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Entry Level Fluid Mechanics Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

About Exponent Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the ... fluid mechanics and/or heat transfer * Specialized knowledge/experience in building mechanical ...

Mechanical Engineer (Ph.D.)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

  • Retirement

About Exponent Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the ... fluid mechanics and/or heat transfer * Specialized knowledge/experience in building mechanical ...

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth ... fluid mechanics and/or heat transfer * Specialized knowledge/experience in building mechanical ...

Conduct engineering analyses: basic FEA, control/dynamic assessments, material selection, and fluid/mechanical performance evaluations. * Develop prototypes, lead bench testing, iterate designs based ...

Mechanical Engineer-Federal

Irvine, CA · On-site

$70K - $300K/yr

We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and staff engineers. * CAD Expertise: Proficient with SolidWorks or equivalent mechanical CAD platforms.

We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and staff engineers. * CAD Expertise: Proficient with SolidWorks or equivalent mechanical CAD platforms.

Perform CFD simulations for internal and external fluid flow applications. Support design ... Bachelor / Master's degree in Mechanical or Industrial or Aerospace Engineering.

Perform CFD simulations for internal and external fluid flow applications. Support design ... Bachelor / Master's degree in Mechanical or Industrial or Aerospace Engineering.

... and external fluid flow applications. • Support design optimization through CFD-based ... Bachelor / Master's degree in Mechanical or Industrial or Aerospace Engineering.

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Entry Level Fluid Mechanics Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$18

$34

$57

How much do entry level fluid mechanics engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level fluid mechanics engineer in Riverside, CA is $34.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.08 and $39.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level fluid mechanics engineer do?

An Entry Level Fluid Mechanics Engineer assists in analyzing and designing systems involving the flow of liquids and gases. They often work under the guidance of senior engineers to conduct experiments, use simulation software, and interpret data related to fluid dynamics. Their tasks may include supporting the development of products like pumps, pipelines, or HVAC systems, and helping troubleshoot performance issues. This role typically requires strong problem-solving skills and a foundational understanding of engineering principles and fluid mechanics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level fluid mechanics engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Fluid Mechanics Engineer, you need a solid understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and mathematics, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering. Familiarity with simulation software like ANSYS Fluent or COMSOL Multiphysics, as well as CAD tools and programming languages such as MATLAB or Python, is often required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and convey technical information clearly. These competencies are crucial for solving complex engineering problems and delivering reliable, innovative solutions in fluid mechanics projects.

What are some typical projects and responsibilities for an entry level fluid mechanics engineer in their first year?

As an Entry Level Fluid Mechanics Engineer, you can expect to work on a range of projects that involve analyzing fluid flow through systems such as pipelines, pumps, or HVAC units. Your daily tasks may include running simulations with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, preparing technical reports, and supporting senior engineers with experimental setups or data analysis. Collaboration is common, as you'll often work closely with multidisciplinary teams including mechanical designers and project managers. This hands-on experience will help build your technical foundation and communication skills, setting the stage for future advancement.

What is the difference between Entry Level Fluid Mechanics Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Fluid Mechanics EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Civil Engineering; knowledge of fluid dynamicsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; broad engineering fundamentals
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, design firms, manufacturing plantsManufacturing, design, R&D, consulting
Industry UsageSpecialized in fluid systems, hydraulics, aerodynamicsBroader engineering projects including mechanics, thermodynamics

Entry Level Fluid Mechanics Engineers focus on fluid-related systems and require specialized knowledge in fluid dynamics, often working in labs or design firms. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, covering various engineering disciplines, and work across multiple industries. Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree, but their focus areas and work environments differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fluid Mechanics Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Fluid Mechanics Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Fluid Mechanics Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Fluid Mechanics Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Fluid Mechanics Engineer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Fluid Mechanics Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Fluid Mechanics Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,043 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

About Exponent

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients' 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, you'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 
Our Opportunity

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.

You will be responsible for
  • 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
You will have the following skills and qualifications
  • 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].

Life @ Exponent

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. 

Work Environment

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

Compensation

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.

Salary RangeUSD $140,000.00 - USD $160,000.00 /Yr.Benefits you will enjoy

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. 

Job LocationsUS-CA-IrvineEmployment Type: FULL_TIME