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Co Op Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RoviSys

Engineering Co-op - Fall 2026

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$24/hr

Responsibilities Co-op Position: College Student RoviSys offers a broad opportunity to grow your career while working under the guidance of experienced Engineers and Developers with any of the ...

RoviSys

Engineering Co-op - Fall 2026

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$24/hr

Responsibilities Co-op Position: College Student RoviSys offers a broad opportunity to grow your career while working under the guidance of experienced Engineers and Developers with any of the ...

Maesa

Design Engineer Co-Op

Los Angeles, CA

$20 - $21/hr

Co-Op - Design Engineer Location: Los Angeles, CA Start Date: July 2026 (6-Month Program) About ... This role is ideal for students pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Packaging Science ...

Maesa

Design Engineer Co-Op

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Co-Op - Design Engineer Location: Los Angeles, CA Start Date: July 2026 (6-Month Program) About ... This role is ideal for students pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Packaging Science ...

Western Magnetics

Engineering Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $26.25/hr

About the Internship & Co-op Program Westmag offers exciting Internship and Co-op opportunities for students eager to gain hands-on experience in the fields of engineering, operations, product ...

Western Magnetics

Engineering Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $26.25/hr

About the Internship & Co-op Program Westmag offers exciting Internship and Co-op opportunities for students eager to gain hands-on experience in the fields of engineering, operations, product ...

Western Magnetics

Engineering Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $26.25/hr

About the Internship & Co-op Program Westmag offers exciting Internship and Co-op opportunities for students eager to gain hands-on experience in the fields of engineering, operations, product ...

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All JobsCo Op Engineering JobsCo Op Engineering Jobs in California

Co Op Engineering information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do co op engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for co op engineering in California is $19.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $20.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Co Op Engineering vs Intern Engineering?

AspectCo Op EngineeringIntern Engineering
CredentialsTypically enrolled in an engineering degree programUsually undergraduate students in early years of study
Work EnvironmentFull-time or part-time work during academic terms, often with ongoing projectsShort-term, seasonal work, often project-based or observational
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in engineering firms, manufacturing, and tech companiesCommon in similar industries, often as a stepping stone to Co Op roles

Co Op Engineering positions are generally longer-term, integrated into academic programs, and involve more responsibility. Intern Engineering roles are shorter, often more observational, and serve as introductory experiences. Both roles help students gain industry exposure, but Co Op Engineering offers deeper engagement and skill development.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a co op engineer?

To thrive as a Co-Op Engineer, you typically need foundational coursework in engineering disciplines, problem-solving skills, and enrollment in a relevant degree program. Familiarity with CAD software, data analysis tools, and industry-specific platforms such as MATLAB or SolidWorks is often required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication help you integrate with professional teams and contribute to projects. These skills are crucial for gaining hands-on experience, learning from real-world challenges, and building a successful engineering career.

What is a co-op engineering job?

A co-op engineering job is a paid, structured work experience where students or recent graduates work in an engineering role to gain practical skills and industry knowledge. These positions often involve project work, teamwork, and the use of engineering tools or software, and they typically align with the student's field of study. Co-op programs usually require balancing work with academic commitments and may lead to future employment opportunities.

What is a co op engineer?

Co Op Engineering roles are structured work experiences for students pursuing engineering degrees, typically offered through partnerships between universities and employers. These positions allow students to gain hands-on experience in their field, applying classroom knowledge to real-world engineering projects. Co-op assignments are usually full-time and last several months, often alternating with academic semesters. The purpose is to help students build professional skills, make industry connections, and improve their employability after graduation.

What does a co op engineer do?

As a Co Op Engineering student, you'll typically work on real-world engineering projects that align with your field of study, such as assisting with design tasks, conducting tests, or supporting process improvements. You'll collaborate closely with experienced engineers, gaining hands-on experience in using industry-standard tools and methodologies. Responsibilities often include data analysis, technical documentation, and participating in team meetings, offering a comprehensive introduction to the professional engineering environment. This role is designed to develop both your technical and teamwork skills, making it a valuable stepping stone for your future engineering career.
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Engineering jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Co Op Engineering jobs in California? For Co Op Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Co Op Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Co Op Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Co Op Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Co Op Engineering job openings:
Co Op Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Co Op Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 93% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,648 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Mechanical Engineering Co-op (Spring 2027)

Xona Space Systems, Inc

Burlingame, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth.
With Pulsar - the world's most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit - Xona will offer a future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection.
Overview
As a Mechanical Engineering Co-op, you'll become an embedded member of our Spacecraft Mechanical and Thermal team and contribute directly to the tools, systems, and hardware that enable spacecraft production and integration.
Unlike a traditional internship, this six-month co-op provides the opportunity to take ownership of larger engineering efforts that span design, manufacturing, validation, and implementation. You'll collaborate closely with experienced engineers while gaining hands-on exposure to the pace and responsibility of building flight hardware in a startup environment.
This is an ideal opportunity for students who want meaningful ownership, real engineering experience, and the chance to see their work deployed in support of spacecraft production.
What You'll Do
  • Lead the design and development of mechanical hardware supporting spacecraft manufacturing, integration, and test activities.
  • Partner with engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams to define requirements and develop practical design solutions.
  • Create detailed CAD models, manufacturing drawings, and engineering documentation.
  • Perform engineering analyses to validate structural, mechanical, and packaging performance.
  • Coordinate fabrication, procurement, and assembly activities.
  • Support integration, testing, verification, and continuous improvement efforts.
  • Participate in design reviews and cross-functional engineering discussions.
  • Present project updates and final results to engineering leadership.

Required Qualifications
  • Currently pursuing a BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
  • Ability to commit to a full-time, six-month co-op.
  • Experience with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
  • Strong mechanical design fundamentals.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Comfortable working in both office and laboratory environments.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines.
  • Ability to work on-site in Burlingame throughout the co-op.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with robotics, CubeSat, Formula SAE, aerospace projects, or research labs.
  • Familiarity with DFM principles and manufacturing processes.
  • Experience producing engineering drawings and technical documentation.
  • Exposure to structural analysis, tolerance analysis, or mechanical testing.
  • Hands-on experience assembling or validating hardware.
  • Passion for aerospace, spacecraft, and hardware development.

Why You'll Love This Co-op
  • Own engineering work that directly supports spacecraft production.
  • Gain six months of immersive experience alongside experienced aerospace engineers.
  • See projects progress from concept through operational deployment.
  • Work in a highly collaborative environment with meaningful technical ownership.
  • Build practical skills that prepare you for a career in spacecraft and hardware engineering.
  • Make an impact on technology that's redefining the future of global navigation.

For U.S. Roles: To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
For U.K. Roles: To comply with U.K. regulations, this role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).
For Canada Roles: Successful candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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