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Junior Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Riverside, CA

Mechanical Engineer

Corona, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

Provide engineering design, evaluation, and planning of mechanical systems for a variety of market ... Oversee and provide guidance to junior engineers * Lead project teams and serve as the primary ...

Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

Provide engineering design, evaluation, and planning of mechanical systems for a variety of market ... Oversee and provide guidance to junior engineers * Lead project teams and serve as the primary ...

Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Provide engineering design, evaluation, and planning of mechanical systems for a variety of market ... Oversee and provide guidance to junior engineers * Lead project teams and serve as the primary ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$135 - $150/hr

Perform engineering analyses, including FEA, tolerance stack-ups, and reliability assessments, to ... Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes, tools ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

As a senior member of the engineering team, this individual serves as a technical leader and mentor ... junior engineers and influencing cross-functional teams in the identification, analysis, and ...

New

As a senior member of the engineering team, this individual serves as a technical leader and mentor ... junior engineers and influencing cross-functional teams in the identification, analysis, and ...

New

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

At the core of our company's identity is a strong foundation in engineering. We take great pride in ... Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes, tools ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA

$112K - $148K/yr

At the core of our company's identity is a strong foundation in engineering. We take great pride in ... Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes, tools ...

Sr Mechanical Engineer - Federal Experience

Orange, CA · On-site +1

$111K - $147K/yr

... mentoring of junior staff within the Mechanical Department * Review and edit specifications ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited Mechanical Engineering Program ...

Showing results 21-40

Junior Mechanical Engineering information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$42.8K

$76.3K

$102.2K

How much do junior mechanical engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior mechanical engineering 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 types of projects do junior mechanical engineers typically work on, and how much autonomy can I expect in this role?

As a Junior Mechanical Engineer, you will often be involved in supporting senior engineers with tasks such as drafting designs, conducting simulations, preparing technical documentation, and performing tests on prototypes. Early in your career, you'll typically work within a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with experienced engineers and other departments such as manufacturing and quality assurance. While you may start with closely supervised assignments, many organizations encourage gradual independence as you demonstrate your skills and reliability. Over time, you will likely take on more complex project components and gain opportunities to lead smaller tasks or initiatives.

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

To thrive as a Junior Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid understanding of mechanical engineering principles, a relevant engineering degree, and foundational knowledge of design and manufacturing processes. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools, and basic project management systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in cross-functional environments. These skills are crucial for delivering accurate designs, collaborating efficiently, and supporting successful project outcomes in engineering teams.

What is the difference between Junior Mechanical Engineering vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectJunior Mechanical EngineeringMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering or Design
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects, manufacturing or R&D settingsDesign-focused tasks, CAD software, product development teams
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, HVACProduct design, engineering firms, industrial equipment

Junior Mechanical Engineers typically perform basic engineering tasks under supervision, focusing on learning and supporting projects. Mechanical Design Engineers concentrate on creating and refining product designs using CAD tools, often requiring more specialized design skills. While both roles require a mechanical engineering background, the Design Engineer role emphasizes design and development, whereas the Junior Mechanical Engineer role is more about supporting engineering processes and gaining experience.

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, performing basic calculations, supporting prototype development, and helping to solve engineering problems. They also collaborate with other team members to ensure projects meet specifications and deadlines. This role typically serves as an entry-level position, providing valuable hands-on experience and professional development within the mechanical engineering field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Junior Mechanical Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA? For Junior Mechanical Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Junior Mechanical Engineering jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Junior Mechanical Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Junior Mechanical Engineering job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,306 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

$80K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 hours ago


Salas O'Brien rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

155th of 446 rated engineering


Job description

Mechanical Engineer

Summary

The Mechanical Engineer serves to focus on the design of mechanical systems for new facilities, additions, and renovation projects. This will require providing technical leadership for the creation of construction drawings and specifications, existing system studies and master planning efforts. Qualified candidates will meet with clients, project teams, code officials, contractors, and others to address mechanical issues to develop effective working relationships. The project clientele includes K-12 Education, Higher Education, Commercial, Health Care, Science and Technology, municipal and institutional facilities.

General Duties

  • Develop HVAC system designs of a given project based on scope of work and/or client RFPs
  • Provide engineering design, evaluation, and planning of mechanical systems for a variety of market types
  • Perform Load/Energy calculations with software such as Trace 700, IES and similar programs
  • Conduct existing building surveys and documentation of existing HVAC systems
  • Develop system design calculations and selection of equipment for use in buildings
  • Write/edit project specifications
  • Prepare detailed design documents, reports, and studies
  • Code compliance research
  • Coordinate work with other disciplines
  • Provide construction administration services
  • Perform QA/QC of design work
  • Oversee and provide guidance to junior engineers
  • Lead project teams and serve as the primary contact for clients
  • Assist in the procurement of new work; including the development of client relations and participation in project interview

Skills

  • Good communication skills, combined with organizational skills, the ability to plan, balance and prioritize work
  • Ability to lead a team and work as a team
  • Proficiency in Auto CAD, Revit, and MS Office
  • Ability to travel

Qualifications

  • You have a minimum of 3 years design experience
  • You have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • a Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred, but not required
  • You have a LEED certification / experience
  • You have knowledge in the design of HVAC systems
  • You have knowledge and understanding of codes, standards, and design guidelines
  • You have an excellent work ethic and attitude

Location: Corona, CA or Irvine, CA (Hybrid)

Travel: up to 20%

The expected base salary range for this role is $80,000-$110,000 per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • 5 weeks of paid time off and company holidays
  • Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
  • Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here - www.salasobrien.com/benefits

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Third-Party Agency Notice

Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.

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