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Oil Rig Mechanical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Antares

Thermo-Mechanical Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$115K - $185K/yr

Support test rig design and instrumentation placement. Utilize collected data to improve component ... Experience in the Nuclear, Aerospace, Automotive, Power Generation, Motorsports, or Oil and Gas ...

New

Aurelius Systems

Mechanical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

We need a Mechanical Engineer focused on design ruggedization across Archimedes - survivability ... You'd rather build and instrument the rig tomorrow than model it for a month * You characterize ...

Teledyne

Mechanical Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA

$77K - $103K/yr

... oil and gas exploration and production, medical imaging and pharmaceutical research. We are looking ... Mechanical Engineer Join our team as a Mechanical Engineer and play a key role in designing and ...

Teledyne FLIR LLC

Mechanical Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$77K - $103K/yr

... oil and gas exploration and production, medical imaging and pharmaceutical research. We are looking ... Mechanical Engineer Join our team as a Mechanical Engineer and play a key role in designing and ...

Antares

Senior Thermo-Mechanical Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$140 - $185/hr

Support test rig design and instrumentation placement. Utilize collected data to improve component ... Experience in the Nuclear, Aerospace, Automotive, Power Generation, Motorsports, or Oil and Gas ...

Posted today

Antares

Senior Thermo-Mechanical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$115K - $185K/yr

Support test rig design and instrumentation placement. Utilize collected data to improve component ... Experience in the Nuclear, Aerospace, Automotive, Power Generation, Motorsports, or Oil and Gas ...

New

ITW Brooks Instrument

Mechanical Engineer

Fremont, CA

... Mechanical Engineer position that will be based at our site location in Fremont, California. We ... Our high-tech products are used in laboratory and process applications in end markets such as: oil ...

VPE Thermal LLC

Be Seen First

Experienced Mechanical Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

... oil/gas, nuclear and renewable energy with state-of-the-art heat exchangers. In addition to ... As an experienced mechanical engineer at VPE Thermal, your primary role will revolve around taking ...

VPE Thermal LLC

Be Seen First

FEA Mechanical Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

... oil/gas, nuclear and renewable energy with state-of-the-art heat exchangers. In addition to ... As an FEA mechanical engineer at VPE Thermal, your primary role will revolve around developing ...

Sonatech

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

The Mechanical Engineer will look at current processes and manufacturing tools, and work with ... Experience in oil-filled, pressure-compensated designs * Experience in material selection for high ...

Sonatech

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

The Mechanical Engineer will look at current processes and manufacturing tools, and work with ... Experience in oil-filled, pressure-compensated designs * Experience in material selection for high ...

SPAN

Senior Mechanical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$107K - $142K/yr

Electrification is the process of replacing fossil fuel appliances that run on gas or oil with all ... SPAN's mechanical engineering capability spans San Francisco and India, with senior engineering ...

Graco, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes ... The Associate Mechanical Engineer will support the design, development, and standard product ...

Graco

Mechanical Engineer

Fremont, CA

Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes ... The Associate Mechanical Engineer will support the design, development, and standard product ...

Sonatech

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

The Mechanical Engineer will look at current processes and manufacturing tools, and work with ... oil-filled, pressure-compensated designs Experience in material selection for high pressure ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOil Rig Mechanical Engineer JobsOil Rig Mechanical Engineer Jobs in California

Oil Rig Mechanical Engineer information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$101.5K

$164.3K

How much do oil rig mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for oil rig mechanical engineer 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 an oil rig mechanical engineer?

An Oil Rig Mechanical Engineer is responsible for designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting mechanical systems on offshore or onshore drilling rigs. They ensure the reliability of equipment such as pumps, engines, and hydraulic systems to support safe and efficient drilling operations. Their role involves conducting inspections, implementing maintenance schedules, and collaborating with other engineers and rig personnel. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of industry regulations are essential in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an oil rig mechanical engineer?

Excelling as an Oil Rig Mechanical Engineer requires a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, strong knowledge of mechanical systems, and experience in oil and gas industry operations. Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software, preventative maintenance systems, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) or OPITO safety certifications are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving capabilities, effective communication, and teamwork skills are critical for navigating the high-risk offshore environment. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operation and maintenance of complex equipment essential to offshore drilling projects.

What are some unique challenges faced by oil rig mechanical engineers and how are they typically addressed?

