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Graduate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate Mechanical Engineer Build Products That Help Power America MacLean Power Systems is ... Whether you are a recent graduate or an early-career engineer looking to expand your experience ...

Associate Mechanical Engineer Build Products That Help Power America MacLean Power Systems is ... Whether you are a recent graduate or an early-career engineer looking to expand your experience ...

Associate Mechanical Engineer Build Products That Help Power America MacLean Power Systems is ... Whether you are a recent graduate or an early-career engineer looking to expand your experience ...

Mechanical Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$70 - $76/hr

Volt is immediately hiring Mechanical Engineer at Carlsbad, CA As a Mechanical Engineer you will be ... Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience * Comfortable collecting ...

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline * Experience ... graduate research, and extracurricular experience is applicable) Nice to Have * Experience ...

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Graduate Mechanical Engineer information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$101.5K

$164.3K

How much do graduate mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate mechanical engineer in California is $101,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $124,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a graduate mechanical engineer do?

A Graduate Mechanical Engineer is an entry-level professional who applies principles of mechanical engineering to design, analyze, and improve mechanical systems. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers, assisting with tasks such as drafting technical drawings, modeling prototypes, conducting tests, and solving engineering problems. Their responsibilities may also include collaborating with other departments, preparing reports, and learning industry standards. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and training for recent graduates starting their engineering careers.

What are some typical projects or tasks a graduate mechanical engineer can expect in their first year?

As a Graduate Mechanical Engineer, you will likely be involved in a variety of projects ranging from assisting in the design and analysis of mechanical components to preparing technical documentation and performing simulations. You may work closely with senior engineers on tasks such as creating 3D models, running tests on prototypes, and supporting product development meetings. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as manufacturing and quality assurance, is common, helping you gain a holistic understanding of the product lifecycle. This hands-on exposure is designed to build your technical skills and prepare you for increased responsibilities as you progress in your career.

What are jobs for a recent mechanical engineer graduate?

As a recent mechanical engineer graduate, you can find entry-level jobs in your field in a variety of positions that focus on helping design and develop the technical specifications for various products. In one of these roles, you get more hands-on experience than you do as a student. You help senior engineers on a project and utilize math and measuring skills to help design new machines. Some details of this job vary by employer. For example, some employers may have you focus on repairing existing devices to learn more about the ins and outs of the product they create, while others may have you focus on assisting senior-level engineers.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), finite element analysis tools, and industry standards is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and adaptability help you collaborate effectively and learn quickly in dynamic environments. These skills ensure you can contribute to innovative design solutions, meet project requirements, and advance in your engineering career.

What is the difference between Graduate Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectGraduate Mechanical EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; entry-levelBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; some experience preferred
Work EnvironmentInternships, training programs, entry-level projectsDesign offices, engineering teams, project-based work
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in projects, learning design processes, basic analysisCreating and analyzing mechanical designs, CAD modeling, prototyping

While both roles require a background in mechanical engineering, a Graduate Mechanical Engineer is typically an entry-level position focused on learning and supporting projects. A Mechanical Design Engineer, on the other hand, is more specialized in designing and analyzing mechanical components and systems, often requiring some prior experience or advanced skills. Both roles are essential in the engineering industry, with the design engineer position generally involving more technical responsibility.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Graduate Mechanical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Mechanical Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, 12% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,531 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Graduate Mechanical Engineer - 2026

Mott MacDonald

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$77 - $88/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Mott MacDonald rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 451 rated engineering


Job description

At Mott MacDonald, we trust our brilliant people to do brilliant things in engineering, management, and development services, supporting multisector project work in over 150 countries. As one of the largest employee-owned companies in the world, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes through our network of 20,000+ talented consultants. With sustainability and innovation at the heart of all our sectors in North America, including, Buildings, Energy, Transportation, and Water.

We believe in empowering our people to excel, learn, and grow, offering diverse opportunities to contribute to career-defining work. Join us and be part of a collaborative environment where your ambitions are united with ours, and you can truly shape your story.

