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Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Role We have an immediate opportunity for a Senior Mechanical Project Engineer with interests in forensic investigation, litigation support, and risk loss consulting for industrial and commercial ...

Oversee project engineering, cost tracking, and business management functions. * Provide guidance ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field (preferred)

We are representing a mechanical contractor hiring a Senior Project Engineer to support HVAC construction projects in the Bay Area. This position assists the Project Manager in all phases of ...

Senior Project Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

We are representing a mechanical contractor hiring a Project Engineer to support HVAC construction projects in CA. This position assists the Project Manager in all phases of mechanical project ...

Project Engineer

Azusa, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Position Overview Our client is a established Commercial Plumbing Mechanical contractor ... They are currently seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Senior Project Engineer / Assistant ...

Showing results 41-60

Mechanical Project Engineer information

See California salary details

$47.4K

$91.1K

$126.8K

How much do mechanical project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical project engineer in California is $91,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $103,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mechanical project engineer?

Mechanical Project Engineers are professionals responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing mechanical engineering projects from conception to completion. They work on designing, developing, and installing mechanical systems, ensuring that projects meet technical specifications, budget requirements, and deadlines. Their role often includes collaborating with other engineers, contractors, and stakeholders to solve problems and ensure the project's success. Mechanical Project Engineers are essential in industries such as construction, manufacturing, energy, and automotive.

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

To thrive as a Mechanical Project Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering principles, project management, and often a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, project scheduling tools like MS Project, and certifications such as PMP or PE are commonly expected. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure projects are designed efficiently, delivered on time, and meet both technical and client requirements.

What are some common challenges mechanical project engineers face when coordinating with multidisciplinary teams?

Mechanical Project Engineers frequently work alongside electrical, civil, and software engineers, as well as project managers and clients. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication and alignment on project requirements, timelines, and technical specifications, as each discipline may have different priorities and workflows. Managing changes in project scope or resolving technical conflicts can also require strong negotiation and problem-solving skills. Building effective relationships and maintaining open communication channels are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful project delivery.

What is the difference between Mechanical Project Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectMechanical Project EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, relevant certifications (e.g., PE)Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, CAD certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, manufacturing plants, project sitesDesign studios, R&D labs, CAD workstations
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction firms, manufacturing companies, engineering consultanciesDesign firms, product development companies, R&D departments

The main difference is that Mechanical Project Engineers focus on managing and overseeing mechanical projects from planning to completion, often working on-site and coordinating teams. Mechanical Design Engineers primarily focus on creating and developing mechanical designs using CAD software, working mainly in design environments. Both roles require a mechanical engineering background but serve different stages of the project lifecycle.

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

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

Infographic showing various Mechanical Project Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,148 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Project Engineer

Tt

Los Angeles, CA

$108K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Thornton Tomasetti applies engineering and scientific principles to solve the world's challenges. An independent organization of creative thinkers and innovative doers collaborating from offices worldwide, our mission is to bring our clients' ideas to life and, in the process, lay the groundwork for a better, more resilient future. We provide support and opportunities to our employees to achieve their full potential and cultivate a rewarding career.

OurForensicpractice investigates problems in the built environment and provides evidence-based solutions founded on rigorous science and physics. We assist attorneys, property managers, building owners, contractors, manufacturers, and design professionals with a wide range of engineering and architectural issues.

The Role

We have an immediate opportunity for a Senior Mechanical Project Engineer with interests in forensic investigation, litigation support, and risk loss consulting for industrial and commercial installations. The investigations includefailureorigin and cause analysis, construction defects, evaluation of system performance compared to requirements, risk loss insurance, claims response, and litigation support.The successful candidate will posess curiosity, engineering excellence, and solid writing skillsfor this position. You will have the opportunity to lead investigationsinthe built environment, industrial facilities, transportationsectorand high-tech applications.You will be supported in this role by a diverse team ranging from entry-level engineers to senior management.

Responsibilities

  • Work directly with a wide variety of clients, including attorneys, property owners, contractors, and insurance professionals on a wide range of investigations which may involve field Investigations, property assessment and analysis, extent and scope of damage, cause of damage, building code analysis, construction defects, and professional standard of care.

  • Manage projects independently and provide support to senior staff on projects as needed.

  • Involvement in business development activities such as conferences and business development events.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.

  • 6+ years of experience in MEP Design orinvestigation.

  • Professional Engineering (PE) License in at least onejurisdictionand the ability to obtain licensure in others.

  • Ability towritereports that clearly express engineering opinions and conclusions and support these conclusions/opinions with facts and sound engineering principles.

  • Ability to work collaboratively with other disciplines, meetdeadlinesand travel to work sites.

  • Ability and willingness to travel for short durations for certain assignments.

Compensation

The rate for this position generally is$108,000-$139,000annually.This range is a good faith estimate provided pursuant to the California Pay Transparency Law. It is based on what a successful California applicant might be paid and assumes that the successful candidate will be in California or perform the position from California. Similar positions located outside of California will not necessarily receive the same compensation.Actual pay rates may vary from the range, as permitted byCaliforniaEqual Pay Transparency Law. Compensation offers will be based on various factors, including operational needs, individual education, qualifications and experience, work location and comparison to employee already in the role, as well as other considerations permitted by law. A potential new employee's pay history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits

Depending on your employment status, benefits may include:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability and other voluntary benefits

  • Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical and Childcare

  • Paid Time Off, Family Leave for New Parents, Volunteer Time

  • Tuition Reimbursement

  • Commuter Transit (where available)

  • 401k retirement savings with Company matching on employee contributions and/or qualified student loan repayments

  • Fitness Reimbursement

  • And other various wellness, diversity/inclusion and employee resource programs and initiatives

Pursuant to the SanFrancisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Thornton Tomasetti is proud to be an equal employment workplace. Individuals seeking employment at Thornton Tomasetti are considered without regards to age, ancestry, color, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, protected family care or medical leave status, race, religion (including beliefs and practices or the absence thereof), sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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