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Mechanical Engineering Student Jobs in California

Engineering Intern

Fountain Valley, CA ยท On-site

$17 - $20/hr

We are seeking an Electrical and/or Mechanical Engineering students to support our team of engineers. Students must have completed a minimum of three years of education toward their degree. Check us ...

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Showing results 1-20

Mechanical Engineering Student information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$101.5K

$164.3K

How much do mechanical engineering student jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineering student 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 engineering student?

Mechanical engineering students are individuals enrolled in academic programs to learn the principles of mechanical engineering. They study subjects such as mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, and design to understand how machines and mechanical systems work. These students often participate in laboratory work, internships, and projects to gain practical experience. Upon graduation, they are equipped with the skills to pursue careers in fields like automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and energy industries.

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

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineering Student, you need a strong grasp of mathematics, physics, and engineering fundamentals, typically gained through a relevant undergraduate program. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and laboratory equipment is essential for coursework and projects. Critical thinking, teamwork, and effective time management are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities enable students to solve complex problems, collaborate on group assignments, and excel in both academic and practical engineering challenges.

What types of hands-on projects or teamwork can I expect as a mechanical engineering student during internships or co-op programs?

As a Mechanical Engineering Student, internships and co-op programs typically involve working on real-world engineering projects, such as designing mechanical components, performing simulations, or assisting with prototype testing. You will often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including other engineers, technicians, and sometimes manufacturing staff. These experiences help you develop practical skills like project management, communication, and problem-solving, while also giving you insight into the daily life and challenges of a professional engineer. Engaging in these projects can significantly boost your resume and prepare you for full-time roles after graduation.

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

AspectMechanical Engineering StudentMechanical Engineer
CredentialsEnrolled in a mechanical engineering program, pursuing a degreeBachelor's degree or higher in mechanical engineering, possibly licensure
Work EnvironmentClassroom, labs, internships, research projectsDesign offices, manufacturing plants, R&D labs, field sites
Industry UsageAcademic settings, internships, entry-level rolesFull-time professional roles in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, etc.

The main difference is that a Mechanical Engineering Student is still in education, gaining foundational knowledge and internship experience, while a Mechanical Engineer has completed their education and is working professionally in the industry, applying their skills to real-world projects.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Student job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,531 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Lecturer - Mechanical Engineering

Santa Clara, CA โ€ข On-site

Santa Clara University
Education Programs Administrationย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$101K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Position Title:
Lecturer - Mechanical Engineering
Position Type:
Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
Salary Range:
The salary range for a full 9 CE teaching load is $101,335.00 - $112,642.00 based on candidate's experience. The position is benefits eligible.
Purpose:
The Mechanical Engineering Department at Santa Clara University (SCU), a dynamic and rapidly growing department within the School of Engineering, invites applications for a full-time Lecturer position starting Fall 2026. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in introducing engineering students to the excitement and opportunities of engineering through engaging pedagogy and meaningful design experiences.
Basic Qualifications:
Earned a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or a closely related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated excellence in teaching engineering students and understanding of the Santa Clara teaching model.
  • Ability and desire to teach effectively in one or more areas such as Mechanical Design, Manufacturing, Instrumentation, Thermofluids, HVAC Systems, Dynamics, Vibrations, Controls, Engineering Mathematics and Computation, and/or Aerospace Engineering
  • Ability and desire to supervise capstone design projects and/or contribute to the management and enhancement of laboratory courses
  • Experience in course or program development especially curricula involving undergraduate students, design-oriented activities, and/or engineering fundamentals

Responsibilities /Teaching duties include but are not limited to:
  • Teaching undergraduate courses, undergraduate laboratories, and graduate courses, coordinating closely with other faculty and teaching assistants
  • Teaching 5 to 9 course equivalents (CE) annually, adjusted based on candidate's expertise and department need
  • Preparing for and conducting all assigned class meetings, including associated laboratory sessions, assess and grade assignments and exams
  • Assigning and evaluating student work appropriately
  • Being available to students for consultation outside of class and maintain weekly office hours and actively support student learning.
  • Submitting electronic copies of each syllabus, including approved expected learning outcomes, and examinations to the Chair of Mechanical Engineering
  • Assigning student grades appropriately and submitting them to the Office of Student Records by the designated deadline; and complying with university and school policies, including those delineated in the School of Engineering Term Faculty Handbook
  • Conduct course assessments as required by the department
  • Fulfilling other instructional or academic duties as assigned by the Chair of Mechanical Engineering or by the Dean of Engineering

Duties may include but are not limited to:
  • attending department and school meetings, including meetings, committee service, and university events such as Preview Day, Open House, and Senior Project Presentations
  • advising students
  • supporting assessment activities
    managing lab spaces
  • developing equipment and experiments
  • supporting interactions with the technical community
  • participating and promoting research activity

Please note that your employment is subject to the terms of a collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 ("Local 1021"); see https://www.scu.edu/provost/faculty-affairs/cba-ntt/.
Telecommute
Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.
EEO Statement
Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination
Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decisionmaking, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University's equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website at https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/.
Clery Notice of Availability
Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Services website. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team at hraccommodations@scu.edu or by phone at (408)554-5750. Please note: This contact information is intended for accommodation requests only. Resumes or inquiries about application status sent to this inbox will not be reviewed or forwarded. For resumes or questions regarding application status, please contact hrservicedesk@scu.edu.
Work Authorization:
SCU does not sponsor any applicants for work visas for this position. The successful candidate must be able to provide evidence of identity and legal authorization to work in the United States.