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Mechanical Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Mechanical Engineering

Alameda, CA · On-site

$117K - $162K/yr

Responsible for resolving complex mechanical engineering challenges and setting the technical direction for mechanical design, advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and product development ...

Manager, Mechanical Engineering

Alameda, CA · On-site

$117K - $162K/yr

Responsible for resolving complex mechanical engineering challenges and setting the technical direction for mechanical design, advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and product development ...

Manager, Mechanical Engineering

Alameda, CA

$117K - $162K/yr

Responsible for resolving complex mechanical engineering challenges and setting the technical direction for mechanical design, advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and product development ...

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Fountain Valley, CA · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

We are seeking a senior level Mechanical Engineer to lead our team of engineers. With the right background, a professional with exceptional fit and experience could be hired as Director of Mechanical ...

Manager, Mechanical Engineering

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$113K - $156K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

MANAGER, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Based on site at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, CA, the Manager, Mechanical Engineering will lead and support the mechanical engineering function while also ...

Mechanical Engineering Manager

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

You will lead Amca's mechanical engineering function across design, build, and test. Your team takes flight hardware from concept through qualification and into production - spanning flow control ...

Mechanical Engineering Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$106K - $147K/yr

Ensure mechanical engineering projects and tasks are done to company standards, delivered on time and to the schedule with completed documentation. Review designs to ensure quality, cost and ...

Mechanical Engineering Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$106K - $147K/yr

Ensure mechanical engineering projects and tasks are done to company standards, delivered on time and to the schedule with completed documentation. Review designs to ensure quality, cost and ...

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140 - $200/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Mechanical Engineering Manager maintains a high-performing engineering team through manpower management, team development, recruiting, and hiring while proactively collaborating with functional ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Mechanical Engineering information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$101.5K

$164.3K

How much do mechanical engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineering 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 are some common challenges faced by mechanical engineers when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Mechanical engineers often collaborate with professionals from electrical, software, and civil engineering backgrounds, which can present challenges in aligning project goals, communication styles, and technical languages. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong teamwork, adaptability, and a willingness to learn about related fields. Mechanical engineers may need to bridge knowledge gaps, coordinate schedules, and ensure that their designs integrate seamlessly with those from other disciplines. Proactive communication and regular team meetings are key strategies for overcoming these hurdles and ensuring project success.

What is mechanical engineering?

Mechanical engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It involves principles of physics and materials science to create everything from small individual parts and devices to large systems like engines, machines, and HVAC systems. Mechanical engineers work in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing, developing solutions that improve efficiency, safety, and reliability.

What is the difference between Mechanical Engineering vs Civil Engineering?

AspectMechanical EngineeringCivil Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, PE license (optional)Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, PE license often required
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, design labs, R&D facilitiesConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, urban planning
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturingBuildings, bridges, roads, water systems

Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering share foundational engineering principles but differ in focus and work environments. Mechanical engineers often work in manufacturing and product design, while civil engineers focus on infrastructure and construction projects. Both fields require similar credentials but serve distinct industries and project types.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical engineer?

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid background in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards or certifications like FE/EIT are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills set top candidates apart in this field. These competencies ensure innovative, safe, and efficient design and implementation of mechanical systems across diverse industries.

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 cities in California are hiring for Mechanical Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Mechanical Engineering job openings:

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

Manager, Mechanical Engineering

Abbott

Alameda, CA • On-site

$117K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Abbott rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

178th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Opportunity:

Our team in Alameda, California currently have an opportunity for a Manager, Mechanical Engineering. This individual will be responsible for the functional leadership and management of one or more Mechanical Engineering groups focused on the development of innovative medical devices and systems. Provides technical and personnel leadership for engineering teams engaged in the design, analysis, testing, and commercialization of mechanical systems, components, and assemblies.

Responsible for resolving complex mechanical engineering challenges and setting the technical direction for mechanical design, advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and product development methodologies. Accomplishes this through leadership of the Mechanical Engineering team, development of engineering talent, and oversight of mechanical design and product development activities from concept through commercialization.

