1

Drag Racing Mechanic Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Aerodynamicist

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$104K - $141K/yr

Drive continuous improvement - identify opportunities to reduce drag further or improve stability ... Competition background strongly preferred - SCCA road racing, SAE Supermileage, Formula SAE, or a ...

Blow/shoot molds and cores, cope/drag/runner box systems, corebox tooling, 3D sand printing ... Degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent hands ...

Aerodynamicist

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$110K - $195K/yr

Own aerodynamic trade studies to optimize vehicle performance (drag, stability, control, efficiency ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field ...

Drag Racing Mechanic information

See California salary details

$12

$24

$36

How much do drag racing mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for drag racing mechanic in California is $24.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $28.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Drag Racing Mechanic job?

A Drag Racing Mechanic is responsible for maintaining, tuning, and repairing high-performance drag racing vehicles. They ensure that engines, transmissions, suspension systems, and other critical components are optimized for maximum speed and reliability. These mechanics work closely with drivers and racing teams to analyze performance data and make necessary adjustments. Their expertise in high-horsepower engines, fuel systems, and aerodynamics is essential for achieving top performance on the track.

What does a typical workday look like for a Drag Racing Mechanic?

A typical workday for a Drag Racing Mechanic involves inspecting and tuning race vehicles, conducting repairs and modifications as needed, and preparing cars for upcoming races. You’ll work closely with drivers, crew chiefs, and other team members to optimize performance and troubleshoot any mechanical issues that arise during testing or at the track. Days can be fast-paced, especially during race events, and may involve travel to various racing venues. Staying flexible and organized is important, as priorities can shift rapidly based on team needs and competition schedules.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Drag Racing Mechanic position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drag Racing Mechanic, you need expert knowledge of high-performance engines, drivetrain systems, and racing safety protocols, often supported by automotive technician training or ASE certification. Familiarity with specialized diagnostic tools, data logging systems, and race preparation equipment is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this fast-paced environment. These skills ensure reliable vehicle performance, quick troubleshooting, and safety during high-pressure race events.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drag Racing Mechanic jobs in California? The most popular types of Drag Racing Mechanic jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Drag Racing Mechanic jobs in California? For Drag Racing Mechanic jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drag Racing Mechanic jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Drag Racing Mechanic jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Drag Racing Mechanic job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,937 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Aero-Mechanical Design Engineer - NASA

Aero-Mechanical Design Engineer - NASA

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Edwards, CA • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Overview
American Systems Corp. is seeking an experienced Aero-Mechanical Design Engineer to support NASA's aircraft and research/science assets. The ideal candidate will ensure airworthiness, support aircraft modifications, and develop mechanical design solutions that meet NASA, customer, and safety requirements.
**This is a pipeline requisition designed to collect resumes for potential upcoming work at AMERICAN SYSTEMS and does not represent a current opening. Qualified candidates will be contacted when an opening/funding becomes available.**
Responsibilities
As an AMERICAN SYSTEMS Aero-Mechanical Design Engineer supporting NASA, you will:
  • Ensure airworthiness of aircraft and research/science assets per research objectives, NASA, customer, and maintenance criteria.
  • Provide safe operation and configuration control of research aircraft through accurate, timely engineering drawings and revisions.
  • Perform aero-mechanical design for maintenance and configuration changes, including structural modifications.
  • Conceptualize and develop mechanical design solutions for aircraft and ground assets, considering acceleration, drag, static and dynamic loads, and flight envelopes.
  • Produce complete ASME-compliant drawings (detail, assembly, installation) that communicate dimensions, tolerances, form, fit, function, and inspection.
  • Select materials, fabrication methods, finishes, and fasteners; repurpose off-the-shelf hardware where appropriate.
  • Plan and execute complex integration plans; evaluate changes for consistency with aircraft operational and safety requirements.
  • Utilize digital scanning technologies to create design models when applicable.
  • Develop, review, and support approval of work orders for structural fabrication and modifications; perform follow-up checks.
  • Document test results and lessons learned, and support technical briefings, reports, and presentations.
  • Interface with engineers, technicians, pilots, USAF, facilities, and internal/external scientific communities; ask probing questions to refine requirements and constraints.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
  • Aero-mechanical designer must have 5+ years of aircraft structural design experience and analysis.
  • Must have 2+ years of CREO experience.
  • Must have 5+ years of aircraft static structural analysis experience (including hand calculations and FEA), with proficiency in NASTRAN, PATRAN, APEX, and FEMAP.
  • Demonstrated experience producing ASME-standard mechanical drawings.
  • Experience with structural analysis of aircraft modifications (static/dynamic loads).
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Must be able to secure and maintain a security clearance.
  • Must be able to work in a dynamic and multi-task work environment by prioritizing work and coordinating task/project schedules.

NOTE: THIS POSITION REQUIRES A 9/80 WORK SCHEDULE
EEO Statement
EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status