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Associate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in California

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 ...

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 ...

mlp

Associate Mechanical Engineer

Stockton, CA · On-site

$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 ...

WSP

Associate Mechanical Engineer - Buildings

Riverside, CA · On-site

$79K - $109K/yr

The Associate Mechanical Engineer will support the planning, design, and delivery of mechanical building systems for a variety of projects, including commercial, healthcare, higher education, life ...

TekWissen LLC

Associate Mechanical Engineer

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Associate Mechanical Engineer Location: Vacaville, CA, 95688 Duration: 12 Months Job Type: Temporary Assignment Work Type: Onsite Summary The Process Mechanic is responsible for maximizing equipment ...

Arup

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

We are seeking an experienced an Associate, Mechanical Engineer to support our growing property and government portfolio in the West geography. The candidate would work on various projects in the ...

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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 4, 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 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 $81,554 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Associate Mechanical Engineer (Intern / Co-Op)

Mesh Optical Technologies

Gardena, CA

$26 - $38/hr

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

ASSOCIATE MECHANICAL ENGINEER

Mesh Optical Technologies was founded on the belief that optical photons will be at the center of advanced technologies in the coming century. Making advanced technology ubiquitous means building at scale, and that's exactly what we're doing at Mesh.

Our interns and co-ops are embedded in the engineering team and own real work-not side projects. We are seeking an Associate Mechanical Engineer to contribute directly to the design and build of both our optical interconnect product and the factory that produces it.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Design and build development test platforms that allow our team to characterize various thermal, optical, and electrical aspects of our optical interconnect prototypes
  • Work with your mentor to identify improvements to our production process, then own rapid-prototype hardware that goes from CAD to the cleanroom in days
  • Support your designs with finite element analysis, thermal simulations, and detailed drawings with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
  • Work hands-on and alongside a multidisciplinary team of engineers as we develop our high-volume optical manufacturing facility

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • Pursuing or recently completed a BS or graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related) with a GPA of 3.5 or greater
  • Portfolio of hands-on projects-Formula SAE, SolarCar, Robotics, CubeSats, or other club/personal builds
  • Proficient with modern CAD software and version control
  • Strong analytical mindset, first-principles problem solving, and clear communication

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

  • Your projects demonstrate not just mechanical engineering aptitude but also multidisciplinary knowledge of electrical engineering and software engineering concepts

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range: 
Associate Mechanical Engineer: $26.00 - $38.00/per hour

Base salary is determined based your academic year. In addition to base salary, compensation for this role includes a flexible monthly housing and transportation stipend during your time in Los Angeles.

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