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Mechanical Development Engineer Jobs in California

Development Engineer

Moorpark, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

This role leads a cross-functional team through the design, development, qualification, and transition to production of mechanical and energetic systems. The Development Engineer owns both technical ...

Development Engineer

Moorpark, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

This role leads a cross-functional team through the design, development, qualification, and transition to production of mechanical and energetic systems. The Development Engineer owns both technical ...

We are seeking Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, and validation of silicon validation test solutions and provide system design support to other Apple engineering teams. Description ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jul 16, 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 are Mechanical Development Engineers?

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, and why are they important?

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.
Infographic showing various Mechanical Development Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% 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.
Research and Development Mechanical Engineer with Security Clearance

Research and Development Mechanical Engineer with Security Clearance

Boston Government Services, LLC

Livermore, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Boston Government Services, LLC. (BGS) is seeking a Research and Development (R&D) Mechanical Engineer to support our clients at Sandia National Lab onsite in Livermore, CA. BGS is an engineering, technology, and security firm helping to advance missions of national importance for government programs, national laboratories, national security facilities, nuclear operations, and complex projects. We support clients at every stage, from strategic planning and program management to the execution of engineering and technical activities. We work to attract and retain the best talent because the best talent delivers the best results for our clients. Our capabilities are based on our experience in complex, secure, and highly regulated environments. We leverage our experience and capabilities to provide mission-driven solutions tuned to our client's mission needs and strategic direction. We are passionate about our culture! At BGS, we hire people who will bring their whole self to work each day because we value operating with openness and inclusivity, welcoming and respecting all. BGS cares for each employeeโ€™s well-being by offering a comprehensive benefit package and providing a culture of exciting work, excellence, and fun. If you align with BGSโ€™ company values and culture, we would love for you to explore opportunities to join our growing team by checking out the job description below! About Our Team:
Organization 8434, Telemetry Engineering II - along with sister departments 08432, 08433, 08435 and 08436- has responsibility for the design, development, and qualification of weapon system instrumentation (or telemetry systems) for use in Joint Test Assemblies (JTAs) for the entire US nuclear arsenal. The JTA program is a cornerstone of the Stockpile Evaluation Program and allows critical assessment of the weapon system, DoD platform, and support personnel performance. To fulfill its mission responsibilities, Organization 8434 employs a diverse and talented group of electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and technologists. The Organization collaborates with other NW groups within the National Laboratories and across the Nuclear Weapons Complex, including NNSA, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, the production agencies (National Security Center and Pantex), and the DoD. Organization 0843x is also expected to have significant interactions with other DOE Laboratories and other NNSA entities (beyond the NW Complex), the DoD, and other government agencies. What Your Job Will Be like:
The Telemetry (TM) team at the National Laboratories in Livermore, CA is seeking an R&D Mechanical Engineer to join our dynamic team! We are responsible for the design, development, testing, and qualification of multiple telemetry products across the ND portfolio. As a Mechanical Engineer, you will contribute to the mechanical design, conduct full product environmental testing, and verify requirements in support of qualification and product delivery. Your role will also include fixture development, documentation, hardware assembly, and managing fabrication processes. Our telemetry units are highly integrated electro-mechanical designs that must operate effectively in severe environments. Success in this role requires the ability to collaborate with a multi-faceted engineering team. A successful candidate would have skills and experience with the following:
โ€ข Mechanical Testing (Shock, Vibration, Temperature, Pressure, Humidity) and data analysis.
โ€ข Strong design skills in CAD (CREO preferred).
โ€ข Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) knowledge.
โ€ข Experience designing for multiple manufacturing processes including machined aluminum, sheet metal and 3D printing (FDM).
โ€ข Demonstrated strong documentation related to product development within a quality management system.
โ€ข Mentorship and leadership ability.
โ€ข Strong, methodical approach to problem-solving. On any given day, you may be called on to:
โ€ข Collaborate with stakeholders to understand and document system needs and requirements for Telemetry hardware.
โ€ข Work with a cross-functional team to establish long-term visions and short-term priorities for the mechanical engineering team.
โ€ข Utilize critical thinking to troubleshoot both mechanical and electromechanical issues, providing solutions within programmatic constraints.
โ€ข Engage in hands-on work with the Telemetry product through fabrication and testing activities.
โ€ข Use CREO and PDMLink to design and model the Telemetry product.
โ€ข Perform and analyze fine element analysis (FEA) simulations for stress, strain, modal and thermal environments.
โ€ข Work with vendors and Sandia buyers to procure development parts.
โ€ข Work with MCAD and the product definition team to create and authorize product drawings.
โ€ข The position requires an ability to travel up to 25% to support the mission. Requirements: โ€ข A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.
โ€ข Demonstrated experience with Creo, Solidworks, or similar MCAD design tool.
โ€ข Demonstrated experience developing or executing procedures associated with high value hardware (flight, customer deliverable, production).
โ€ข Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance.
โ€ข Must be a U.S. citizen.
โ€ข Successful drug screening.
โ€ข Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a security or clearance badge. Preferred Qualifications: โ€ข The ideal R&D S&E Mechanical Engineer candidate for the National Laboratories will in addition possess the following: Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
โ€ข Experience with mechanical engineering and product realization in the NNSA complex.
โ€ข Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
โ€ข Also, for this posting we are seeking individuals with the following experience: Demonstrated breadth of knowledge in Mechanical Engineering and other engineering fields through school projects or work experience.
โ€ข Demonstrated experience drafting drawings using GD&T per ANSI Y14.5.
โ€ข Experience in roles that required leadership and/or mentorship.
โ€ข Demonstrated experience working with and across a broad range of stakeholders.
โ€ข Active DOE Q-Level Security Clearance or other transferable U.S. Government Clearance.
โ€ข Understanding of nuclear weapons and Joint Test Assembly design principles.
โ€ข Demonstrated experience designing, testing, or fabricating aerospace hardware.
โ€ข Demonstrated experience with testing in the following fields or similar: vibration, shock, thermal, vacuum, centrifuge.
โ€ข Demonstrated experience developing test plans for validation or verification of requirement sets. Location/Work Arrangement:
โ€ข This position is a fully onsite position at Sandia National Lab due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite 100% of the time at the Livermore, CA facility.
โ€ข Schedule is full-time, Monday โ€“ Friday 40-hour week. Benefits:
BGS offers a competitive total compensation package to eligible employees. Benefits include Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Paid Vacation, 401K, Long and Short-Term Disability. EEO:
BGS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Starting compensation for this role typical salary ranges between $140,000 and $150,000 annually is commensurate with experience relative to the position and may vary based on candidate geographical location. Exclusive Agreement Disclaimer:
BGS has standing contracts with federal agencies throughout the United States. We require an affirmative exclusive agreement to represent all candidates to our clients. By submitting this application, you are consenting to allow BGS to represent you as a candidate for the role in which you are applying.