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Fluid Power Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fluid Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $175K/yr

In the process, we are restoring America's ability to produce nuclear fuel to power AI, advanced ... About This Role We are seeking a Fluid Systems Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and ...

In the process, we are restoring America's ability to produce nuclear fuel to power AI, advanced ... About This Role We are seeking a Fluid Systems Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and ...

District Sales Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer ...

Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer ...

... fluid power or/ and flow will help. Responsibilities: * Provide customers with proper updates ... concepts and engineering tools such as Inventor and Revit for project design and execution.

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical discipline. * 5+ years designing propulsion systems or fluid power hardware in aerospace, defense, or a ...

Coursework or project experience in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, or fluid power. * Exposure to ... Familiarity with engineering drawings and technical data packages. Annual Salary Range $100,000 ...

Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite , a high-power satellite product line ... Vast is seeking a Fluid Systems Manufacturing Engineer to join our team in Long Beach. Reporting to ...

Showing results 21-40

Fluid Power Engineer information

See California salary details

$22.2K

$96K

$168.8K

How much do fluid power engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for fluid power engineer in California is $96,030.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $131,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fluid power engineer?

A Fluid Power Engineer designs, analyzes, and optimizes hydraulic and pneumatic systems used in machinery and industrial applications. They work with pumps, valves, actuators, and control systems to improve efficiency, performance, and reliability. Their role often includes troubleshooting, system integration, and collaborating with other engineers to develop innovative solutions. Fluid Power Engineers are commonly employed in industries such as manufacturing, construction, aerospace, and automotive.

What types of projects do fluid power engineers typically work on, and how much collaboration is involved?

Fluid Power Engineers are commonly involved in designing, developing, and troubleshooting hydraulic and pneumatic systems for industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and construction. The projects often require close collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams, including mechanical engineers, technicians, and production staff, to create efficient and reliable systems within specified timelines and budgets. Daily tasks can range from concept development and system modeling to on-site testing and system optimization. Teamwork and strong communication are integral, as projects frequently involve integrating fluid power solutions into larger machinery or production processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fluid power engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fluid Power Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering principles, fluid dynamics, and hydraulic and pneumatic system design, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Experience with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools, and industry certifications like Certified Fluid Power Specialist (CFPS) is highly valuable. Effective problem-solving, clear communication, and teamwork skills set candidates apart in this field. These competencies are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and innovative fluid power system solutions for diverse industrial applications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fluid Power Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Fluid Power Engineer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Fluid Power Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,030 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Staff Mechanical Engineer, Fluid Systems

Radiant

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$200K - $314K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

About Radiant
Radiant is an El Segundo, CA-based startup building the world's first mass-produced, portable nuclear microreactors. The company's first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1-megawatt, fail-safe microreactor that can be transported anywhere power is needed and run for up to 5 years without refueling. Portable nuclear power with rapid-deploy capability can replace similar-sized diesel generators and provide critical asset support for hospitals, data centers, remote sites, and military bases. Radiant's unique, practical approach to nuclear development leverages modern software engineering to rapidly deliver safe, factory-built microreactors that use existing, well-qualified materials. Founded in 2020, Radiant is on track to test its first reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory this summer, with initial customer deliveries beginning in 2028.
About the Role
Radiant is seeking a highly motivated Staff Mechanical Engineer to own critical Kaleidos fluid systems from preliminary design through build and production. These systems include the primary loop subsystems and power conversion loop, serving to convert heat from the reactor core into electrical power. You will be responsible for the following: trade studies, component selection, thermal hydraulic analysis, piping design, vendor selection, assembly, and testing. You will have an instrumental impact of fueling the first new commercial reactor design in over 50 years by 2026.
Responsibilities & Duties:
  • Own end-to-end engineering of fluid systems and components, including compressors, valves, and heat exchangers.
  • Perform complex thermal and fluids analysis to drive design decisions, verify system performance, and ensure structural integrity using first-principle hand calculations and finite element tools.
  • Perform trade studies to optimize system and meet program requirements.
  • Develop and execute manufacturing/assembly instructions and test plans.
  • Create and manage a Bill-Of-Materials (BOM).
  • Find and develop suppliers for all components.
  • Own subassembly design, manufacturing, and test schedules.
  • Own risk analysis (FMEA) for subsystems.
  • Collect requirements, provide expertise and feedback to engineers in other functional areas via clear, constructive communication.

Required Qualifications & Skills :
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Mechanical, Materials, Aeronautical, Civil or Structural Engineering.
  • Experience with fluid system architecture design.
  • 7+ years of experience in designing, building, and testing fluids systems.
  • Proficient knowledge in fluid dynamics and thermodynamics.
  • Proficient knowledge of heat exchanger design and analysis methods.

Desired Qualifications & Skills :
  • Professional Engineer (PE) Mechanical license.
  • Knowledge of thermodynamic power cycles.
  • Prior experience with designing piping system for thermal growth using hand calculations and FEA tools.
  • Experience with process piping design and testing codes, such as ASME B31.3 and ASME PCC-2.
  • Prior experience with fluid system modeling via Matlab/Python.
  • Experienced in design for manufacturability and ramping up hardware build in a production environment.
  • Experienced in designing and operating test stands.
  • Takes extreme ownership of work and a high degree of responsibility.
  • Excellent communication across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Prior nuclear experience in not required for this role.

Additional Requirements:
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to accomplish our mission.
  • Must work 100% onsite at El Segundo HQ.
Benefits and Perks
  • Stock: Substantial incentive stock plan for all full-time employees.
  • Medical: 100% up to base silver level plan for employee + 50% dependents, offers up to Platinum plans.
  • One Medical: Sponsored memberships for employees and their dependents.
  • Vision: 100% top tier plan coverage + 50% for dependents.
  • Dental: 100% top tier plan coverage, orthodontia extra, 50% for dependents.
  • Voluntary life, accident, hospital, critical illness, commuter and FSA/HSA are offered as employee contributed benefits.
  • 8-weeks of paid parental leave for all parents. Additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees.
  • Daily catered lunch. Free snacks and drinks.
  • Flexible PTO policy. Remote workday allocation.
  • Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and in-person camaraderie.
  • Beautiful El Segundo headquarters close to the Pacific Ocean.

Total Compensation and Benefits
Radiant compensates people for impact and invests in those who continue to raise the bar. Radiant's new hire compensation package includes base salary, substantial equity grants, and comprehensive health benefits. Total compensation and level are determined through a rigorous evaluation of interview performance, experience, education, and qualifications, and are designed to support continued growth as scope, responsibility, and impact expand at Radiant.
The best of today's advanced reactor builders don't wait for job postings. They join the winning team. If that's you, contact us directly for immediate opportunities: recruiting@radiantnuclear.com.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.