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Associate Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Staff Mechanical Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$135K - $145K/yr

The Staff Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and continuous improvement of mechanical and electro-mechanical medical device systems throughout the product ...

Staff Mechanical Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$135K - $145K/yr

The Staff Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and continuous improvement of mechanical and electro-mechanical medical device systems throughout the product ...

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The Mechanical Design Engineer III is responsible for transforming initial product design concepts or written specifications using computer-aided design (CAD) into sales and manufacturing drawing ...

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Associate Mechanical Design Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$47.5K

$95.5K

$142.4K

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

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate mechanical design engineer in Riverside, CA is $95,540.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $107,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate mechanical design engineer?

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.

What opportunities for career growth are available to an associate mechanical design engineer?

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Associate Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Associate Mechanical Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Associate Mechanical Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Mechanical Design Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,540 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Nihon Kohden Orange Med

Santa Ana, CA

$93K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Job Purpose

The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for independently leading and executing mechanical design and development activities for new and existing medical device products. This position applies advanced mechanical engineering expertise to the design, development, verification, and lifecycle support of high-reliability critical care medical devices.

The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop robust, manufacturable, and compliant product designs. The position is expected to exercise independent judgment, provide technical leadership within assigned projects, and ensure mechanical engineering activities are completed in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and the company’s design control processes.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Lead and execute mechanical design and development activities for medical device components, assemblies, and systems using SolidWorks and established engineering methodologies, including plastic, pneumatic, sheet metal, machined, molded, and other mechanical components.
  • Independently develop and maintain mechanical engineering documentation throughout the product lifecycle, including design specifications, drawings, engineering analyses, design reviews, change orders, and Design History File (DHF) records, in accordance with established design controls, FDA requirements, and applicable quality system procedures.
  • Conduct engineering analyses, calculations, simulations, prototyping, and testing to support design decisions and evaluate product performance, reliability, safety, manufacturability, serviceability, and compliance with applicable requirements.
  • Lead and execute design verification and validation activities, including development of test methods, protocols, reports, and analysis of results, while applying risk management principles to identify and mitigate design-related risks.
  • Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing, suppliers, and other cross-functional teams to ensure mechanical designs and supporting documentation meet applicable regulatory and quality requirements and support regulatory submissions, including 510(k) submissions where applicable.
  • Provide technical leadership through design reviews, engineering changes, product improvements, and production support activities; proactively resolve technical challenges and provide recommendations based on sound engineering judgment.
  • Support investigation and resolution of production, supplier, quality, and field-related mechanical issues, including root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less-experienced mechanical engineers and contribute to the development of engineering best practices and processes.
  • Adheres to all company policies, procedures and business ethics codes.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering discipline; master’s degree preferred.
  • 7+ years of progressive mechanical engineering design and development experience, including experience designing and developing products within the medical device or other highly regulated industry.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience with SolidWorks or comparable 3D CAD software, with demonstrated proficiency in complex mechanical design and product development.
  • Demonstrated experience in mechanical design of Plastic and Pneumatic components for use in Class 2 medical devices.
  • Demonstrated experience with design controls, design verification, and design validation within a regulated product development environment.
  • Experience developing and executing mechanical engineering verification testing, including test methods, protocols, reports, and analysis of results.
  • Working knowledge of FDA medical device requirements, ISO and IEC standards, and applicable quality system requirements.
  • Experience supporting regulatory documentation and submissions, including 510(k) submissions, where applicable.

Skills & Abilities

  • Strong understanding and practical application of risk management principles in product design and development.
  • Strong knowledge of design for manufacturability (DFM), tolerance analysis, and GD&T principles.
  • Ability to evaluate mechanical designs for performance, reliability, safety, manufacturability, serviceability, and compliance with applicable requirements.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, communication, and technical documentation skills.
  • Strong written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and concise technical summaries and reports, and excellent verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently manage engineering activities, prioritize multiple projects, resolve technical challenges, and meet established project timelines.
  • Ability to effectively collaborate with Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing, suppliers, and other cross-functional teams throughout the product development and lifecycle process.
  • Ability to provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes and practices.

Compensation

The anticipated range for this position is $120,000 to $150,000 at an annual base. Actual placement within the range is dependent on multiple factors, including but not limited to skills, education, experience and location.

Working Conditions

  • The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer primarily works in an office and engineering environment and may occasionally be required to work in laboratory, manufacturing, or testing areas. Domestic travel may be required on an occasional basis.
  • The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer generally works a standard business schedule; occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support project deadlines, testing activities, production needs, or other business requirements.

Physical requirements

  • Sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, by telephone, and through written communication.
  • Perform visual inspection of engineering drawings, CAD models, prototypes, components, and test equipment.
  • Work safely in laboratory, manufacturing, and testing environments and comply with applicable safety requirements.
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.