hire Opportunity Employment Type: Full-Time | Temp-to-Hire Pay Rate: $33.00 - $35.00 per hour Schedule: Monday - Friday | 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Benefits: Excellent ...

Wintegrity

Mechanical Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$130K - $170K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Location: Milpitas, CA Job Type: Direct Hire Keys: * 3+ years Experience in motion systems, precision mechanics, or mechatronics * PHD or Masters Degree in Mechanical ...

Xforia, Inc.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Location: Sacramento, CA Key Skills: Mechanical Design | Inventor | Automation | Tooling | Prototype | Testing | DFM | materials and manufacturing processes | Project ...

Actalent

Mechanical Design Engineer

San Jose, CA

$60 - $85/hr

Mechanical Design Engineer This role focuses on designing and delivering next-generation networking products, including routers, switches, firewalls, and servers, that meet demanding system product ...

Pacific Fusion

Mechanical Design Engineer

San Leandro, CA

$85K - $116K/yr

Why This Role Matters As a Mechanical Design Engineer , you will help with the design, development, and integration and validation of mechanical components and systems integral to our advanced fusion ...

Actalent

Mechanical Design Engineer

Burbank, CA

$73K - $88K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer The Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for designing, validating, and sustaining pressure and temperature sensing products for aerospace applications. This role ...

CMC Rescue Inc

Mechanical Design Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$85K - $127K/yr

We're looking for an experienced mechanical design engineer ready to take the next step in their career and contribute to an employee-owned company whose mission is to help save lives. This is a ...

Vast

Mechanical Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$86K - $122K/yr

Vast is looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer , reporting to the Manager, Structures Design, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial ...

Skild AI

Mechanical Design Engineer

San Mateo, CA

$86K - $117K/yr

Position Overview We are looking for Mechanical Design Engineers to create and fabricate robotic systems for teleoperation, human-robot interaction and data collection. You will be responsible for ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate Mechanical Design Engineer JobsAssociate Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in California

Associate Mechanical Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$90.4K

$134.7K

How much do associate mechanical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate mechanical design engineer in California is $90,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,000.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Mechanical Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectAssociate Mechanical Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering; some roles may require internship experienceBachelor's or Master's degree; more experience may be preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based design projects, often under supervisionMore independent project work, leading design tasks
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in design, drafting, and testing; learning company standardsDeveloping detailed designs, reviewing specifications, and collaborating with manufacturing

The main difference between an Associate Mechanical Design Engineer and a Mechanical Design Engineer lies in experience and responsibility level. The associate role is typically entry-level, focusing on learning and supporting design tasks, while the Mechanical Design Engineer has more independence and handles complex projects. Both roles require a background in mechanical engineering and are common in engineering firms and manufacturing industries.

What opportunities for career growth are available to an Associate Mechanical Design Engineer within a typical engineering organization?

As an Associate Mechanical Design Engineer, you can expect to gain hands-on experience working on various design projects alongside senior engineers, which is a strong foundation for career advancement. Many organizations offer mentorship programs, technical training, and support for professional certifications to help you develop specialized skills. With a few years of experience and demonstrated capability, you may progress to roles such as Mechanical Design Engineer, Senior Mechanical Engineer, or Project Lead. Additionally, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams like manufacturing and quality assurance will broaden your industry knowledge and network, further supporting your career trajectory.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Mechanical Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Mechanical Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, mechanical design, and proficiency with CAD software, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, as well as knowledge of relevant standards and certifications, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and present your ideas clearly. These skills ensure the successful development and implementation of innovative mechanical solutions that meet project requirements and industry standards.

Can you make $200,000 a year as a mechanical engineer?

While most associate mechanical design engineers earn between $70,000 and $110,000 annually, those with extensive experience, advanced skills, or working in high-cost regions can potentially reach or exceed $200,000 per year, especially in senior roles or specialized industries. Achieving this level often requires advanced degrees, professional certifications, and a strong track record of project management or leadership. Salary growth depends on factors such as location, industry, and individual expertise.

What does an Associate Mechanical Design Engineer do?

An Associate Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for assisting in the design, development, and testing of mechanical systems and components. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to create technical drawings, conduct simulations, and support the manufacturing process. Their role typically includes collaborating with cross-functional teams, analyzing design specifications, and making improvements to ensure products meet quality and safety standards.

What is an Associate mechanical design engineer?

An Associate Mechanical Design Engineer is an entry-level or early-career professional responsible for assisting in the development, analysis, and modification of mechanical components and systems. They typically use CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD and work under the supervision of senior engineers to support product design and testing processes.

What can I do with an Associate's degree in mechanical engineering?

