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Associate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in California

CHC Hydro

Associate Mechanical Engineer

Hayward, CA ยท On-site

Associate Mechanical Engineer Location: Hayward, CA Schedule: Full-Time (Mon-Fri, Flexible Day Shift) Are you ready to grow your engineering career with a dynamic, employee-owned team? CHC ...

Socket.dev

Associate Mechanical Engineer

Menlo Park, CA ยท On-site

$70 - $90/hr

About the Role Mainspring is seeking an Associate Mechanical Engineer to contribute to mechanical engineering projects for our Linear Generator platform. In this role, you will build practical ...

New

mlp

Associate Mechanical Engineer

Stockton, CA ยท 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 ...

mlp

Associate Mechanical Engineer

Stockton, CA ยท 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 ...

mlp

Associate Mechanical Engineer

Stockton, CA ยท 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 ...

Ring Inc

Associate Mechanical Engineer

Menlo Park, CA ยท On-site

$100 - $113/hr

Proactive Collaboration About the Role Mainspring is seeking an Associate Mechanical Engineer to contribute to mechanical engineering projects for our Linear Generator platform. In this role, you ...

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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 Sep 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 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 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 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 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.

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 and career advancement, a bachelor's degree is typically necessary, and additional certifications or experience can enhance job prospects and earning potential.

What kind of jobs can you get with an associate mechanical engineer?

An associate mechanical engineer can work in roles such as manufacturing technician, design assistant, quality control technician, or maintenance engineer. These positions often involve using CAD software, performing technical analysis, and supporting engineering projects in industrial, automotive, or HVAC environments.

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, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,554 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Associate Mechanical Engineer

California Hydronics

Hayward, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Associate Mechanical Engineer
Location: Hayward, CA
Schedule: Full-Time (Mon๏ฟฝFri, Flexible Day Shift)
Are you ready to grow your engineering career with a dynamic, employee-owned team? CHC / FlowTherm is hiring an Associate Mechanical Engineer to support our sales, business development, and fabrication teams with custom fluid handling and HVAC system design.
Why Work at CHC?
At CHC, we invest directly in your professional and financial growth. We pride ourselves on promoting from within!
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Share in the growth and financial success of the company.
  • Robust Compensation Package: Competitive salary paired with generous PTO and paid holidays.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Continuous learning supported through education assistance.

Key Responsibilities
  • Technical Support: Assist sales and business development teams with equipment take-offs, custom application engineering, and technical submittals.
  • Design & Documentation: Review consultant construction plans, specs, and schematics. Produce flow/PID drawings, 2D/3D custom project drawings, and equipment control schemes (SOO).
  • Compliance & Field Support: Maintain regulatory compliance (NSF, UL), attend client and pre-production meetings, and perform occasional job site visits to evaluate equipment conditions.

Qualifications & Skills
  • Education: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) ๏ฟฝ Concentration in HVAC preferred .
  • Experience: Minimum of 3 years in mechanical/HVAC engineering.
  • Core Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of HVAC heating/cooling load calculations, piping systems, and friction loss calculations.
  • Software Tools: Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit), Bluebeam/Adobe, and Microsoft 365.
  • Certifications (Preferred): Engineer in Training (EIT) or CAD Proficiency Certificate.

Ready to Build Your Future with Us?
[APPLY NOW] ๏ฟฝ Submit your resume today and take the next step in your engineering career with CHC!
CHC is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

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