ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Creative Mechanical Engineering Jobs in California

LLNL

Senior Mechanical Engineering Analyst

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

Significant experience developing and implementing creative solutions to a diverse range of highly ... PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field. * Experience with National Laboratory codes such as ...

LLNL

Senior Mechanical Engineering Analyst

Livermore, CA · On-site

$210K - $267K/yr

Significant experience developing and implementing creative solutions to a diverse range of highly ... PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field. * Experience with National Laboratory codes such as ...

LLNL

Senior Mechanical Engineering Analyst

Livermore, CA · On-site

$210K - $267K/yr

Significant experience developing and implementing creative solutions to a diverse range of highly ... PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field. * Experience with National Laboratory codes such as ...

Cisco

Mechanical Engineering Technical Leader

San Jose, CA · On-site

$171K - $245K/yr

We're a global team of creative experts, bringing our unique backgrounds and bold ideas to push ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent and 8+ years of experience designing ...

Cisco

Mechanical Engineering Technical Leader

San Jose, CA · On-site

$171K - $245K/yr

We're a global team of creative experts, bringing our unique backgrounds and bold ideas to push ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent and 8+ years of experience designing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCreative Mechanical Engineering JobsCreative Mechanical Engineering Jobs in California

Creative Mechanical Engineering information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$101.5K

$164.3K

How much do creative mechanical engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative mechanical engineering in California is $101,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $124,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is creative mechanical engineering?

Creative mechanical engineering involves applying innovative thinking and design principles to solve engineering challenges in mechanical systems. It goes beyond traditional mechanical engineering by emphasizing creativity, problem-solving, and the development of novel products or processes. Professionals in this field often work on designing new machines, systems, or components, and may collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to bring unique ideas to life. This approach is essential for industries seeking advanced solutions, efficiency improvements, and competitive products.

How does a creative mechanical engineer typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during the design process?

As a Creative Mechanical Engineer, you’ll frequently work alongside professionals from areas like industrial design, electrical engineering, and manufacturing to develop innovative products. Effective collaboration often involves participating in brainstorming sessions, integrating feedback from various stakeholders, and aligning your mechanical solutions with broader project requirements. Clear communication and openness to new ideas are essential, as you’ll need to balance technical feasibility with aesthetic and functional goals. These interactions not only enrich the design process but also help you develop valuable cross-functional teamwork skills.

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

To thrive as a Creative Mechanical Engineer, you need a strong grasp of mechanical engineering principles, design proficiency, and typically a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and industry-standard prototyping technologies is crucial. Innovative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork set exceptional candidates apart. These skills drive the development of efficient, original solutions and ensure successful project outcomes in a competitive engineering environment.

What is the difference between Creative Mechanical Engineering vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectCreative Mechanical EngineeringMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, possibly with design or creativity certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, CAD certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, R&D labs, manufacturing settingsDesign offices, manufacturing plants, product development teams
Employer & Industry UsageInnovative product development, R&D departments, startupsProduct design, manufacturing companies, engineering consultancies
Common Search & ComparisonCreative Mechanical Engineering vs Mechanical Design Engineer

Creative Mechanical Engineering focuses on innovative problem-solving and conceptual design, often involving research and development. Mechanical Design Engineers primarily work on detailed product design, CAD modeling, and technical specifications. While both roles require mechanical engineering credentials, Creative Mechanical Engineering emphasizes creativity and innovation, whereas Mechanical Design Engineering emphasizes technical precision and manufacturing readiness.

What are the most interesting creative mechanical engineering jobs?

Creative mechanical engineering jobs often include designing innovative consumer products, developing robotics, or working on aerospace projects. These roles typically require strong problem-solving skills, proficiency with CAD software, and an ability to apply creative thinking to technical challenges. Such positions are found in industries like automotive, aerospace, and product design, offering opportunities for innovation and hands-on development.

What are popular job titles related to Creative Mechanical Engineering jobs in California?

For Creative Mechanical Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Creative Mechanical Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Creative Mechanical Engineering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Creative Mechanical Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Creative Mechanical Engineering job openings:

Creative Mechanical Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative Mechanical Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,531 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Senior NPI Mechanical Design Engineer

Solar Turbines Incorporated

San Diego, CA • On-site

$112K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Solar Turbines rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

90th of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Career Area:
Engineering
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
The Platforms, Technologies, and NPI group is at the forefront of developing innovative, next-generation turbomachinery products and technologies. We are seeking a highly capable and technically proficient Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join an agile development team focused on delivering high-impact solutions.
In this role, you will apply mechanical engineering principles to solve complex technical challenges and support product development from concept through implementation. You will work closely with Field Service, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business Development, and other engineering organizations to develop practical, high-quality solutions with safety as a foundational consideration throughout the product lifecycle.
As a member of a small, high-performing team, you will be expected to proactively identify and address gaps that impact project success, taking ownership of challenges wherever needed to help the team achieve its objectives. This may include support of system integration activities, installation requirements, interface definition, and cross-functional coordination.
Key Responsibilities
  • Partner with Product Owners, Scrum Masters, and development teams to translate customer, business, and product requirements into actionable engineering solutions.
  • Develop creative mechanical design solutions that meet performance, reliability, safety, and manufacturability requirements.
  • Develop and maintain 3D models, engineering drawings, Bills of Material (BOMs), and product documentation.
  • Champion safe design practices by considering the safety of manufacturing, installation, operation, and maintenance personnel throughout the product development process.
  • Work with cross-functional teams to identify root causes of technical issues and implement effective solutions.
  • Evaluate design alternatives and technical tradeoffs related to performance, cost, reliability, manufacturability, and risk.
  • Support technical risk identification and mitigation throughout the product development lifecycle.
  • Mentor less experienced engineers and contribute to a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
  • Demonstrate flexibility and ownership by taking on new challenges and acquiring cross-functional skills to enhance team capabilities.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, related engineering discipline, or equivalent experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in the design and development of complex mechanical systems and engineered products.
  • Proficiency in 3D modeling (Ansys SpaceClaim and/or Creo), engineering drawings, BOM development (Windchill, Linked Data), and configuration management.
  • Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems with limited supervision and exercise sound engineering judgment.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Experience with turbomachinery, rotating equipment, gas turbine systems, or related industrial equipment preferred.

Top Candidates will also have
  • Experience developing and reviewing mechanical installation drawings and/or hydro-mechanical drawings
  • Experience working in Agile development environments and Scrum teams, with a demonstrated ability to proactively identify and address gaps to support team success.

Summary Pay Range:
$112,704.00 - $169,056.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
  • 401(k) savings plans*
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
  • Health Lifestyle Programs*
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
  • Career Development*
  • Incentive bonus*
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

What Solar Turbines employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply