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Entry Level Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Associate Fleet Technician, Bay Area

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$28.50 - $38.25/hr

The Associate Fleet Technician is a critical, entry-level technical role that provides the ... This role is perfect for a mechanically inclined individual who is eager to transition into the ...

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$19

$36

$59

How much do entry level mechanical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level mechanical engineer in Santa Rosa, CA is $36.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.42 and $41.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Designer?

AspectEntry Level Mechanical EngineerMechanical Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, possibly internship experienceBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field, technical certifications optional
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, testing, and project collaboration in engineering teamsCreating detailed drawings and models, often using CAD software, in design departments
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, aerospace, automotiveDesign firms, manufacturing companies, product development
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Mechanical Engineers focus on applying engineering principles to design, analyze, and test mechanical systems, often working on projects from concept to prototype. Mechanical Designers primarily create detailed CAD drawings and models for manufacturing and assembly. While both roles require a mechanical engineering background, engineers typically engage in broader engineering tasks, whereas designers concentrate on detailed design work.

What types of projects and tasks can an entry level mechanical engineer expect to work on in their first year?

As an entry level mechanical engineer, you will typically be involved in a variety of projects that support more senior engineers. Your tasks may include creating and revising CAD drawings, assisting with prototype development, conducting basic calculations and simulations, and performing hands-on testing in the lab or on the production floor. You'll also collaborate closely with cross-functional teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and design. This exposure helps you build foundational technical skills while learning effective teamwork and communication in a professional engineering environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level mechanical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, CAD design, and problem-solving, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and analytical thinking skills help you collaborate effectively and adapt to project needs. These abilities are crucial for delivering accurate designs, meeting project deadlines, and integrating smoothly into engineering teams.

What does an entry level mechanical engineer do?

An entry level mechanical engineer assists in the design, development, testing, and manufacturing of mechanical devices, such as engines, tools, and machines. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers to learn industry practices and gain hands-on experience. Their tasks often include using computer-aided design (CAD) software, creating prototypes, conducting experiments, and analyzing data. Entry level engineers also help prepare technical reports and documentation while collaborating with other engineering teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? For Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Entry Level Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Mechanical Engineer job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,500 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Diamond Foundry

Bodega Bay, CA

$110K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Diamond Foundry Inc. is solving the thermal limitation at the foundation of today's most exciting tech industries -- AI & cloud compute, electric-car power electronics, and 5G/6G wireless. We have managed to produce the world's first single-crystal diamond wafers and are now on a mission to put a diamond behind every chip. We are the rare unicorn that has grown fast and profitably. We received $515m in funding and are executing a multi-$B expansion plan for one of the greenest forms of tech manufacturing: converting greenhouse gas into diamond wafers using zero-emission energy.

Diamond Foundry is looking for a highly experienced and innovative mechanical design engineer who can lead a number of high-visibility R&D projects within the company’s Reactor Development Group. This individual will be a primary owner for the design and development of Plasma-Enhanced CVD reactor equipment and other systems used in the growth and manufacture of diamond. They must have experience leading multiple projects and teams with a strong track record of success.
 
Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with reactor team members and other teams in the company on new reactor systems, assemblies and parts.
  • Oversee the manufacturing of machined components and guide designs from R&D to production. Perform trades on performance vs. cost to ground design decisions.
  • Design and develop new reactor systems and components, applying expertise in machine design and mechanics, kinematics, thermals, and fluids to the design. 
  • Manage the prototyping, documentation, and manufacturing process of reactor designs, including preparing drawings and working with machine shops and vendors to fabricate new hardware
  • Troubleshoot issues on existing reactor designs, working with other engineers to implement design changes that improve productivity and yield of our reactors
Requirements
  • A degree in mechanical, aerospace, or a similar engineering discipline is required. Plus, entry-level to 3 years of professional experience in mechanical design.
  • Prior experience with vacuum system design as found in semiconductor, aerospace, or other manufacturing industries is desired.
  • Understanding and experience with various manufacturing methods with common industrial machine tools. High proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks)
  • An understanding of electromechanical components and experience with PLC systems and industrial controls is desirable. A solid foundation in thermal or fluid modeling is desirable
  • An optimistic, creative, and curious mindset with a strong desire to be hands-on with their hardware designs
The position is eligible for company shares. Actual compensation may be higher or lower in the range based on various factors, including, but not limited to a candidate’s job duties, experience, and expertise. We will also consider higher level candidates and salary will be adjusted accordingly.
Diamond Foundry believes in supporting our employees from the workplace to their personal and home life. We provide eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. Perks include employee discounts to VRAI. Our benefits begin as early as your first day of employment. Medical and vision coverage are retroactive to your start date, while dental and voluntary benefits take effect once you’ve completed your enrollment.

Diamond Foundry is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.

Diamond Foundry Inc. is committed to operating in full compliance with all applicable state and federal laws. Our commitment extends to ensuring that our manufacturing and engineering departments adhere to the highest standards of legal and regulatory compliance. Additionally, these departments may have specific physical requirements to ensure the safety and efficiency of our operations. We prioritize the well-being of our employees and strive to create a work environment that promotes both legal compliance and the optimal functioning of our manufacturing and engineering processes.

Manufacturing and Engineering Departments Physical Requirements:
-Use appropriate PPE and follow all safety policies, practices, and procedures.
-This position will often: Sit, stand for long periods, walk, grasp, reach with hands and arms, lift below and above shoulders, bend, twist at the waist,  climb, balance, stoop, squat,  kneel, crawl, talk, hear, see, use fine finger manipulation, and complete repetitive motions. 
-Some tasks may require the use of ladders or stairs
-Some tasks may require driving or the use of foot controls
-Lift/carry and push/pull up to 50 pound

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.
Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.