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Associate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in California

L3HHCM20

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA

$68K - $126K/yr

Associate, Mechanical Engineer Job Code: 40627 Job Location:San Diego, CA Job Schedule: 9/80:Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off L3Harris ...

New

mlp

Associate Mechanical Engineer

Stockton, CA

$21 - $22/hr

Associate Mechanical Engineer Build Products That Help Power America MacLean Power Systems is seeking a motivated Associate Mechanical Engineer to join our growing engineering team in Stockton ...

L3HHCM20

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$68K - $126K/yr

Associate, Mechanical Engineer Job Code: 40627 Job Location:San Diego, CA Job Schedule: 9/80:Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off L3Harris ...

New

mlp

Associate Mechanical Engineer

Stockton, CA

$21 - $22/hr

Associate Mechanical Engineer Build Products That Help Power America MacLean Power Systems is seeking a motivated Associate Mechanical Engineer to join our growing engineering team in Stockton ...

L3HHCM20

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$68K - $126K/yr

Associate, Mechanical Engineer Job Code: 40627 Job Location:San Diego, CA Job Schedule: 9/80:Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off L3Harris ...

New

L3HHCM20

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$68K - $126K/yr

Associate, Mechanical Engineer Job Code: 40627 Job Location:San Diego, CA Job Schedule: 9/80:Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off L3Harris ...

New

L3HHCM20

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$68K - $126K/yr

Associate, Mechanical Engineer Job Code: 40627 Job Location:San Diego, CA Job Schedule: 9/80:Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off L3Harris ...

New

mlp

Associate Mechanical Engineer

Stockton, CA

$21 - $22/hr

Associate Mechanical Engineer Build Products That Help Power America MacLean Power Systems is seeking a motivated Associate Mechanical Engineer to join our growing engineering team in Stockton ...

L3HHCM20

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$68K - $126K/yr

Associate, Mechanical Engineer Job Code: 40627 Job Location:San Diego, CA Job Schedule: 9/80:Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off L3Harris ...

New

L3HHCM20

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$68K - $126K/yr

Associate, Mechanical Engineer Job Code: 40627 Job Location:San Diego, CA Job Schedule: 9/80:Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off L3Harris ...

New

L3HHCM20

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$88K - $105K/yr

Associate, Mechanical Engineer Job ID: 38930 Job Location: Carlsbad, CA Job Schedule: 9/80:Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off

New

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate Mechanical Engineer JobsAssociate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in California

Associate Mechanical Engineer information

See California salary details

$41K

$81.6K

$130.3K

How much do associate mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate mechanical engineer in California is $81,554.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,600.00 and $93,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectAssociate Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; some roles may require internship experienceBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering; often requires licensure or professional certification for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentEntry-level positions in design, testing, or manufacturing departmentsDesign, analysis, and project management in various industries like automotive, aerospace, or HVAC
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by engineering firms, manufacturing companies, and government agencies for entry-level rolesCommonly employed across industries for mid-level engineering tasks and project execution

The main difference between an Associate Mechanical Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer lies in experience and responsibilities. Associate Mechanical Engineers are typically entry-level, focusing on supporting roles, while Mechanical Engineers handle more complex design and analysis tasks. Both roles require a bachelor's degree, but Mechanical Engineers often pursue licensure for career advancement.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an associate mechanical engineer expect in their first year?

As an Associate Mechanical Engineer, you can anticipate working on a variety of projects such as assisting with the design and testing of mechanical components, creating CAD models, and supporting senior engineers during prototype development. You'll likely be involved in drafting technical documentation, performing basic calculations, and collaborating with cross-functional teams like manufacturing and quality assurance. This early experience provides valuable hands-on exposure to industry standards and project workflows, helping you build a strong technical foundation and develop professional skills essential for career advancement.

What is an associate mechanical engineer?

Associate Mechanical Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in the design, development, testing, and maintenance of mechanical systems and products. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, contributing to projects such as machinery, HVAC systems, automotive components, or manufacturing equipment. Their responsibilities may include creating technical drawings, performing calculations, preparing reports, and supporting the engineering team throughout the project lifecycle. This role is often a starting point for mechanical engineering graduates seeking to gain practical experience and advance their careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate mechanical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid foundation in mechanical engineering principles, problem-solving, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), engineering simulation tools, and knowledge of industry standards is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and attention to detail help you excel in collaborative projects and technical documentation. These competencies enable you to design, analyze, and implement effective mechanical solutions while ensuring safety, efficiency, and innovation in engineering environments.

What can I do with an associate mechanical engineer?

An associate mechanical engineer can work in designing, testing, and maintaining mechanical systems across industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and HVAC. They often assist senior engineers, use CAD software, and may pursue certifications like EIT or PE to advance their careers.

Is an associate in mechanical engineering worth it?

An associate degree in mechanical engineering can provide a foundation for entry-level roles such as technician or drafter, often requiring less time and cost than a bachelor's degree. However, for higher-level engineering positions, a bachelor's or higher degree is typically necessary, and the associate degree may limit advancement opportunities in the field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Mechanical Engineer jobs in California? For Associate Mechanical Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Mechanical Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Mechanical Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Associate Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Associate Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Associate Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Mechanical Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,554 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

L3HHCM20

San Diego, CA

$68K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Job Title:Associate, Mechanical Engineer

Job Code: 40627

Job Location:San Diego, CA

Job Schedule: 9/80:Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off

Job Description: L3Harris Technologies is seeking an New Grad for the Mechanical Engineering team to support our dynamic organization. 

Essential Functions: 

  • Implement and analyze manufacturing plans and projects   
  • Design develop and transfer manufacturing and engineering tools, strategies and systems  
  • Develop manufacturing strategies for specific products and processes   
  • Interface with engineering in coordinating the release of new products   
  • Estimate manufacturing costs, determine time standards, and make recommendations for tooling and process requirements of new or existing product lines   
  • Maintain records and reporting systems for coordination of manufacturing operations 

Qualifications: 

  • To be eligible, applicants must be pursuing a bachelor's degree Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field or have completed their bachelor's degree within the last 12 months, regardless of age. 

 

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New York state is $68,000 - $126,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements. 

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