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Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad Jobs in California

SRI International

Mechanical Engineer

Palo Alto, CA

$102K - $135K/yr

Master's with at least 3 years of experience or new grad PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field * US Citizen with the ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance. Current active ...

SRI International

Mechanical Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

Master's with at least 3 years of experience or new grad PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field * US Citizen with the ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance. Current active ...

SRI International

Mechanical Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

Master's with at least 3 years of experience or new grad PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field * US Citizen with the ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance. Current active ...

L3HHCM20

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA

$68K - $126K/yr

Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off L3Harris Technologies is seeking an New Grad for the Mechanical Engineering team to support our ...

New

L3HHCM20

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA

$68K - $126K/yr

Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off L3Harris Technologies is seeking an New Grad for the Mechanical Engineering team to support our ...

New

L3HHCM20

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA

$68K - $126K/yr

Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off L3Harris Technologies is seeking an New Grad for the Mechanical Engineering team to support our ...

New

L3HHCM20

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA

$68K - $126K/yr

Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off L3Harris Technologies is seeking an New Grad for the Mechanical Engineering team to support our ...

New

L3HHCM20

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA

$68K - $126K/yr

Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off L3Harris Technologies is seeking an New Grad for the Mechanical Engineering team to support our ...

New

L3HHCM20

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA

$68K - $126K/yr

Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off L3Harris Technologies is seeking an New Grad for the Mechanical Engineering team to support our ...

New

L3HHCM20

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA

$68K - $126K/yr

Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off L3Harris Technologies is seeking an New Grad for the Mechanical Engineering team to support our ...

New

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All JobsMechanical Engineer Recent Grad JobsMechanical Engineer Recent Grad Jobs in California

Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad information

What is the difference between Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectMechanical Engineer Recent GradMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, internship experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, some design coursework
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects, manufacturing or R&D settingsDesign-focused tasks, CAD software, product development teams
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, energy sectorsProduct design firms, engineering consultancies, industrial equipment

The main difference between a Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad and a Mechanical Design Engineer lies in their experience and focus. Recent grads are just starting their careers with foundational skills, while Mechanical Design Engineers typically have some experience in design processes and software. Both roles often overlap in industry and credentials, but the Design Engineer role emphasizes design-specific tasks and software proficiency.

What does a mechanical engineer recent grad do?

A Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad assists in designing, developing, and testing mechanical systems or products. They typically work on tasks such as creating technical drawings, running simulations, conducting experiments, and supporting senior engineers in project work. Recent grads often work in industries like automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, or energy, gaining hands-on experience and building their engineering skills. They also collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, learn industry standards, and may help troubleshoot mechanical problems. This role serves as a foundation for professional growth and prepares them for more advanced engineering responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, proficiency in mathematics, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD, and experience with simulation tools like ANSYS, are typically required, along with knowledge of industry standards. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help distinguish you in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These skills and qualities are vital to successfully design, analyze, and implement engineering solutions that meet project and industry requirements.

What types of projects can a recent graduate in mechanical engineering expect to work on during their first year?

As a recent graduate, you can expect to be involved in a variety of entry-level projects such as assisting with product design, performing basic calculations and simulations, supporting prototype development, and preparing technical documentation. You'll often collaborate with senior engineers and cross-functional teams—including manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement—to gain exposure to different aspects of the engineering process. This hands-on experience is designed to build your technical skills, familiarize you with industry standards, and prepare you for more complex responsibilities as you advance.
What are popular job titles related to Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs in California? For Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs? Cities in California with the most Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad job openings:
Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Mechanical Engineer

SRI International

Palo Alto, CA

$102K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Overview

SRI International's BCT group is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to execute in an advanced R&D and production environment.

The Mechanical Engineer (ME) will be responsible for the design, fabrication, integration and operation of critical mechanical parts and systems within BCT's process line. These will range from test fixtures to prototype products to production systems and will be used to produce products across a wide range of applications at BCT. Additionally, the ME will focus on laser material processing in both R&D and production applications. The ideal candidate will be able to perform engineering analysis, complete detailed specifications, and build and troubleshoot systems with minimal supervision. Working with interdisciplinary teams, the ME will apply his or her knowledge of mechanical design and materials properties to invent, fabricate, and test complex components and systems that are benchmarks of elegant and effective design. The successful applicant will be proficient in mechanical design and analysis, prototyping, a wide range of manufacturing processes, electro-mechanical systems, 3D CAD, and system fabrication.

The position will work onsite at our Palo Alto, CA office

Responsibilities
  • Mechanical design
  • Oversight of fabrication
  • Technical leadership
  • Interpreting experimental data
  • Developing and fielding novel solutions as part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team

The ideal candidate will have obsessive attention to detail and never find "good enough" an acceptable outcome while consistently meeting fluid and tight deadlines with a strong sense of professional pride and personal ownership. Communication with other team members is key.

Qualifications
  • Master's with at least 3 years of experience or new grad PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
  • US Citizen with the ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance.  Current active clearance a plus.
  • Experience in a product development or manufacturing environment
  • Thorough knowledge of mechanical design, mechanics and material science concepts, and system integration
  • Working knowledge of optical systems
  • Working knowledge of circuit design and electronics
  • Experience working with and managing vendors for part fabrication
  • Experience designing with 3D CAD software, preferably SolidWorks, to create complex assemblies and parts
  • Ability to clearly communicate design rationale and results
  • Experience planning and executing on prototype build plans

The salary range is: $102,400-$135,680. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.

SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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