Entry Level Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Encinitas, CA

Job Title: R&D Design Engineer

Job Description

The R&D Design Engineer develops and maintains detailed 3D models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings while supporting the design and improvement of machinery and equipment. This role applies mechanical design principles, GD&T, and engineering best practices to create manufacturable, reliable, and cost-effective solutions. The engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams and vendors, supports customer service and continuous improvement initiatives, and maintains accurate engineering documentation throughout the product lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain detailed 3D models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks and EPDM.
• Apply company design standards, GD&T principles, and engineering best practices to all design work.
• Assist in the design and development of new machinery and modifications to existing equipment.
• Perform engineering calculations, analysis, testing, and troubleshooting to support sound design decisions.
• Research materials, components, manufacturing processes, and relevant industry standards to inform design choices.
• Collaborate with production, fabrication, assembly, purchasing, and service teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet project requirements.
• Communicate with vendors to obtain technical information and support component selection.
• Support Customer Service inquiries by providing technical guidance and resolving product-related issues.
• Contribute to product validation activities, engineering changes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, including bills of materials, drawings, and project records.
• Provide regular progress updates and communicate effectively with project teams and leadership.
• Ensure that designs align with manufacturing capabilities, including welding, machining, sheet metal fabrication, and assembly processes.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Internship, co-op, academic project experience, or up to 2 years of engineering experience.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, including configurations and use of EPDM.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD for engineering drawings and layouts.
• Understanding of mechanical design principles and engineering drawings.
• Knowledge of GD&T and its application to engineering documentation.
• Basic understanding of hydraulics, pneumatics, and mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as welding, machining, sheet metal fabrication, and assembly.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing, machining, and metal fabrication practices.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze and resolve technical issues.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and projects effectively.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Fluency in English.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in Inventor as a 3D CAD tool is beneficial.
• Exposure to engineering analysis tools, FEA, or prototype testing is beneficial.
• Experience with sheet metal design using SolidWorks is advantageous.
• Experience working with or supporting production, fabrication, assembly, purchasing, and service teams is a plus.
• Experience collaborating with vendors for technical information and component selection is a plus.

Work Environment

The R&D Design Engineer works in a professional engineering environment that combines office-based design activities with close collaboration across production, fabrication, assembly, purchasing, and service functions. Daily work involves using SolidWorks with configurations, EPDM, AutoCAD, and potentially other engineering tools such as Inventor and analysis or FEA software. The role engages frequently with manufacturing processes including welding, machining, sheet metal fabrication, and assembly, ensuring that designs are practical and manufacturable. The engineer participates in testing, troubleshooting, and product validation activities, often interacting with shop floor and prototype areas to observe equipment and verify designs. The position emphasizes teamwork, clear communication, and continuous improvement within a structured yet collaborative setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $34.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in San Diego,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 8, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.