1

Contract Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Ridgecrest, CA

Department Manager - China Lake

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$142.42 - $157.42/hr

JT4, LLC provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S ... Technically, the incumbent will be proficient with electro-mechanical installation/maintenance ...

JT4, LLC provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S ... Technically, the incumbent will be proficient with electro-mechanical installation/maintenance ...

Showing results 21-24

Contract Mechanical Engineer information

See Ridgecrest, CA salary details

$45.2K

$102.2K

$165.4K

How much do contract mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract mechanical engineer in Ridgecrest, CA is $102,169.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,900.00 and $125,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a contract mechanical engineer do?

Contract mechanical engineers are independent contractors who work directly with their own clients on projects. You find these professionals in a broad range of industries, including robotics, medical devices, and manufacturing. As a contract mechanical engineer, you design a product or machine according to your client's specifications, analyze the blueprints to ensure they are accurate, test a model to identify any potential issues, and repair them as necessary. Your job duties typically involve the extensive usage of specialized computer programs, such as CAD for technical drawings. Depending on the project, you may collaborate with other engineers on different aspects of the plans to ensure they do not conflict with other parts of the project.

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

To thrive as a Contract Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant engineering degree, often complemented by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), finite element analysis tools, and project management systems is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and time management skills help you excel in diverse project environments and collaborate effectively with clients and teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality engineering solutions on time and within budget in a contract-based setting.

What is a contract mechanical engineer?

Contract Mechanical Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test mechanical devices and systems, but work on a contractual basis rather than as permanent employees. They may be hired for specific projects or periods by companies needing specialized expertise. Their responsibilities can include creating technical drawings, overseeing manufacturing processes, and ensuring products meet quality standards. Contract roles offer flexibility and variety in work, but may not provide the same benefits or job security as permanent positions.

What are some common challenges faced by contract mechanical engineers when working on short-term projects?

Contract Mechanical Engineers often need to quickly adapt to new team dynamics and project requirements, as short-term assignments can vary widely in scope, tools, and expectations. They may face challenges such as limited onboarding time, integrating with established teams, and managing multiple projects simultaneously. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential to succeed, as contract engineers must rapidly build rapport with colleagues and deliver results within tight deadlines. Additionally, proactively seeking feedback and clarifying project goals early can help navigate these challenges and ensure project success.

What is the difference between Contract Mechanical Engineer vs Contract Mechanical Designer?

AspectContract Mechanical EngineerContract Mechanical Designer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, possibly PE licenseBachelor's degree in Mechanical Design, CAD certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentEngineering firms, manufacturing, product developmentDesign studios, manufacturing, product development
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across engineering and manufacturing sectorsCommon in design and product development sectors
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for engineering roles involving analysis and designCompared for roles focused on detailed design and CAD work

Contract Mechanical Engineers focus on designing, analyzing, and testing mechanical systems, requiring engineering credentials. Contract Mechanical Designers primarily work on creating detailed CAD models and drawings, often with design certifications. Both roles are vital in manufacturing and product development, but they differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in Ridgecrest, CA? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in Ridgecrest, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs in Ridgecrest, CA? For Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs in Ridgecrest, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Ridgecrest, CA are hiring for Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities near Ridgecrest, CA with the most Contract Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Mechanical Engineer job openings in Ridgecrest, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,169 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

Department Manager - China Lake

RadNet, Inc.

Ridgecrest, CA • On-site

$142.42 - $157.42/hr

Other

Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


RadNet rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 167 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

572nd of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

JT4, LLC provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S. Air Force, Space Force, and Navy under the Joint Range Technical Services Contract, better known as J-Tech II. JT4 develops and maintains realistic, integrated test and training environments and prepares our nation's war-fighting aircraft, weapons systems, and aircrews for today's missions and tomorrow's global challenges.

JT4, LLC is looking for a highly experienced department manager that comes from a DoD environment to run a technical department to oversee target training operations to support the war fighter mission. Technically, the incumbent will be proficient with electro-mechanical installation/maintenance procedures. Administratively, the incumbent is well versed with project management tasks to include budgeting, quality assurance, and process improvement.

