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Mechanical Engineering Manager Jobs in California

legence

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Lafayette, CA · Hybrid

$150K - $190K/yr

CMTA is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead and grow our Mechanical Department in our Lafayette, CA office. This is a high visibility leadership role for someone who is passionate about ...

Legence

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Lafayette, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CMTA is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead and grow our Mechanical Department in our Lafayette, CA office. This is a high visibility leadership role for someone who is passionate about ...

Legence Therma LLC

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Lafayette, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CMTA is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead and grow our Mechanical Department in our Lafayette, CA office. This is a high visibility leadership role for someone who is passionate about ...

Staco Systems

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Mechanical Engineering Manager The Staco StoryFor more than 60 years, the biggest names in aerospace and defense have trusted Staco Systems as the provider of choice for critical cockpit control ...

Staco Systems

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Mechanical Engineering Manager The Staco Story For more than 60 years, the biggest names in aerospace and defense have trusted Staco Systems as the provider of choice for critical cockpit control ...

Staco Systems

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Irvine, CA

$111K - $153K/yr

Mechanical Engineering Manager The Staco Story For more than 60 years, the biggest names in aerospace and defense have trusted Staco Systems as the provider of choice for critical cockpit control ...

Amca

Mechanical Engineering Manager

El Segundo, CA

$110K - $152K/yr

Manage the mechanical engineering team across design, build, and test * Hire, develop, and retain mechanical design, build, and test engineers * Set the technical bar for design reviews ...

RXinsider LTD.

Mechanical Engineering Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$135.10 - $225.10/hr

As a manager within the mechanical engineering characterization team, you will be accountable for development test strategy, metrology tools, execution of performance testing, data analysis and ...

Dexcom, Inc.

Mechanical Engineering Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

As a manager within the mechanical engineering characterization team, you will be accountable for development test strategy, metrology tools, execution of performance testing, data analysis and ...

Dexcom

Mechanical Engineering Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

As a manager within the mechanical engineering characterization team, you will be accountable for development test strategy, metrology tools, execution of performance testing, data analysis and ...

Dexcom Inc.

Mechanical Engineering Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$135.10 - $225.10/hr

As a manager within the mechanical engineering characterization team, you will be accountable for development test strategy, metrology tools, execution of performance testing, data analysis and ...

Micronix USA

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Fountain Valley, CA · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

This position manages the overall mechanical engineering department of a precision manufacturing business in Fountain Valley. It requires someone capable of both managing projects and being a hands ...

Cohu

Mechanical Engineering Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$106K - $147K/yr

Provide leadership, coaching, guidance, mentoring, training, and performance management to ensure retention, growth and development of mechanical engineering team members and direct reports. Provide ...

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Mechanical Engineering Manager information

See California salary details

$71.1K

$123.5K

$177.6K

How much do mechanical engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineering manager in California is $123,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,600.00 and $141,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mechanical engineering manager do?

The responsibilities of a mechanical engineering manager involve overseeing a team of design engineers. In this position, your management duties typically include technical and design operations as well as administrative tasks. You plan a budget, work schedule, and benchmarks and deadlines for each project. You also work with stakeholders and other managers to define objectives for each project. During a project, you use computer-aided design and drafting programs to manage the technical and planning aspects of projects. A manager also works in the field to ensure that building, installation, or manufacturing match their design and technical specifications.

What does a mechanical engineering manager do?

A Mechanical Engineering Manager oversees teams of mechanical engineers and technicians, guiding the design, development, and testing of mechanical devices and systems. They are responsible for managing project timelines, budgets, and ensuring technical quality and compliance with safety standards. Additionally, they collaborate with other departments, mentor engineering staff, and help resolve complex technical problems. Their role is a blend of leadership, project management, and engineering expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical engineering manager, and why are they important?

A Mechanical Engineering Manager needs a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, project management, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering along with relevant experience. Familiarity with CAD software, engineering simulation tools, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications like PMP are highly valuable. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal communication skills help them effectively guide teams and collaborate across departments. These competencies ensure projects are delivered efficiently, safely, and within budget while fostering innovation and team development.

How does a mechanical engineering manager typically balance project leadership with mentoring team members?

A Mechanical Engineering Manager often juggles overseeing project progress and deliverables while also dedicating time to mentor and develop their engineering team. This balance is achieved by setting clear project milestones, delegating tasks appropriately, and fostering open communication channels. Regular one-on-one meetings and technical reviews allow managers to support individual growth and address challenges early, ensuring both team performance and employee development. Effective managers also create opportunities for team members to take on increasing responsibilities, promoting career advancement within the organization.

What is the difference between Mechanical Engineering Manager vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectMechanical Engineering ManagerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, often with leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, manages projects, strategic planningDesign, analysis, testing, and development tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and industrial firmsApplied across similar industries for technical roles

The main difference is that a Mechanical Engineering Manager focuses on team leadership, project management, and strategic oversight, while a Mechanical Engineer concentrates on technical design, analysis, and development tasks. Both roles require a strong engineering background, but the manager role involves more leadership and administrative responsibilities.

More about Mechanical Engineering Manager jobs

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

The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Mechanical Engineering Manager jobs in California?

For Mechanical Engineering Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mechanical Engineering Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Mechanical Engineering Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Mechanical Engineering Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Mechanical Engineering Manager job openings:

Mechanical Engineering Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,524 per year, or $59.4 per hour.

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Zone 5 Technologies

San Luis Obispo, CA

$112K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Zone 5 Technologies is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead out team of engineers in the design, analysis, and development of air vehicle mechanical hardware. The successful candidate will oversee a mechanical engineering team, manage projects, promote design quality standards, and drive innovation in mechanical design and analysis. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and effective communication to deliver high-quality solutions in support of Zone 5's growing UAS development needs. This position will work on-site in San Luis Obispo, CA at our Headquarters. 

Position Summary 

As a Mechanical Engineering Manager, you will lead a team of engineers in designing, analyzing, and developing UAS mechanical solutions, ensuring compliance with industry standards and project requirements. You will also be a working manager, contributing at the individual mechanical engineering level as well as in a management capacity. This role involves overseeing project execution, mentoring team members, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, high-quality mechanical solutions. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in mechanical engineering, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in tools like ANSYS and SolidWorks (preferred), with a focus on driving technical excellence and project success. 

Responsibilities:

  • Manage and grow a team of engineers, fostering collaboration and innovation. 
  • Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of projects. 
  • Guide the team in designing, analyzing, and testing mechanical solutions. 
  • Review designs and analyses to ensure integrity and performance. 
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate mechanical designs into systems. 
  • Drive innovative approaches to advance design methodologies and solutions. 
  • Drive the development of processes, procedures and standards. 
  • Ensure quality of mechanical design and documentation.
  • Liaise with stakeholders to communicate technical requirements and progress. 

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field 
  • 7+ years of experience as a mechanical or structural engineer, including 2+ in a leadership or supervisory role 
  • Proficiency in CAD systems, including 3D modeling and drawing generation 
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA) 
  • Design for Manufacturing (DFM) 
  • Proficiency in mechanical analysis methods and tools 
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field 
  • Experience with Group 1-4 UAS systems engineering 
  • Direct experience and proficiency in mentoring and training junior engineers
  • Proficiency with SolidWorks 

Apply