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Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Orange, CA · On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

AECOM is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer based in Orange, California. This is a Hybrid ... hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Orange, CA

$111K - $147K/yr

AECOM is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer based in Orange, California. This is a Hybrid ... hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Orange, CA · On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

AECOM is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer based in Orange, California. This is a Hybrid ... hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

Our product: About the Role As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will help develop and ... Hiring Manager interview - On-site Interview - Decision We are an early-stage company and may ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

Our product: About the Role As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will help develop and ... Hiring Manager interview - On-site Interview - Decision We are an early-stage company and may ...

Your Impact * Perform mechanical engineering design and technical delivery across a diverse ... Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed ...

Your Impact * Perform mechanical engineering design and technical delivery across a diverse ... Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed ...

Your Impact * Perform mechanical engineering design and technical delivery across a diverse ... Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed ...

Sr Mechanical Engineer - Federal Experience

Orange, CA · On-site +1

$111K - $147K/yr

AECOM is seeking a creative and highly talented Senior Mechanical Engineer for immediate employment ... hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to ...

AECOM is seeking a creative and highly talented Senior Mechanical Engineer for immediate employment ... hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$47.5K

$107.3K

$173.7K

How much do hiring opt student mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for hiring opt student 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 Hiring OPT Student Mechanical Engineer do?

A Hiring OPT Student Mechanical Engineer is an international student in the U.S. on Optional Practical Training (OPT), typically after completing a degree in mechanical engineering, who is seeking or has obtained a job in the field. Their responsibilities may include assisting with the design, analysis, and testing of mechanical systems, working with CAD software, and supporting engineering teams on various projects. These roles provide practical work experience relevant to their studies and help them build skills for future career advancement. Employers hiring OPT students must comply with specific visa and reporting requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hiring OPT Student Mechanical Engineer?

To excel as a Hiring OPT Student Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid grounding in mechanical engineering principles, analytical problem-solving abilities, and a relevant engineering degree, often enhanced by participation in the OPT program. Familiarity with CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD, and experience with simulation tools like ANSYS, are highly valued, along with any relevant internships or certification. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for bridging academic knowledge with practical workplace demands. These skills and qualities ensure effective contribution to engineering projects, smooth integration into diverse teams, and successful adaptation to real-world industry challenges.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Hiring OPT Student Mechanical Engineer expect to work on?

As an OPT Student Mechanical Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on and collaborative projects such as designing mechanical components, performing analysis using CAD software, and assisting with prototype development and testing. You'll likely support senior engineers with research, documentation, and troubleshooting tasks, while gaining exposure to industry-standard tools and practices. This role often involves working on cross-functional teams, providing opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and contribute to real-world engineering solutions. The experience gained will be valuable for your technical growth and can help pave the way for full-time roles in the future.

What is the difference between Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineer vs Intern Mechanical Engineer?

AspectHiring Opt Student Mechanical EngineerIntern Mechanical Engineer
CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of mechanical engineering programEnrolled in or recent graduate of mechanical engineering program
Work EnvironmentPart-time or flexible work, often during academic termsFull-time internship, often during summer or semester breaks
Employer UsageUsed by companies to evaluate potential future employeesUsed to provide practical experience and industry exposure

Both roles target students or recent graduates in mechanical engineering, focusing on gaining industry experience. The main difference lies in the work arrangement: Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineers often work part-time or flexibly, while Intern Mechanical Engineers typically have full-time internships during breaks. Employers use both to assess skills and fit, but internships are more structured for training, whereas opt roles may be ongoing or part-time.

What jobs do Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineers get?

Hiring opt student mechanical engineers typically qualify for roles such as design engineer, manufacturing engineer, research and development engineer, or quality engineer. These positions often require knowledge of CAD software, engineering principles, and sometimes specific certifications or security clearances for certain industries.

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,329 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer, Propulsion

Anduril Industries

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,423 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the Propulsion Development team at our Santa Ana facility. The Propulsion team designs, develops, and qualifies engines that power Anduril's family of autonomous air vehicles. We take engines from concept through prototype, test, and into production on timelines measured in months. Our team operates at the intersection of high-performance rotating machinery, advanced manufacturing, and rapid flight test, delivering propulsion systems that are redefining what's possible for defense applications.
You will work on engine development in a lean, high-ownership culture where you directly shape the product and operate at a velocity to test and fly new hardware within months, not years.

ABOUT THE JOB

Here you will work on core propulsion hardware development, including engine components, assemblies, and propulsion subsystems. The role requires high ownership and frequent collaboration with other core disciplines within the Propulsion team and across the broader vehicle programs. Ideal candidates are practical, hands-on, and self starters.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Own and drive mechanical design and development of propulsion components and assemblies, overseeing the process from initial concept to low rate production.
  • Lead technical efforts to define requirements, propose possible solutions, and establish a methodology for evaluating and verifying mechanical systems.
  • Work in close partnership with other disciplines to ensure the electrical, software, and mechanical systems collectively form a reliable, flexible, cost-effective system.
  • Spearhead design reviews, conduct analysis, visit vendors, prototype and implement hardware test plans.
  • Actively contribute to the enhancement of team tools, templates, processes, and standards.
  • Balance operational needs across engine subsystems while optimizing for performance, mass, manufacturability, and cost.
  • Support critical hardware demonstrations with customers as needed.
  • Travel to test sites and vendors as needed.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering
  • 2+ years in a technical engineering role, or equivalent experience through student engineering teams (Formula SAE, Baja SAE, etc.), personal projects, or internships, demonstrating a high level of personal contribution
  • Proven CAD skills and the ability to produce high-quality engineering models and drawings that comply with common industry standards.
  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in machine design, mechanisms, fluids, thermal, and structures
  • Hands-on prototyping, fabrication, and assembly skills, including experience with shop tools, machining, and soldering
  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes (CNC machining, 3D printing, castings, sheet metal, composites) and ability to design for manufacturability
  • US Person status is required as this position needs to access export-controlled data.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Hands-on experience with engine design, assembly, or testing (turbine, automotive, etc.)
  • Solid understanding and application of GD&T, including tolerancing for high-speed rotating machinery
  • Experience in NX/Teamcenter, including managing design releases from prototype to production
  • Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for engineering analysis (structural, dynamic, CFD, etc.)
  • Experience working with and integrating electromechanical components into mechanical designs, including motors, controllers, and sensors

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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