An ideal candidate will have an active Secret clearance

This position is located at China Lake and is not eligible for telework

RANGE POSITION DESCRIPTION
  • Individual should have prior experience performing UXO duties or have knowledge of USN UXO policies and procedures.
  • Individual should have experience in budgeting and forecasting for materials and labor
  • Individual should have hands-on experience leading the development, operations and sustainment of ground based mobile targets.
  • Individual should have experience in developing fixed targets using various materials such as metal, steel and concrete
  • Individual should have experience leading teams that operate, maintain and sustain: electrical systems to include photovoltaic sites; gas and diesel vehicles; gas and diesel generators and battery powered generator
JOB DUTIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

A Department Manager serves as the manager of a technical or administrative-focused department and is responsible for the organization, tasking, prioritization, and supervision of all personnel within the section. Employee leads the section and directs and administers the programs of a technical and administrative nature to accomplish the functional task and overall development of the section.

Employee will be responsible to perform the following functions/duties:

  • Establish technical and procedural guidelines to meet the needs of the work unit/section in accordance with company and customer requirements
  • Manage the technical performance of work assigned to the department
  • Maintain current operational status information and assessments on projects, budgets, and development plans
  • Evaluate and make adjustments in procedures or reassign priorities to projects/tasks as needed to keep all activities on schedule and within budgetary limits
  • Oversee and monitor unit compliance with Quality Assurance and process improvement goals and standards
  • Assure appropriate training is provided to unit personnel to promote continuous improvement of services to the customer
  • Interview potential new job candidates and make decisions or recommend personnel actions such as hiring, discipline, and termination
  • Interact and coordinate with the customer on a personal basis, as required, to ensure all customer requirements or agreements are being met to their satisfaction
  • Periodically evaluate the performance of all subordinate supervisors and scientific or technical professionals
  • Perform a variety of other related managerial tasks as needed or as requested by the range manager or other senior managers
  • Perform other job-related duties, as required.
REQUIREMENTS - EDUCATION, TECHNICAL, AND WORK EXPERIENCE

A bachelor's degree, or equivalent formal academic or technical training and experience, and an in-depth knowledge of the principles of advanced management obtained through formal or self-study, or in-depth working knowledge of related career fields such as technical trades or scientific and engineering professions and 12 years of experience in one of the related fields and a minimum of four years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role are required for this position.

In addition, a Department Manager must possess the following qualifications:

  • Understanding of the operational philosophy and business nature of the company
  • Familiar with computer-based management tools
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Planning/organizational skills
  • Ability to work under deadlines.
SALARY

The expected salary range for this position is $142,418 to $157,418 annually.

Note: The salary range offered for this position is a good faith description of the expected salary range this role will pay. JT4, LLC considers factors such as (but not limited to) responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and business considerations when extending an offer.

BENEFITS
  • Benefits Active on Day 1
  • Life Insurance
  • Health Savings Accounts/FSA's
  • Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) Plan Options with Employer Match
  • JT4 will match 50% up to an 8% contribution
  • 100% Immediate Vesting
  • Tuition Reimbursement
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Each employee must read, understand, and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality, and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures, and policies pertaining to their job.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical office environment with no unusual hazards. Occasional lifting (up to 30 pounds), constant sitting while using the computer terminal, constant use of sight abilities while reviewing documents, constant use of speech/hearing abilities for communication, and constant mental alertness are required.

Travel to remote company work locations may be required.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by personnel assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of persons so classified.

Tasking is in support of a Federal Government Contract that requires U.S. citizenship. Some jobs may require a candidate to be eligible for a government security clearance, state-issued driver's license, or other licenses/certifications, and the inability to obtain and maintain the required clearance, license, or certification may affect an employee's ability to maintain employment.

SCC: JABO33; A4CLR

undefined

Featured Stories

What We Offer

Life At JT4

Students and Entry Level

History

Employer Privacy Policy

JT4 is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, age disability, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), national origin, military status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law. The Company provides reasonable accommodations/modifications to disabled individuals to assist in the hiring process and to qualified individuals with disabilities in the performance of essential job functions, in accordance with federal, state and local law. If you need assistance in completing this application, please contact Recruiting and Staffing at (702) 550-6233.

EEO is the Law

ADP Privacy Statement

Artificial Intelligence

Google Privacy Policy

Google Terms of Service

#J-18808-Ljbffr

What RadNet employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


RadNet logo

About RadNet

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At RadNet, we are Leading Radiology Forward. RadNet aligns innovative solutions to deliver high-quality, cost-effective consumer-focused healthcare. Backed by 40 years of experience and with over 10,000 employees and over 380 imaging centers in 9 states, we are positioned for the future of healthcare.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

1980

Social media