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Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

We approach each project with fresh ideas and big thinking in pursuit of better answers, better ... Coordinate with mechanical team, electrical team, client's team, and subcontractors for in field ...

Commissioning Engineer

Loma Linda, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

We approach each project with fresh ideas and big thinking in pursuit of better answers, better ... Coordinate with mechanical team, electrical team, client's team, and subcontractors for in field ...

Commissioning Engineer

Loma Linda, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

We approach each project with fresh ideas and big thinking in pursuit of better answers, better ... Coordinate with mechanical team, electrical team, client's team, and subcontractors for in field ...

Commissioning Engineer

Loma Linda, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

We approach each project with fresh ideas and big thinking in pursuit of better answers, better ... Coordinate with mechanical team, electrical team, client's team, and subcontractors for in field ...

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

Collaborate with cross-functional teams including systems, software, mechanical, manufacturing, and ... Graduate Electrical/Electronics Engineer with relevant experience of 10+ Years * Defence Domain ...

Collaborates with Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Control Engineers, and build team on ... Recent graduate or currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field ...

MS or PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field preferred; BS ... Background appropriate for a junior-to-mid engineer; fresh MS and PhD graduates welcome What Sets ...

MS or PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field preferred; BS ... Background appropriate for a junior-to-mid engineer; fresh MS and PhD graduates welcome What Sets ...

MS or PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field preferred; BS ... Background appropriate for a junior-to-mid engineer; fresh MS and PhD graduates welcome What Sets ...

Showing results 21-40

Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$47.5K

$107.3K

$173.7K

How much do fresh graduate mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for fresh graduate mechanical engineer in Riverside, CA is $107,329.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $132,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a fresh graduate mechanical engineer do?

A Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer typically assists senior engineers in designing, testing, and evaluating mechanical systems and products. Their tasks may involve drafting technical drawings, conducting research, performing simulations, and supporting project documentation. They often work under supervision while gaining practical experience, applying engineering principles learned in school to real-world problems. This role is an entry-level position meant to help new graduates transition into the professional workforce and develop essential skills for their careers.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a fresh graduate mechanical engineer expect during their first year on the job?

As a fresh graduate mechanical engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of entry-level tasks such as assisting with design calculations, preparing engineering drawings, supporting prototyping and testing, and collaborating with senior engineers on larger projects. You may also be involved in troubleshooting equipment, compiling technical documentation, and participating in team meetings to discuss project progress. This period is often focused on learning industry standards, familiarizing yourself with company-specific tools and processes, and developing practical skills through hands-on experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fresh graduate mechanical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, problem-solving, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software (such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks), engineering simulation tools, and basic knowledge of industry standards are typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help you effectively contribute to projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are essential for successfully transitioning academic knowledge into practical solutions and advancing in a professional engineering environment.

What is the difference between Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Designer?

AspectFresh Graduate Mechanical EngineerMechanical Designer
QualificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; entry-levelBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related; may require CAD certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, manufacturing plants, R&D labsDesign departments, engineering firms, manufacturing companies
ResponsibilitiesAssist in project development, testing, analysisCreate detailed CAD models, technical drawings, design specifications
Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, energy, automotiveProduct design, machinery, automotive, aerospace

While both roles require a background in mechanical engineering, a Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer typically assists in various engineering tasks and gains practical experience, whereas a Mechanical Designer focuses on creating detailed technical drawings and CAD models for manufacturing and product development.

What job categories do people searching Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer job openings:

Thermal Protection System Engineer

CANOPY A&D

Irvine, CA

$180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 hours ago


Job description

About Canopy Aerospace & Defense
Canopy A&D is built to accelerate the future of advanced materials for space, defense, and maritime systems. Canopy delivers specialized materials and components that carry customers from concept through sustainment. Canopy A&D's advanced signal attenuation technologies and production-scale manufacturing accelerate the fielding of platforms that are faster, cooler, and quieter. Our adaptive approach ensures solutions evolve at the pace of shifting challenges, keeping our customers ahead of the curve.
Key Responsibilities
  • Execute end-to-end ownership of TPS components and subassemblies, from initial requirements definition through final hardware delivery.
  • Own and drive material trade studies that balance thermal survivability, structural integrity, and manufacturing realities for hypersonic regimes.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with aerothermal, design, materials, and test groups to translate heat flux and aero loads into robust mechanical designs.
  • Develop detailed CAD, drawings, ICD's, interface directly with the manufacturing floor, and ensure parts are built to spec.
  • Support rigorous testing campaigns such as arc-jet, rapidly perform raw data reduction, and draw actionable conclusions to iterate designs based on empirical data.
  • Serve as the resident SME in the TPS space, maintaining robust knowledge of current state-of-the-art and next-generation technologies.
  • Contribute to the development of proposals and new products that enhance the organization's technical capabilities and support strategic defense growth objectives.

Required Qualifications
  • More than 2 years of direct, verifiable prior experience designing and owning TPS components or assemblies which were qualified through high-enthalpy testing such as arc-jet (e.g., AEDC, NASA Ames) or flight.
  • General familiarity with hypersonic systems, ablation mechanics, and current industry state-of-the-art TPS solutions.
  • Hands-on experience as a design engineer taking hardware from concept to manufacturing (CAD, drawing release, GD&T).
  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in structures, materials science, thermodynamics, and manufacturing.
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver on tight schedules using scrappy and creative solutions.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an aptitude for interdisciplinary technical communication.
  • Active U.S. Security Clearance (Secret or higher), or the ability to obtain one based on eligibility. This includes meeting background check and other requirements, as required for access to controlled defense-related information and facilities.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field.
  • Flight Heritage: Direct ownership of a TPS system that successfully operated and survived in a flight environment.
  • Systems Experience: Direct experience working on the design, test, or integration of re-entry systems, launch vehicles, or hypersonic platforms.
  • Programmatic Acumen: Experience planning and estimating complex projects, constructing bids and Basis of Estimates (BOEs), and developing technical schedules that were successfully executed.
  • Business Development: Proven track record of writing and winning IRAD and/or CRAD proposals.
  • Customer Facing: Experience interfacing directly with government (DoW, NASA) and commercial customers to define requirements and deliver technical updates.
  • Supply Chain Command: Experience and high comfort level interfacing with, auditing, and managing suppliers specifically within the TPS and advanced materials space.
  • Strong background operating within the defense sector.
  • Familiarity with space and defense standards such as but not limited to SMS-S-016, MIL-STD-810, NASA-GSFC-7000 series or other industry equivalent standards for design, analysis, and testing of defense articles.

Additional Requirements
  • Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust, and temperature variations.
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 lb and perform tasks involving standing, walking, bending, and manual assembly.
  • Visual acuity required for reading technical drawings, inspecting components, and operating precision instruments.
  • Occasional travel to customer or test sites, including outdoor or industrial settings, with adherence to company and OSHA safety protocols.
  • Must have professional working proficiency reading, writing, and speaking English.

Job Details
FLSA Classification: Salary Exempt
Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $120,000 - $180,000
Base Location: Irvine CA or Littleton, CO
Travel: Up to 25%
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Total compensation will also include a comprehensive set of benefits including but not limited to: Company paid employee medical, dental and vision insurance. 401K company match (eligibility required), paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.
EXPORT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS:
To conform to US Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) US Citizen, (ii) lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (aka green card holder), (iii) protected individual as defined by U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (iv) eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Canopy A&D is an Equal Opportunity Employer, employment with Canopy A&D is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
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.