ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Phd Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPhd Mechanical Engineer JobsPhd Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Phd Mechanical Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$47.5K

$107.3K

$173.7K

How much do phd mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd mechanical engineer in Riverside, CA is $107,329.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $132,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects do PhD Mechanical Engineers typically work on within a multidisciplinary team?

PhD Mechanical Engineers often contribute to complex research and development projects, such as advanced materials design, robotics, energy systems, or computational modeling. Within a multidisciplinary team, they frequently collaborate with electrical engineers, computer scientists, and specialists in fields like materials science or biology, depending on the project. Their role may involve leading experimental design, developing simulation models, and interpreting data to inform engineering solutions. This collaborative environment not only advances project goals but also provides opportunities to develop leadership and cross-functional communication skills.

What jobs can I get with a PhD in mechanical engineering?

A PhD in mechanical engineering qualifies individuals for advanced roles such as research scientist, university professor, or R&D engineer. Graduates often work in industries like aerospace, automotive, energy, or manufacturing, utilizing skills in design, analysis, and simulation tools like CAD and finite element analysis.

What is the difference between Phd Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPhd Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineer
EducationDoctoral degree (PhD) in Mechanical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsDesign, manufacturing, construction, and industry settings
CertificationsTypically none required, but may include professional engineering licensesProfessional Engineer (PE) license often preferred

The main difference between a Phd Mechanical Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer lies in their education level and work focus. Phd Mechanical Engineers primarily engage in research, development, and academic roles, while Mechanical Engineers focus on practical design, manufacturing, and industry applications. Both roles are vital in the engineering field, but their career paths and responsibilities differ significantly.

What does a PhD Mechanical Engineer do?

A PhD Mechanical Engineer is a highly trained professional who conducts advanced research and development in the field of mechanical engineering. They typically work on designing, analyzing, and improving mechanical systems, often leading innovative projects in areas such as robotics, energy systems, materials science, or manufacturing processes. In addition to research, they may teach at universities, publish scholarly papers, and mentor students. Their expertise is often sought after in both academia and industry for solving complex engineering challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD Mechanical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PhD Mechanical Engineer, you need advanced expertise in mechanical engineering principles, research methodology, and problem-solving, underpinned by a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with simulation software (such as ANSYS or MATLAB), CAD tools, and experience with laboratory or experimental systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and project management skills help set top candidates apart. These abilities are crucial for driving innovation, leading complex research projects, and collaborating effectively in academic or industrial environments.

Is PhD worth it for mechanical engineering?

A PhD in mechanical engineering can lead to specialized roles in research, development, and academia, often offering higher earning potential and advanced expertise. However, it requires significant time investment and may not be necessary for many industry positions, which often value practical experience and skills like CAD, simulation, and project management.

Can you make $200,000 a year as a mechanical engineer?

Senior mechanical engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-paying industries such as aerospace or oil and gas can potentially earn $200,000 or more annually. Achieving this level often requires advanced degrees, professional certifications, and leadership roles. Entry- and mid-level positions typically have lower salaries.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced mechanical engineers, especially those in leadership roles such as engineering managers or senior technical directors, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, often with bonuses and stock options. Such compensation typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and work in industries like aerospace, energy, or high-tech manufacturing.
What are popular job titles related to Phd Mechanical Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? For Phd Mechanical Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Phd Mechanical Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Phd Mechanical Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Phd Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Phd Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Phd Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Mechanical Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,329 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer, Counter Intrusion

Anduril Industries

Irvine, CA

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 74,538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE JOB

The Sentry Engineering team builds hardware products and systems that leverage artificial intelligence to provide highly accurate, persistent autonomous awareness across land, sea and air. The Maneuver Subdivision focuses on rapidly deployable platforms that must endure extreme environments. For example, Anduril's Mobile Sentry, a ruggedized, mobile platform that uses artificial intelligence for highly accurate, persistent autonomous ground or air awareness through use of various sensors. This role will own rapidly developed, ruggedized product introduction in addition to scaling legacy design concepts to support full- rate production. The ideal candidate will possess a rapid prototyping, growth mindset while ensuring concepts can scale rapidly to production-ready designs capable of deployment throughout the world.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Own ruggedized hardware design from concept generation to production realization under condensed timelines.
  • Use first principles physics as a basis for every decision.
  • Lead design reviews, run analysis, and define and execute hardware test plans to ensure product reliability in many of the harshest environments on earth.
  • Build prototypes of complex electromechanical systems.
  • Coordinate across Anduril internal departments to build prototypes, analyze failures, and transition successful design concepts into production.
  • Support critical hardware demonstrations with internal and external customers as needed.
  • Travel to test sites and vendors as needed.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience in immersive technical projects (Formula SAE, Baja SAE, SAE Aero etc).
  • Self starter with 3+ years of mechanical/electromechanical design experience in a professional setting.
  • 3D CAD proficiency (any platform) and ability to understand and apply GD&T to create high quality engineering drawings.
  • Demonstrated hands-on fabrication skills.
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience in NX/Teamcenter.
  • M.Eng, MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
  • Experience developing ruggedized electromechanical assemblies from concept to low-rate production for automotive, space, or military applications.
  • Ability to integrate electronic components into mechanical designs (motors, controllers, sensors, radars etc.).
  • Experience with production processes, including machining, sheet metal, injection molding, welding, wire harnessing and 3D printing to inform design for manufacturability.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Anduril Industries Jobs

Apply