An Associate's degree in mechanical engineering prepares individuals for entry-level roles such as Mechanical Design Technician or Manufacturing Technician. These positions involve assisting in design, testing, and production processes, often requiring skills in CAD software and understanding of engineering principles. Further education or certifications can expand career opportunities in engineering or technical fields.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most associate mechanical design engineers earn significantly less, senior-level engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, or leadership roles in high-paying industries such as aerospace or oil and gas can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, often including bonuses and stock options.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in California? For Associate Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Associate Mechanical Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Associate Mechanical Design Engineer job openings:
Associate Mechanical Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Mechanical Design Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,379 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Associate Mechanical Design Engineer (Pelican)

Pyka

Alameda, CA

$79K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

About Pyka

Pyka’s goal is to provide society with a new form of safe, clean, and cost-effective transportation enabled by autonomous electric aviation.

To get there, we’re taking a different approach than most. We're applying our technologies to every industry where autonomous electric aircraft can be useful, starting with the highest value and most dangerous jobs. In doing so, we're building game-changing products manufactured at scale, while perfecting the safety, reliability, and capabilities of our autonomy engine and electric propulsion systems. 

We design, develop and manufacture an ecosystem of technologies including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes.

Today, we supply autonomous electric aircraft for cargo transport and crop protection to real-world customers across four separate continents and have secured industry-first regulatory approvals from the FAA. Our cargo aircraft enables remote connectivity, enhances express delivery networks, and ensures fast and reliable shipping of critical supplies to areas in need. Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both vehicles are highly economical to operate, easy to deploy, and significantly reduce CO2 emissions in their respective industries. 

What you work on at Pyka makes people’s lives better now and brings the future of electric aviation one step closer each day. 


Pyka is looking for an Associate Mechanical Design Engineer to join our experienced and enthusiastic team of engineers. In this role, you will bridge the gap between internship and autonomous engineering, taking on ownership of specific mechanical components and subsystems on the aircraft with the mentorship and support of senior team members.
Our Mechanical Engineering team members work closely with Manufacturing Engineers, Flight Test Engineers, and other Mechanical Engineers to design, test, and iterate on mechanical components and assemblies. This role is fast-paced and highly impactful—the Pyka MDE team handles the same amount of hardware as teams 10x the size. You’ll have the opportunity to move quickly, significantly contribute to flight hardware, and accelerate your professional development and career growth.
 
What you'll work on early on:
  • Iterative Design: Improve the design of existing components for better manufacturability, usability, and durability under the guidance of senior engineers.
  • Testing & Validation: Support the thorough environmental and structural validation of aircraft parts, materials, and assemblies.
  • Root-Cause Analysis: Assist in the investigation, root-causing, and solution testing for hardware bugs that arise during field testing.
  • Fleet Support: Actively participate in supporting our existing fleet of aircraft while learning the ropes for next-generation development.
Responsibilities
  • Act as the supporting or primary engineer for specific mechanical components, moving them from initial requirement definitions through prototyping, production, and field support.
  • Collaborating closely with Senior Engineers on the conceptual design, prototyping, testing, and documentation of flight-critical mechanical parts and assemblies.
  • Create and maintain 3D CAD models, detailed engineering drawings, and manufacturing documents with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Work alongside manufacturing teams to build tools, jigs, and fixtures that facilitate the build of in-house parts and subsystems.
  • Coordinate with external suppliers and fabricators to track parts, ensure quality, and manage timely delivery.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 1–2 years of experience in mechanical design (strong internship, co-op, or intensive university hands-on project team experience—like Formula SAE, DBF, or Rocketry—is highly valued).
  • An inquisitive attitude with a strong desire to learn, research new topics, and rapidly iterate on designs.
  • Exposure to or basic experience with designing and analyzing composite structures.
  • Familiarity designing parts for common manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet metal, injection molding).
  • Proficiency in any 3D CAD package (SolidWorks, NX, Inventor).
  • Foundational understanding of hand calculations and basic FEA to validate design decisions (stress/strain, basic thermal, or fatigue).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; a proactive collaborator who isn't afraid to ask questions or seek clarification.
  • Excitement to be in a prototyping shop building and testing things with your hands.
Compensation & Benefits
  • $79,000 - $95,000 + equity. Compensation will vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Salary ranges are subject to change.
  • Employer-sponsored health, dental and vision insurance
  • FSA with employer matching
  • 401(k)
  • Paid holidays, generous PTO, and additional unpaid time off
  • Voluntary short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
  • Pre-tax commuter benefits
  • Free catered lunch and plenty of snacks
Export Control Requirements

This position requires access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls.  Employment in this position is conditioned on the continued availability of government authorization to authorize release of such items, to the extent required, including without limitation an export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items. 

Company may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or may modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to Company facilities and information systems, as Company deems appropriate, in order to ensure compliance with applicable government access control restrictions.

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We do not work with external recruiters; if you are an external recruiter, please do not reach out.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.

Pyka logo

About Pyka

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Palo Alto, CA, US

Year founded

2016

Social media

Twitter

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