Oil Rig Mechanical Engineers often work in remote, offshore locations where environmental conditions can be harsh and equipment failures can have significant consequences. They are expected to troubleshoot complex mechanical issues quickly and efficiently, often with limited access to spare parts and resources. Close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including safety personnel and drilling crews, is essential to ensure adherence to safety protocols and minimize downtime. Many engineers undergo specialized training in emergency response and offshore safety to prepare for these challenges. Adaptability, resilience, and a proactive approach to maintenance and problem-solving are key traits that help engineers succeed in this demanding environment.

Can a oil rig mechanical engineer work in an oil rig?

Yes, an oil rig mechanical engineer can work on an oil rig, where they are responsible for maintaining and repairing mechanical systems such as pumps, turbines, and drilling equipment. They typically need specialized training, certifications, and the ability to work in challenging offshore environments, often on rotating shifts. Their role is essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of rig operations.

How much does an oil rig mechanical engineer make?

An oil rig mechanical engineer typically earns between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work in offshore environments with specialized skills in equipment maintenance and safety protocols.

What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig Mechanical Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Oil Rig Mechanical Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Oil Rig Mechanical Engineer jobs in California?

For Oil Rig Mechanical Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Oil Rig Mechanical Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Oil Rig Mechanical Engineer jobs in California are:

Oil Rig Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Rig Mechanical Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,531 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer

Poseidon Aerospace

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

About Poseidon Aerospace:
Poseidon Aerospace is reimagining how the world moves goods. We build and operate full-size autonomous cargo aircraft; Heron, a seaplane, and Egret, a STOL aircraft; each capable of carrying two tons of payload over a thousand nautical miles. From remote communities to contested logistics operations, our platforms unlock a new cost curve for air freight, making it faster, cheaper, and accessible anywhere it's needed. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area with locations in Washington DC, Oregon, and Maine; we're building something consequential.
We encourage candidates without at least a year of full-time, post graduation work experience to apply to our Mechanical Engineer (New Graduate) job posting
As a Mechanical Engineer at Poseidon Aerospace, you will design the structural and mechanical systems that make our composite aircraft functional and manufacturable. You will work across CAD design, mechanism development, and finite element analysis to create reliable, lightweight structures suited for flight and marine environments. This role is both analytical and hands-on, involving close collaboration with manufacturing, aerodynamics, and test teams to bring designs from concept to flight hardware.
Responsibilities:
  • Design and develop aircraft structures, mechanisms, and tooling using CAD software
  • Perform FEA to validate strength, stiffness, and load paths in composite and metallic components
  • Create detailed part/assembly drawings and documentation for manufacturing and inspection
  • Design linkages, control surface mechanisms, and mounting systems for aircraft subsystems
  • Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are practical, cost-effective, and easy to assemble
  • Support testing and validation of structural and mechanical systems, including fixture and rig design
  • Maintain CAD libraries, revision control, and configuration management for aircraft assemblies
  • Provide design feedback to improve manufacturability, maintainability, and structural efficiency

Ideal Qualifications:
  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
  • Proficiency with CAD software such as Fusion,, SolidWorks, CATIA, or NX
  • Strong understanding of structural design, stress analysis, and mechanical systems
  • Experience with FEA tools such as ANSYS, Fusion Simulation, Nastran, or similar
  • Ability to apply GD&T and mechanical tolerancing to production drawings
  • Familiarity with composite and metallic fabrication methods
  • Understanding of fundamentals of flight mechanics and aircraft dynamics
  • Comfortable working hands-on with prototypes, test articles, and shop tools
  • Capable of managing projects independently in a fast-paced, startup environment

Nice to Have:
  • Experience with bonded composite structures or hybrid assemblies
  • Background in actuation systems, linkages, or motion mechanisms
  • Knowledge of vibration, fatigue, or modal analysis
  • Hands-on experience with machining, additive manufacturing, or assembly tooling
  • Familiarity with design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA)
  • Proficiency in MATLAB or Python for analysis and process automation
  • Exposure to aerospace certification or flight test environments
What you get from us
  • Competitive salary and meaningful early-stage equity
  • Relocation support if applicable
  • Employee Health Benefit Plans
  • 6% Retirement matching
  • Flexible PTO
  • Free lunches, snacks, and a stocked fridge at our offices
  • AI tools and subscriptions

Even if you don't meet every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply. At Poseidon Aerospace, we value diverse perspectives and are always looking for talented individuals with unconventional backgrounds.

Apply