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Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

ALSO is looking for a Staff Mechanical Engineer, Structures that will be responsible for drivetrain ... Execute a design verification process and report (DVP&R) to validate requirements * Perform ...

This is an entry-level Mechanical Engineer position for an individual with educational experience and professional interest in the application of technical mechanical standards, principles, concepts ...

... Entry-level software engineers are expected to bring significant skills and training, and then to ... Understanding of orbital mechanics * Experience with mathematical optimization, machine learning ...

Systems Engineer - Mechanical Excited to grow your career? We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our associates grow professionally before recruiting new talent ...

... Entry-level software engineers are expected to bring significant skills and training, and then to ... Understanding of orbital mechanics * Experience with mathematical optimization, machine learning ...

... Entry-level software engineers are expected to bring significant skills and training, and then to ... Understanding of orbital mechanics * Experience with mathematical optimization, machine learning ...

Partner with thermal and mechanical design teams early in development to drive DFx for liquid ... Experience qualifying cold plate manufacturers and running process capability studies (Cpk, GR&R ...

Partner with thermal and mechanical design teams early in development to drive DFx for liquid ... Experience qualifying cold plate manufacturers and running process capability studies (Cpk, GR&R ...

Partner with thermal and mechanical design teams early in development to drive DFx for liquid ... Experience qualifying cold plate manufacturers and running process capability studies (Cpk, GR&R ...

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Entry Level R D Mechanical Engineer information

See Santa Cruz, CA salary details

$20

$38

$63

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

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level r&d mechanical engineer in Santa Cruz, CA is $38.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.11 and $43.32 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 cities near Santa Cruz, CA are hiring for Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs?

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

Staff Mechanical Engineer, Structures

ALSO

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

About ALSO.

We’re ALSO, an electric mobility company originally conceived as a part of Rivian. We’re a passionate team of builders, dreamers, doers and innovators, focused on creating entirely new (not to mention, innovative and delightful) vertically integrated, small EVs designed to meet the global mobility challenges of today and tomorrow. Our mission is to inspire everyone to ride ALSO—replacing many local car, truck and SUV miles with ones on vehicles that are more affordable, more enjoyable and 10-50x more efficient.

ALSO is looking for a Staff Mechanical Engineer, Structures that will be responsible for drivetrain structure design engineering.

What You'll Do

  • Design and 3D modeling of mechanical components and assemblies, including high-pressure die casting, gravity casting, injection-molded plastics, sheet metal, fasteners, etc.

  • Create drawing packages and manufacturing instructions for parts and assemblies

  • Execute a design verification process and report (DVP&R) to validate requirements

  • Perform topology optimization to balance strength and NVH objectives, identifying ribbing structures within the available package space to meet structural and NVH constraints

  • Conduct sealing analysis with expertise in component hyper-elastic analysis

  • Perform NVH analysis (modal, frequency response, mount mobility) and linear static stress analyses for complete drive unit systems

  • Develop and maintain program-specific design failure mode and effects analyses (DFMEAs)

  • Coordinate validation efforts between Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers

  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, control, manufacturing, and test engineers to take designs from clean sheet through prototypes and into mass production

  • Assist hands-on in engineering prototype builds and component fabrication

What You'll Bring

  • Experience with high-volume manufacturing processes such as injection molding, stamping, etc.

  • Proficiency in 3D/2D modeling tools (Catia V5/V6 preferred but not required)

  • Proficiency in hands-on mechanical integration, assembly, troubleshooting, and documentation of mechanical and electromechanical systems

  • Proficiency with CAE analysis software such as Ansys, Abaqus, Hyperworks, or similar, including understanding boundary conditions and their application on various drive unit components to capture realistic interactions

  • Proficiency with understanding loads and their application on various drive unit components

  • Experience with MATLAB and/or Python

  • Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance stack-up analyses

  • Strong fundamental knowledge of material properties and heat treatment

  • Strong fundamental knowledge of statics, dynamics, and mechanics of materials

The salary for this position ranges from $200,000 - $240,000 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and location.

Perks & Benefits

  • Robust health coverage — excellent health, dental and vision insurance covered up to 100% by ALSO with FSA & HSA options

  • One Medical membership and dedicated insurance advocates

  • Rich fertility and family building benefits with Progyny

  • Flexible time off

  • 401(k) match

Why ALSO.

We’re passionate about helping the world find a better way to get there—wherever it is you’re headed.

We’re located in the heart of Silicon Valley and have brought together a world-class team from some of the biggest brands in the technology, automotive, cycling, outdoor recreation and retail spaces. 

Together we’re working hands-on to imagine, design and build an entirely new solution to a global set of transportation challenges.