Leads the mechanical architecture and design strategy for new product platforms and major product development initiatives, ensuring robust, reliable, manufacturable, and cost-effective solutions. Identifies and evaluates new technologies, design methodologies, and engineering tools for potential implementation into current and future products.

Provides technical oversight and project leadership for mechanical engineering activities, including product design, analysis, prototyping, verification and validation testing, reliability engineering, and design transfer to manufacturing. Collaborates closely with Electrical Engineering, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to ensure successful product development and commercialization.

Accountable for resource planning, talent development, engineering process improvement, and execution of project deliverables related to scope, schedule, quality, and cost objectives.

The ultimate goal of the Mechanical Engineering organization is the specification, design, development, testing, validation, and transfer to manufacturing of medical monitoring devices and related systems. All activities are conducted in compliance with applicable FDA regulations, ISO standards, and other U.S. and international medical device industry requirements, including Design Controls, Risk Management, and Quality System regulations.

What you will do:

Functional manager responsible for staffing, developing, and maintaining a high-performing Mechanical Engineering team with strong technical competency in product design, analysis, testing, and manufacturing support.

Technical leader responsible for maintaining and enhancing the mechanical engineering expertise of the organization through coaching, mentoring, training, and the implementation of engineering best practices.

Responsible for the development and execution of technical project plans and schedules covering all mechanical engineering activities, ensuring compliance with Design Controls, product development procedures, and applicable SOP requirements.

Lead the mechanical engineering team in the development of new medical device products from concept through commercialization.

Apply advanced knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, including materials selection, mechanism design, structural analysis, thermal management, reliability engineering, manufacturability, and product lifecycle management.

As an individual contributor, participate in the development of product requirements, mechanical design specifications, risk assessments, and verification and validation protocols.

As an individual contributor, support project planning and scheduling activities to ensure successful execution of engineering deliverables.

Communicate effectively and collaborate with cross-functional teams including Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Program Management.

Participate in and lead technical design reviews for mechanical systems, assemblies, components, manufacturing processes, and product requirements, while contributing to reviews of electrical and system-level designs.

Author, review, and approve Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), design documentation, drawings, specifications, and technical reports as required.

Serve as an independent technical reviewer for projects and programs outside of direct team responsibility to ensure engineering rigor and compliance with company standards.

Responsible for ensuring team compliance with applicable regulatory and quality requirements.

Deliver high-quality mechanical engineering designs that meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and schedule objectives.

Lead, mentor, and coach mechanical engineering team members to ensure technical excellence, professional growth, accountability, and disciplined application of engineering processes.

Serve as a key technical gatekeeper for mechanical design quality, driving adherence to engineering standards, design controls, risk management practices, and verification requirements throughout the product development lifecycle.

Ensure delivery of product designs that meet project technical requirements, cost targets, reliability goals, manufacturability objectives, and development timelines.

Drive Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), Design for Reliability (DFR), and Design for Serviceability principles throughout the development process.

Oversee mechanical prototyping, verification testing, validation activities, tolerance analysis, design reviews, and transfer-to-manufacturing efforts.

Ensure all product development activities are conducted in accordance with approved Design Control procedures, FDA Quality System Regulations, ISO 13485 requirements, ISO 14971 risk management practices, and other applicable medical device industry standards and regulations.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering with 12+ years of experience in mechanical design engineering, including a minimum of 3 years in an engineering management or technical leadership role. Master's degree or PhD or DSc preferred.

Strong technical experience in Mechanical engineering with excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.

Experience working in a development environment with a disciplined development process for very quality sensitive applications.

Experience in writing product requirements and design specifications.

Experience in working on a development team with an emphasis on minimizing time to market.

Experience in design for manufacture for high-quality medical products.

Experience in designing medical devices in an FDA regulated environment is desirable.

Experience working in team environments is required.

The base pay for this position is

$148,700.00 - $297,300.00

In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

JOB FAMILY:EngineeringDIVISION:ADC Diabetes CareLOCATION:United States > Alameda : 1360-1380 South Loop RoadADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:WORK SHIFT:StandardTRAVEL:Yes, 20 % of the TimeMEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:Not ApplicableSIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day)Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdfEEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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