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Mechanical Design Analysis Engineer Jobs in California

Conduct tolerance analysis and lead design reviews; apply GD&T. * Balance mechanical design ... Cross-Functional Engineering Support * Coordinate with optical engineering on opto-mechanical ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$89K - $121K/yr

You will be responsible for the package stack-up analysis, co-optimizing mechanical, optical and ... Engineering or a related field. * Minimum of 3 years of mechanical design experience in ...

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Mechanical Design Analysis Engineer information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$90.4K

$134.7K

How much do mechanical design analysis engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical design analysis engineer in California is $90,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,000.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Mechanical Design Analysis Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, proficiency in design and analysis methodologies, and typically a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), finite element analysis (FEA) tools, and relevant industry codes or certifications (like PE licensure) is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in collaborating with cross-functional teams and presenting technical findings. These competencies ensure the development of reliable, efficient products and effective resolution of design challenges.

How does a mechanical design analysis engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a product development cycle?

Mechanical Design Analysis Engineers often work closely with product designers, manufacturing engineers, and quality assurance teams throughout the product development process. They provide critical analysis and simulation data to help refine designs, ensure manufacturability, and verify that products meet safety and performance standards. Regular meetings, design reviews, and collaborative problem-solving sessions are common, allowing for real-time feedback and iterative improvements. This collaborative environment ensures that the final product is optimized from both a design and engineering perspective.

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

AspectMechanical Design Analysis EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Primary FocusAnalyzing mechanical systems for performance, stress, and durabilityCreating and developing mechanical components and assemblies
Skills & CertificationsFEM, CAD, analytical tools, engineering degreesCAD, design software, engineering degrees
Work EnvironmentDesign validation labs, simulation software, R&D teamsDesign offices, manufacturing plants, prototyping labs
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing, R&DProduct development, manufacturing, engineering firms

Both roles require engineering degrees and CAD skills, but the Mechanical Design Analysis Engineer specializes in evaluating and testing mechanical systems through analysis, while the Mechanical Design Engineer focuses on creating and developing new mechanical designs.

What does a mechanical design analysis engineer do?

A Mechanical Design Analysis Engineer is responsible for designing and analyzing mechanical components and systems to ensure they meet performance, safety, and reliability standards. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software and simulation tools to model and test designs under various conditions. Their work often involves collaborating with other engineers, reviewing technical drawings, and optimizing designs to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Additionally, they may be involved in prototype testing and troubleshooting to resolve any design issues before manufacturing.

Are mechanical design analysis engineers in demand?

Mechanical design analysis engineers are in strong demand due to the need for expertise in CAD software, finite element analysis, and materials testing across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. The role often requires problem-solving skills and knowledge of industry standards, with job growth driven by technological advancements and automation.

What cities in California are hiring for Mechanical Design Analysis Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Mechanical Design Analysis Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Design Analysis Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,379 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Staff Mechanical Design & Analysis Engineer, Tooling

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA

$79K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Relativity Space rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

About the Team: 

The Tooling and Factory Automation team sits at the intersection of design, manufacturing, and automation, making everything from large-scale structural fixtures to small tools that directly enable Terran R's production. As a design group embedded within the manufacturing organization, we dig deep into the needs of our internal partners to understand root problems, propose solutions, and deliver hardware to help build faster, scale smarter, and work better. The team is also at the forefront of Relativity's growing factory automation efforts, an increasingly critical part of scaling production of Terran R at existing and future facilities. You'll have the autonomy to make decisions, field solutions, and see them in action on the factory floor. Ultimately, you're not just designing tools or automated processes; you're defining how rockets and factories get built.

About the Role:

The Mechanical Design Engineers are responsible for the design and development of tools and factory automation equipment that support manufacturing. The Mechanical Engineering team works closely with Design and Manufacturing, turning top-level requirements and concepts into functional delivered equipment. The Mechanical Design Engineering team brings a high level of innovation and ingenuity into the design process, as they are tasked with building out a highly automated production facility. 

  • Develop high quality development and production tooling and automation solutions for the Terran vehicle and Aeon engine programs
  • Capable of integrating concepts and principles of mechanical design and analysis of several different projects in a fast-paced environment - projects will vary in size and scale
  • Ability to interpret and apply sound design and drafting standards (ASME Y14.5) in creating tooling drawing definitions
  • Handle a wide range of technical problems and familiar with all types of material handling, assembly fixtures, off-loaders, rotisseries, test fixtures, structural weldments, environmental chambers, and custom machines
  • Close collaboration with component designers, manufacturing engineers, and integration engineering to achieve the best possible cradle to grave metrics (safety, cost, quality, cycle time, delivery, reliability, life, and maintenance/refurbishment)
  • Manage projects including vendor selection, fabrication, inspection, equipment installation, and commissioning of tooling 

About You:  

  • Bachelor of Science degree in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering or equivalent 
  • 10+ years of work or project experience with design, build, and commissioning of tooling and fixtures for manufacturing, assembly and test 
  • Experience using CAD and FEA-based analysis software (NX and ANSYS Workbench preferred) for structural applications 
  • Experience in full-cycle project completion 
  • Experience in strategic buildout and project management of tooling supporting production 

Nice to haves but not required:  

  • Strong expertise in design for manufacturability and design for assembly including experience taking products from prototype design to production
  • Solid understanding of common manufacturing materials, GD&T, and tolerance/stack-up analysis
  • Solid understanding of common manufacturing processes and machines including mills, lathes, welding, sheet-metal bending, lifting/rigging, assembly, inspection, etc.
  • Experience with custom machine design: motors, actuators, linear rails/actuators, pneumatics, bearings, etc.

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