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Mechanical System Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

True Anomaly

Mechanical Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$125K - $155K/yr

You will work closely with mechanical design engineers, systems engineers, and production teams to ensure mechanical hardware meets performance, environmental, and mission-critical requirements. In ...

True Anomaly

Mechanical Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

You will work closely with mechanical design engineers, systems engineers, and production teams to ensure mechanical hardware meets performance, environmental, and mission-critical requirements. In ...

Amat

Mechanical / Systems Engineer (NCG)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Maintain system specifications and engineering documentation * Support tool layout development (floorplans, module placement) * Assist in mechanical concept development and subsystem integration

Symbotic

System Engineer

Porterville, CA · On-site

The System Engineer focuses on troubleshooting, maintaining, and stabilizing complex electro-mechanical and automated systems to ensure safe, consistent system uptime. This role is not commissioning ...

Symbotic

System Engineer

Porterville, CA

The System Engineer focuses on troubleshooting,maintaining, and stabilizing complex electro-mechanical and automated systems to ensure safe, consistent system uptime. This role is not commissioning ...

Symbotic

System Engineer

Lathrop, CA · On-site

The System Engineer focuses on troubleshooting, maintaining, and stabilizing complex electro-mechanical and automated systems to ensure safe, consistent system uptime. This role is not commissioning ...

Symbotic

System Engineer

Lathrop, CA · On-site

The System Engineer focuses on troubleshooting,maintaining, and stabilizing complex electro-mechanical and automated systems to ensure safe, consistent system uptime. This role is not commissioning ...

FieldAI

Mechanical Engineer-Federal

Irvine, CA

Mechanical Systems Role: As a Mechanical Engineer on the Federal Team at Field AI, you will contribute to the design and implementation of mechanical systems that house and support sensing and ...

FieldAI

Mechanical Engineer-Federal

Irvine, CA

$70K - $300K/yr

Mechanical Systems Role: As a Mechanical Engineer on the Federal Team at Field AI, you will contribute to the design and implementation of mechanical systems that house and support sensing and ...

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All JobsMechanical System Engineer JobsMechanical System Engineer Jobs in California

Mechanical System Engineer information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$108.9K

$150K

How much do mechanical system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical system engineer in California is $108,861.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $129,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectMechanical System EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping and integrating mechanical systems within larger projectsCreating detailed mechanical component and product designs
Work EnvironmentSystems integration, testing, and validation in manufacturing or engineering firmsDesign studios, CAD modeling, and prototype development
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, CAD certifications

Mechanical System Engineers focus on integrating and managing entire mechanical systems, while Mechanical Design Engineers concentrate on designing specific components. Both roles often collaborate but serve different stages of product development and system integration.

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

To thrive as a Mechanical System Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, system design, and problem-solving, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools, and industry certifications like PE (Professional Engineer) are often required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure efficient design, implementation, and maintenance of complex mechanical systems, leading to reliable project outcomes and innovation.

What does a mechanical system engineer do?

A Mechanical System Engineer designs, develops, and oversees the installation and maintenance of complex mechanical systems in various industries. Their work often involves integrating mechanical components with electrical and software systems to ensure the overall functionality and efficiency of machines or equipment. They may be responsible for tasks such as performing simulations, analyzing system performance, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Mechanical System Engineers play a critical role in industries like automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and energy. Their expertise ensures that mechanical systems operate safely, reliably, and efficiently.

What are some common challenges mechanical system engineers face when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Mechanical System Engineers often collaborate closely with electrical, software, and civil engineers on multidisciplinary projects. A common challenge is ensuring effective communication between teams, as each discipline may use different technical language and have varying priorities. Managing integration issues and aligning timelines across departments can also be demanding. To overcome these challenges, Mechanical System Engineers typically participate in regular cross-functional meetings and use collaborative project management tools to ensure alignment and successful project delivery.
What are popular job titles related to Mechanical System Engineer jobs in California? For Mechanical System Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mechanical System Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Mechanical System Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Mechanical System Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Mechanical System Engineer job openings:
Mechanical System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical System Engineer 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 $108,861 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Systems Engineer - Mechanical Systems

Atomic Machines

Santa Clara, CA

$170K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Atomic Machines is ushering in a new era of micromanufacturing with its Matter Compiler™ technology. This full-stack technology enables new classes of micromachines to be designed and built by offering manufacturing processes and a materials library that is inaccessible to semiconductor manufacturing methods. It promises to unlock MEMS manufacturing for the many device classes frustrated by semiconductor methods and to open up entirely new product classes. The Matter Compiler™ technology fully realizes the digital manufacturing dream: bits and raw materials go in, and complete, functional micromachines come out. The Atomic Machines team has also created an exciting first device – one that was only made possible by the existence of the Matter Compiler™ technology – that we will be unveiling to the world soon.
Our offices are in Emeryville and Santa Clara, California.
About this Role

As a Staff Mechanical Systems Engineer at Atomic Machines, you will lead the architecture, design, integration, and validation of precision mechanical systems that enable next-generation manufacturing platforms. You will work across robotics, motion systems, structures, thermal systems, and precision mechanisms to ensure hardware performs reliably as part of tightly integrated electromechanical products.

This role combines systems engineering leadership with hands-on engineering execution. You will define system architecture while also executing mechanical design, prototype development, integration, and testing activities to validate system performance.

What You'll Do
  • Develop a deep understanding of Atomic Machines' platform architecture and mechanical subsystems.
  • Own mechanical system architecture across multiple interacting subsystems.
  • Design mechanical subsystems as needed.
  • Translate ambiguous product requirements into robust mechanical system designs.
  • Lead interface definition between mechanical, electrical, controls, and software teams.
  • Execute detailed mechanical design using CAD and engineering analysis.
  • Develop tolerance analyses, structural analyses, thermal analyses, and performance budgets.
  • Lead system integration efforts and execute hardware bring-up activities.
  • Design and execute validation testing using instrumentation including load cells, strain gauges, thermocouples, accelerometers, laser measurement systems, encoders, and other key mechatronic sensors.
  • Drive FMEA, trade studies, root cause investigations, and design improvements.
  • Develop system models and analyses that guide engineering decisions.
  • Mentor engineers while raising the overall rigor of mechanical systems engineering.
What You'll Need
  • First-principles engineering mindset.
  • Deep experience designing precision mechanical systems.
  • Strong understanding of kinematics, dynamics, machine design, tolerancing, thermal behavior, and structural analysis.
  • Experience with precision robotics or advanced manufacturing equipment.
  • Experience executing prototype development and experimental testing.
  • Familiarity with sensors, actuators, controls, and hardware/software interfaces.
  • Experience with FMEA, trade studies, root cause analysis, and system modeling.
  • CAD proficiency (Onshape SolidWorks, NX, Creo, or equivalent).
  • Python or MATLAB for engineering analysis preferred.
  • 7+ years developing complex electromechanical systems.
  • BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, 7+ years of experience.

The compensation for this position also includes equity and benefits.

Salary Range
$170,000—$215,000 USD