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Junior Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

MKS Instruments

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Serving as a technical authority and mentor, reviewing designs and coaching junior engineers ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related engineering discipline) required;

Staco Systems

Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA

Mechanical Engineer Job Summary The Mechanical Engineer is a key member of the Engineering team as first responder in the support of new and released products. The Mechanical Engineer shall be ...

Staco Systems

Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $162K/yr

Mechanical Engineer Job Summary The Mechanical Engineer is a key member of the Engineering team as first responder in the support of new and released products. The Mechanical Engineer shall be ...

WSP

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Buildings

Riverside, CA · On-site

$100.80 - $147/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Mentor junior staff and contribute to team development Who You Are Required Qualifications * Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Architectural Engineering * 5+ years of relevant experience ...

Envista

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

$121K - $148K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Experience mentoring/coaching junior engineers * Proficient with electro-mechanical systems design required. * Familiarity with injection molding, rapid prototyping, and CNC programming/machinery ...

Purple Hires Inc

Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Mechanical Engineer Location: Irvine CA (Onsite) Duration: C2C Seeking a Mechanical Engineer with 2-5 years of experience in turbo machinery (compressors, turbines, ECS subsystems) . Key ...

Staco Systems

Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $162K/yr

The Mechanical Engineer shall be responsible for the design maintenance of products that have been released to Manufacturing including; support for production problems, field problems, quality ...

Envista Holdings Corporation

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site +1

$121K - $148K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Experience mentoring/coaching junior engineers * Proficient with electro-mechanical systemsdesign required. * Familiarity with injection molding, rapid prototyping, and CNC programming/machinery ...

WSP

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Buildings

Irvine, CA · On-site

$107.50 - $156.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Mentor junior staff and contribute to team development Who You Are Required Qualifications * Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Architectural Engineering * 5+ years of relevant experience ...

Salas O'Brien, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Tustin, CA · On-site +1

$70K - $110K/yr

Mechanical Engineer (Early Career) At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our ...

Fluxergy

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes, tools, and best practices. What You'll Need to Have * B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related ...

Fluxergy

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA

$112K - $148K/yr

Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes, tools, and best practices. What You'll Need to Have * B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related ...

Salas O'Brien

Mechanical Engineer

Tustin, CA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Mechanical Engineer (Early Career) At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our ...

HDR

Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy ...

HDR, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy ...

HDR

Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy ...

HDR

Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMechanical Engineer JobsJunior Mechanical Engineer JobsJunior Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Junior Mechanical Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$42.8K

$76.3K

$102.2K

How much do junior mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior mechanical engineer in Riverside, CA is $76,306.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,200.00 and $86,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a junior mechanical engineer do?

A Junior Mechanical Engineer assists in designing, developing, and testing mechanical devices and systems under the supervision of senior engineers. Their responsibilities often include creating technical drawings, running simulations, conducting experiments, and preparing reports. They typically work as part of a team and may also help with troubleshooting and improving existing products or processes. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and is a common entry point for recent engineering graduates.

What are some typical projects and responsibilities a junior mechanical engineer can expect during their first year?

As a Junior Mechanical Engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks such as assisting with the design and drafting of mechanical components, performing basic calculations, creating and revising CAD models, and supporting senior engineers with testing and prototype assembly. You'll often collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing and quality assurance, to ensure that designs meet project requirements and standards. It's common to be assigned to smaller sections of larger projects, giving you exposure to different aspects of mechanical engineering while building your technical and teamwork skills.

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

To excel as a Junior Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering fundamentals, CAD design, and problem-solving skills, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation tools, as well as knowledge of manufacturing processes, is often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies ensure the ability to contribute to design projects, support innovation, and maintain quality in engineering solutions.

What is a junior mechanical engineer?

A junior mechanical engineer works with a team of other engineers and supervisors to help design, build, and test machines and equipment. These professionals often work in manufacturing firms and research institutions and specialize in a specific field, such as biotechnology, consumer electronics, or automobile manufacturing. As a junior mechanical engineer, your duties may include finalizing blueprints, acquiring materials, creating prototypes, and resolving mechanical problems. To become a junior mechanical engineer, you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and formal training. Candidates usually enter the field as assistants to other junior mechanical engineers in order to gain work experience and learn elements of product design, development, and testing. You may also pursue voluntary certification to demonstrate your skills as a professional and improve your job prospects.