If you share that vision, even if you don’t meet every requirement listed, we’d still love to hear from you. We value potential and diverse perspectives as much as experience. Let’s explore how we can support your growth and help you take the next step in your career, while contributing to an exciting new chapter for Mott MacDonald in North America.

At Mott MacDonald, we believe that engineering is about more than solving problems, it’s about shaping a future that’s inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. As we expand our operations across the US and Canada, we’re inviting passionate individuals to join us in a journey that’s driven by purpose and powered by brilliant people. We’re trusted consultants, partnering with clients to solve complex challenges and deliver lasting impact.

From the moment you join our team, you’ll be surrounded by experienced engineering consultants, project managers, and subject matter experts who are committed to excellence and innovation. You’ll work side-by-side with mentors and peers who champion integrity and teamwork, because we know collaboration drives better outcomes - and you won’t just apply your engineering skills, you’ll also embrace the mindset of a consultant.

Together, we’ll tackle complex challenges, deliver sustainable solutions, and create positive change for our clients and the communities they serve. You’ll be trusted to contribute, encouraged to grow, and supported every step of the way.

As a participant in our brand-new graduate program, Blueprint, launching in October 2026, you’ll embark on a structured three-year development journey designed in partnership with an award-winning learning provider. The program blends immersive learning experiences with mandatory development sessions to build the professional, commercial, and personal effectiveness skills graduates need to thrive and grow into future leaders within our business

Your responsibilities may include:

  • Designing engineering solutions
  • Conducting and monitoring site inspections
  • Joining project and client meetings
  • Refining technical designs and documentation
  • Analyzing reports and specifications
  • Exploring project and client management
  • Leveraging digital tools and innovation
  • Driving sustainable outcomes
  • Building connections through our Early Career Professionals Network

To be considered for this 2026 opportunity, here’s what you’ll need:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical or Fire Protection Engineering (preferred)
  • Successful completion of EIT exam, or ability to take EIT exam within 12 months
  • Demonstrated interest in your chosen field through previous internships, volunteering opportunities, or organization memberships (SFPE, NFPA)
  • Creative thinking skills, with a methodical and pragmatic approach to problem solving
  • Proficient communication and presentation skills to engage confidently with clients and colleagues
  • Resilient, solution-oriented mindset, with a focus on continuous growth and delivering value
  • Ability to build and maintain relationships and rapport with internal and external stakeholders
  • Collaborative spirit and commitment to teamwork

This position is located in either Los Angeles, CA or San Diego, CA. You must be able to reliably commute to our office in one of these locations, per our hybrid working policy.

We’re more than engineers - we’re changemakers. At Mott MacDonald, you’ll find:

  • Best in class learning and development initiatives
  • Dedicated mentorship program
  • Network of Employee Resource Groups
  • Opportunities for excellence everyday

We welcome individuals who are driven by curiosity, compassion, and a desire to make a difference. If you’re excited by the idea of working in an engineering consultant that values your growth and empowers you to lead with integrity, we’d love to hear from you.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US, as Mott MacDonald is unable to provide sponsorship at this time. (US Only)

Benefits & Reward

At Mott MacDonald, our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, providing them with a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses. We provide a comprehensive benefit package that includes 401k, medical, dental and vision insurance, short-term/long-term disability, paid holidays, PTO, parental leave, and company paid life insurance.

Individual pay is determined based on several factors such as work location, education, experience, and unique skills.

The expected salary for this position is $77K - $88K.

Collaboration at Our Core
At Mott MacDonald, we believe great ideas happen when we’re together. Our hybrid approach centers on an in-office culture, with most of your time spent collaborating face-to-face and a minimum of three days per week in the office. We balance flexibility with connection, so you and your manager can choose how to meet client, team, and personal commitments. Equal opportunity is the law.

We seek to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status or disability status.

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