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Contract Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and/or similar fields ... Our contracts with the United States Government for this position require proof of U.S. citizenship ...

Mechanical Engineer (Ph.D.)

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and/or similar fields ... Our contracts with the United States Government for this position require proof of U.S. citizenship ...

This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of ... Take responsibility for construction contract administration requiring field inspections and ...

Sr Mechanical Engineer - Federal Experience

Orange, CA ยท On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

S. citizenship due to federal contract/security requirements Preferred Requirements * Professional Engineer (PE) * 1 0+ years of experience in mechanical design of HVAC and Plumbing systems

Sr Mechanical Engineer - Federal Experience

Orange, CA ยท On-site +1

$111K - $147K/yr

S. citizenship due to federal contract/security requirements Preferred Requirements * Professional Engineer (PE) * 1 0+ years of experience in mechanical design of HVAC and Plumbing systems

Showing results 21-40

Contract Mechanical Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$47.5K

$107.3K

$173.7K

How much do contract mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract mechanical engineer in Riverside, CA is $107,329.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $132,000.00 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 Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Contract Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Mechanical Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,329 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc.

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clientsโ€™ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.  

Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.  

Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, youโ€™ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team! 

Key statistics: 

  • 950+ Consultants 
  • 640+ Ph.D.s 
  • 90+ Disciplines 
  • 30+ Offices globally 

We are currently seeking a Mechanical Engineer for our Mechanical Engineering Practice in Irvine, CA. In this role, you will be expected to grow in the key aspects of consulting, including technical expertise and effective spoken and written communications, to develop a consulting practice serving clients both within and outside the firm.


  • Communicating effectively with other engineers, managers, clients, and administrative reports
  • Conducting hands-on failure analysis
  • Planning and executing laboratory tests
  • Performing calculations and analysis
  • Creating written reports and presentations
  • Performing field inspections

  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and/or similar fields with an emphasis on fluid mechanics and/or heat transfer
  • Specialized knowledge/experience in building mechanical systems (HVAC, plumbing, piping, etc.) preferred but not required
  • Working knowledge of experimental methods for measuring air flow, temperature and humidity
  • Demonstrated experience in other areas of mechanical engineering and ability to come up to speed quickly in new subject areas
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills
  • Excellent project ownership characteristics
  • Ability to work within project teams with strong desire to contribute, have potential for technical and project managerial leadership, as well as desire to seek new client relationships to grow a client base
  • Must be able to convey complex technical information to individuals in engineering, business, legal, and related industries
  • Must be willing to travel, sometimes on short notice and for longer periods of time
  • Our contracts with the United States Government for this position require proof of U.S. citizenship 

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].


To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:
https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact

Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.  

Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference. 


At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.

We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients. #LI-Onsite


Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.


USD $140,000.00 - USD $160,000.00 /Yr.

Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page:  https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent 

 
Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. 

 
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR-Accommodations@exponent.com. 


US-CA-Irvine