ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mechanical Development Engineer Jobs in California

TRL11, Inc.

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$401K/yr

TRL11 is seeking a hands-on Senior Mechanical Engineer to own the mechanical development of space avionics and electro-optical imaging systems from initial requirements through production and product ...

TRL11, Inc.

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$401K/yr

TRL11 is seeking a hands-on Senior Mechanical Engineer to own the mechanical development of space avionics and electro-optical imaging systems from initial requirements through production and product ...

TRL11, Inc.

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA

$401K/yr

TRL11 is seeking a hands-on Senior Mechanical Engineer to own the mechanical development of space avionics and electro-optical imaging systems from initial requirements through production and product ...

Motive Companies

Development Engineer

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.3K/wk

Development Engineer Location: Santa Clarita, CA Weekly Pay Rate: $1,730.77 - $2,307.69 Industry ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent ...

Motive Companies

Development Engineer

Santa Clarita, CA

$1.7K - $2.3K/wk

Development Engineer Location: Santa Clarita, CA Weekly Pay Rate: $1,730.77 - $2,307.69 Industry ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMechanical Development Engineer JobsMechanical Development Engineer Jobs in California

Mechanical Development Engineer information

See California salary details

$71.1K

$110.7K

$139.2K

How much do mechanical development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical development engineer in California is $110,730.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,700.00 and $124,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges mechanical development engineers face when transitioning prototypes to mass production?

Mechanical Development Engineers often encounter challenges when moving a prototype into large-scale manufacturing, such as ensuring that the design can be produced cost-effectively, maintaining product quality, and adhering to tight schedules. Adjustments may be required to meet manufacturing constraints, supply chain limitations, or regulatory standards. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain, is crucial to address these issues efficiently and achieve a successful product launch.

What is a mechanical development engineer?

Mechanical Development Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test mechanical devices and systems. They work on creating new products or improving existing ones by applying principles of engineering, physics, and material science. Their responsibilities often include prototyping, analyzing product performance, and collaborating with other engineers to ensure that products meet required specifications and standards. Mechanical Development Engineers play a crucial role in industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and consumer goods. Their work helps bring innovative mechanical solutions to market efficiently and safely.

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

AspectMechanical Development EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping and testing new mechanical products and prototypesCreating detailed designs and specifications for mechanical components
Work EnvironmentR&D labs, prototyping workshopsDesign offices, CAD environments
Required SkillsPrototyping, testing, material selectionCAD, technical drawing, design analysis
Common Industry UsageProduct innovation, research projectsManufacturing, product development

While both roles involve mechanical engineering expertise, Mechanical Development Engineers focus on creating and testing new products, whereas Mechanical Design Engineers concentrate on designing detailed parts and assemblies. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in their emphasis on development versus detailed design tasks.

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

To thrive as a Mechanical Development Engineer, you need strong skills in mechanical design, analysis, and problem-solving, typically supported by a degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools (like ANSYS), and familiarity with manufacturing processes are commonly required. Excellent teamwork, communication, and project management skills help you effectively collaborate and drive projects forward. These competencies ensure the development of reliable, innovative products that meet performance, quality, and timeline expectations.
What are popular job titles related to Mechanical Development Engineer jobs in CA? For Mechanical Development Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Mechanical Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Development Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,730 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Manager, Mechanical Actuator Development

Archer

San Jose, CA

$172K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

What You'll DoDesign
  • Lead a team of design and mechanical system engineers to design and develop high-performance, flight-critical electromechanical actuation systems from concept through production
  • Own overall actuator mechanical design and integration of motors, geartrains, rolling-element screws, bearings, brakes, housings, sensors, and electronics
  • Perform trade studies to optimize system architecture and mass while meeting performance and fault-tolerance requirements
  • Create and review CAD models, drawings, and engineering specifications
  • Develop actuator-system and detailed component specifications and requirements
  • Build and maintain system-level models to validate actuator performance
Leadership
  • Act as single point focal for custom actuation development
  • Work side-by-side with program manager to development and maintain milestone and schedule strategies
  • Develop strong relationships and work seamlessly with internal functional groups for custom motor, controller, and thermal designs
  • Partner with peer design owners including actuator controller, flight controls, GNC, power systems, airframe, and software to deliver an optimized integrated system for the aircraft
  • Drive cross-functional project teams, coordinating with manufacturing, quality, sourcing, and test engineering
  • Lead design reviews and provide technical expertise for key decisions
  • Lead by example through hands-on problem solving, engineering rigor, and accountability
  • Demonstrate best practices in documentation, testing, and design validation
  • Mentor and oversee junior engineers, fostering professional growth
  • Collaborate with systems, safety, and reliability teams to inform DFMEA and ensure requirements are fully validated and understood
  • Lead and oversee technical performance of partnerships and suppliers for varied levels of subassemblies and critical components
What You'll Need
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or related field)
  • 8+ years of experience in actuated mechanism or electromechanical system design
  • Strong communication and presentation skills at any level within the organization
  • Proven ability to take ownership of complex engineering problems through completion
  • Demonstrated initiative in seeking out critical information and driving technical closure
  • Experience in the majority of the following areas:
    • GD&T for mechanical systems
    • Kinematic analysis and optimization
    • Design for 14 CFR Part 23 systems compliance
    • Structural analysis using hand calculations and finite-element methods
    • Materials selection, including alloys, heat treatments, allowables, and surface finishes
    • Siemens NX CAD and Simcenter or ANSYS FEA tools
    • Rolling element bearing selection and sizing
    • Involute gear tooth design and analysis
    • Ball and/or lead screw design and analysis
    • Structural analysis (static, modal, buckling, and fatigue)
Bonus Qualifications
  • Familiarity with PDM systems
  • Project or program management experience
  • Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, Mathcad, and/or LabVIEW
  • Hands-on experience in a machine shop or with mechanical assembly (professional or hobby)
  • Experience with RTCA DO-160, structural, or actuator mechanism testing
  • Demonstrated interest in aviation, such as pilot training or license
  • Experience in requirements management tools in the context of aerospace development processes.
At Archer, we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent with the skills and leadership needed to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that support the Company's strategy. For this position, we are targeting a base pay range of $172,000 - $230,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Apply