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Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA

Lighting Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85K - $107K/yr

Ensure that requirements are defined and then validated with the DVP&R. * Manage Tier 1 supplier ... Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering * Preferred: Experience at Exterior/interior Lamp ...

Lighting Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85K - $107K/yr

Ensure that requirements are defined and then validated with the DVP&R. * Manage Tier 1 supplier ... Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering * Preferred: Experience at Exterior/interior Lamp ...

The Engineer II, Mechanical - Sensors is responsible for the design, development, testing, and ... Masimo offers benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/AD&D, Disability Insurance, 401(k) ...

The Engineer II, Mechanical - Sensors is responsible for the design, development, testing, and ... Masimo offers benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/AD&D, Disability Insurance, 401(k) ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level R D Mechanical Engineer information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$19

$35

$58

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level r&d mechanical engineer in Irvine, CA is $35.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.89 and $40.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectEntry Level R&D Mechanical EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, development teams, innovation-focused settingsDesign offices, manufacturing facilities, product development teams
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, R&D departmentsManufacturers, engineering firms, product companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level R&D roles in mechanical engineeringDifferences in design-focused mechanical engineering roles

Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineers focus on developing new technologies and prototypes in research environments, while Mechanical Design Engineers primarily work on designing and improving existing products for manufacturing. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in daily tasks and work settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA?

The most popular types of R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,123 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Early Career Mechanical Engineer - Buildings

WSP

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Full-Time Early Career Mechanical Engineer for our Irvine, CA office.  Be involved in projects with our Property and Buildings Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges. 

Takes part in providing local technical assistance for the design, development, building, testing, and inspecting of mechanical systems on infrastructure, building, and construction projects in the public and private sector.  Tasks may include basic assistance with the research, design, concept development, installation, operation, maintenance, and optimal integration of automatic temperature control, air distribution, hydronic, and plumbing systems, equipment and processes.  Generates accurate and concise documentation regarding assigned aspects of the project.  Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.

Your Impact

  • Under general supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from the physical work site, surveys, blueprints, schematics, data, technical drawings, computer-generated reports, and other matrices for project development, design, and construction.    
  • Assist with performing basic professional mechanical engineering work relating to conducting research and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, equipment, resources, building, infrastructure, usage, and mechanical systems to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
  • Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various design requirements, load calculations, and operating strategies to account for the proper installation and functioning of equipment and systems according to specifications. 
  • Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing basic technical assistance on various engineering, design, and construction issues. 
  • Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation and specifications using electronic systems, drawings, and field/work site notebook/logs.
  • Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.
  • Complete training on assigned tasks.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or closely related discipline.
  • 0 to 1 years of relevant post education experience.
  • Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.
  • Familiarity with process and concepts for design/build.  
  • Familiarity with relevant mechanical system and construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
  • Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
  • Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
  • Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
  • Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
  • Familiarity with discipline-specific design software (i.e., AutoCAD, CAM).
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Engineer in Training Certification.
  • Prior internship related to the degree of study and the specific engineering discipline.
  • A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.

WSP Benefits:  

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.  

Compensation: 

Expected Salary: $72,700- $100,00

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law. 

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand.  Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. 


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