What is the difference between Junior Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Designer?

AspectJunior Mechanical EngineerMechanical Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design, or related field
Work EnvironmentEngineering firms, manufacturing, R&DDesign departments, engineering firms, manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across engineering and manufacturing sectorsPrimarily in design and product development roles

Junior Mechanical Engineers and Mechanical Designers often share educational backgrounds and work in similar environments. While Junior Mechanical Engineers focus on applying engineering principles to projects, Mechanical Designers specialize in creating detailed designs and CAD models. Both roles are essential in product development and manufacturing industries, with overlapping skills but different primary responsibilities.

More about Junior Mechanical Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Mechanical Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Junior Mechanical Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Junior Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Mechanical Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,306 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Principal Mechanical Engineer

MKS Instruments

Irvine, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS:
We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership for the Vibration Control Group, developing and sustaining precision vibration isolation and structural support products (optical tables, breadboards, platforms, isolators, and integrated customer solutions). You will own challenging mechanical designs from concept through release, guide verification and validation, and partner cross-functionally with product management, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and sales to deliver high-performance, manufacturable, and cost-effective solutions.
You Will Make an Impact By:
  • Leading mechanical design of vibration control products and custom customer solutions, balancing performance, cost, schedule, and manufacturability.

  • Owning requirements definition and technical trade studies (stiffness, damping, modal behavior, load capacity, thermal effects, cleanliness/non-magnetic constraints, vacuum compatibility as applicable).

  • Performing analysis and simulation (hand calcs, FEA, vibration/modal analysis) and correlating models to test data.

  • Defining and executing verification/validation strategies including prototype builds, characterization tests, environmental/vibration testing, and design reviews.

  • Serving as a technical authority and mentor, reviewing designs and coaching junior engineers/designers.

  • Driving technical risk management: proactively identifying failure modes, executing root-cause investigations, and implementing corrective/preventive actions.

  • Maintaining complete engineering documentation (CAD, drawings, GD&T, BOMs, test plans/reports, compliance documentation) in accordance with MKS processes and PLM/ERP systems.

  • Collaborating cross-functionally with product management and sales to support roadmap execution, technical customer engagements, and lifecycle management of existing platforms.

Skills You Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related engineering discipline) required; Master's degree preferred.

  • 8+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience in precision mechanical systems and vibration mitigation.

  • Demonstrated expertise in structural dynamics and vibration fundamentals (modal behavior, transmissibility, stiffness/damping tradeoffs) and applying them to real products.

  • Proficiency with 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred) including GD&T, tolerance analysis, and creation/review of production-ready drawings and BOMs.

  • Experience with analysis tools (ANSYS or equivalent) and test correlation; ability to select appropriate simplifications and validate assumptions.

  • Hands-on prototyping and test experience: instrumentation, test planning, data analysis, and clear technical reporting.

  • Proven ability to lead technical workstreams, drive design reviews, and influence cross-functional decisions without direct authority.

  • Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills with a track record of closing issues in design and production environments.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical details for customers and internal stakeholders.

  • Customer-facing experience (requirements clarification, technical reviews, issue resolution) strongly preferred; willingness to engage with customers is a must.

  • Comfort operating in a regulated/quality environment with disciplined configuration control and documentation practices.

Preferred:
  • Experience designing vibration isolation/support systems (optical tables, breadboards, pneumatic/electronic isolation, elastomeric systems) and/or precision welded structures.

  • Experience with PLM/ERP systems (Agile, SAP, etc.), and familiarity with cleanliness/non-magnetic materials, vacuum compatibility, and RoHS/REACH considerations.

In addition to the above responsibilities, the following are considered material job duties of the position:
  • Ability to take and follow directions and instructions.

  • Ability to interact with other employees, customers, suppliers, vendors, or the public, in a safe, professional, and respectful manner.

  • Access to sensitive and confidential business systems and software, personally identifying information, the company's financial information, and/or the ability to maintain physical security and safety.

  • Because this position involves the above material job duties, trustworthiness, reliability, and good judgment also are material job duties.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally as necessary to support business goals. Travel is estimated at <10%.

Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range: $ 140,000.00 - 210,000.00 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.
Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].
Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.
MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers.
We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.
MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.
Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, s), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.
MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.
MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: .
If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role

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