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Mechanical Engineer Startup Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Monarch Quantum

Mechanical Engineer 2

San Diego, CA

$85K - $125K/yr

This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a self-starter who thrives in a fluid startup environment. You ... A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Physics, or a related field and a minimum of 2 years ...

Monarch Quantum

Mechanical Engineer 2

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a self-starter who thrives in a fluid startup environment. You ... A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Physics, or a related field and a minimum of 2 years ...

Poseidon Aerospace

Mechanical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field * Proficiency with CAD ... Capable of managing projects independently in a fast-paced, startup environment Nice to Have

Sunday Inc

Mechanical Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

Strong collaboration skills and comfort working in fast-paced startup environments * Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Master's a plus, but not required) At Sunday ...

Sunday Robotics

Mechanical Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Strong collaboration skills and comfort working in fast‑paced startup environments * Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Master's a plus, but not required) At Sunday ...

Robust

Staff Mechanical Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$160 - $210/hr

Robust AI is a fast-growing, early-stage startup founded in 2019 by an unsurpassed team of veterans ... As a mechanical engineer at Robust AI you will join a small fast-paced team working to design and ...

New

Stanford Climate Ventures

Mechanical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will work closely with a focused technical team to design and analyze ... Experience in a fast‑paced startup environment or similar, with high agency, strong ownership ...

New

Hargrove Epc

Mechanical Engineer

Concord, CA · On-site

$125 - $145/hr

## Mechanical EngineerApplylocations: Concord, CAtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob ... On-site assistance during startup.* Accomplishing engineering activities such as stress analysis ...

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Tempo

Staff Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$186K - $206K/yr

Prior experience in a startup or highly dynamic engineering environment. Preferred Skills and Experience * Master's degree in mechanical engineering or other comparable engineering disciplines.

Aurelius Systems

Mechanical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Aurelius Systems is a VC backed defense tech startup building autonomous, edge deployed directed ... We need a Mechanical Engineer focused on design ruggedization across Archimedes - survivability ...

Aurelius Systems

Mechanical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Aurelius Systems is a VC backed defense tech startup building autonomous, edge deployed directed ... We need a Mechanical Engineer focused on design ruggedization across Archimedes -- survivability ...

Industrious Ventures

Mechanical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$95 - $120/hr

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will work closely with a focused technical team to design and analyze ... Experience in a fast-paced startup environment or similar, with high agency, strong ownership, and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMechanical Engineer Startup JobsMechanical Engineer Startup Jobs in California

Mechanical Engineer Startup information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$101.5K

$164.3K

How much do mechanical engineer startup jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineer startup in California is $101,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $124,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mechanical engineer startup?

A Mechanical Engineer Startup job involves designing, prototyping, and testing mechanical systems or products in an early-stage company. Engineers in this role often wear multiple hats, working on product development, manufacturing processes, and even cost optimization. They collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, designers, and business leaders, to bring innovations to market. The fast-paced startup environment requires adaptability, problem-solving skills, and creativity.

What are the typical responsibilities of a mechanical engineer at a startup compared to a larger company?

Mechanical Engineers in startup settings often take on a broader range of responsibilities, including designing components, building prototypes, testing products, and sometimes managing supply chain or manufacturing partners. Unlike in larger companies where roles can be highly specialized, startup engineers frequently wear multiple hats and get involved in early-stage product development, troubleshooting, and even customer feedback loops. This hands-on, cross-disciplinary environment offers rapid learning opportunities and direct impact on product direction. Team sizes are typically smaller, leading to more collaboration across functions like electrical engineering, software, and business operations. If you enjoy working on diverse tasks and seeing your ideas quickly brought to life, a startup can be an exciting and rewarding environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the mechanical engineer startup position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineer in a startup environment, you need a solid background in mechanical design, prototyping, and problem-solving, typically supported by a degree in mechanical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), rapid prototyping tools, and hands-on fabrication methods is highly valued, along with relevant certifications like EIT or FE. Strong soft skills such as adaptability, creative thinking, and excellent teamwork are crucial for navigating the fast-paced, resource-constrained startup culture. These abilities are essential for driving innovation, overcoming technical and logistical challenges, and contributing effectively in a dynamic, collaborative setting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineer Startup jobs in California?

The most popular types of Mechanical Engineer Startup jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Mechanical Engineer Startup jobs in California?

For Mechanical Engineer Startup jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mechanical Engineer Startup jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Mechanical Engineer Startup jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Mechanical Engineer Startup jobs?

Cities in California with the most Mechanical Engineer Startup job openings:

Mechanical Engineer Startup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineer Startup job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,531 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer 2

Monarch Quantum

San Diego, CA

$85K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Mechanical Engineer 2. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a self-starter who thrives in a fluid startup environment. You'll have the opportunity to work on cutting edge technologies, work closely with leadership, and develop and implement engineering practices that support our mission and growth. Your key responsibilities are as follows:

  • Work independently and in a team while over communicating with the manager and the teammates. May mentor junior engineers.
  • Execute complex engineering tasks involving planning, preparation, data/information collection and analysis and decision-making in a process involving peer reviews and documentation of the results.
  • Use tenacity, patience, self-discipline and passion for excellence to assure accuracy of execution schedule, data quality/integrity, conformance to company best practices, clarity in communication and documentation.
  • Use every opportunity to grow competency thru mentorship, curiosity, communication, exposure and initiative.

Requirements

  • This position requires access to export-controlled information. Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a U.S. person as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Experience:

  • A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Physics, or a related field and a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, ideally within a startup or technology company.

Skills:

  • Working knowledge of at least one ME topic and basic understanding of standard mechanical engineering degree curriculum.
  • Solid understanding of material properties, mechanisms, fabrication methods: CNC milling, CNC turning, sheet metal, injection molding, laser cutting, water jet cutting, and 3D printing (metal and plastic).
  • Solid understanding of structural theory: static, modal, random vibration, shock, etc.
  • Solid understanding of fluids and heat transfer theory: conduction, convection and radiation.
  • Demonstrated successful execution of engineering tasks including use of mechanical CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and quantitative analysis/programming tools, instrumentation and measurement, part fabrication or procurement, integration and test, data collection, analysis (ANSYS Workbench) and documentation.

Benefits

The expected annual salary range for this position is $85,000-$125,000.

As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Monarch's comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Fidelity 401(k) plan with 4% employer matching
  • 20 paid time off (PTO) days per year
  • 13 paid company holidays
  • 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)


Monarch Quantum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state and local laws.

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