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

Rivian

Senior Materials Engineer - Metals

Tustin, CA · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

Drive failure analysis and root cause investigations related to mechanical properties ... Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or related discipline * Experience ...

Rivian

Senior Materials Engineer - Metals

Tustin, CA · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

Drive failure analysis and root cause investigations related to mechanical properties ... Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or related discipline * Experience ...

Rivian

Senior Materials Engineer - Metals

Tustin, CA · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

Drive failure analysis and root cause investigations related to mechanical properties ... Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or related discipline * Experience ...

FieldAI

Humanoid Engineer, Manipulation

Irvine, CA

MS or PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field preferred; BS considered with a demonstrated track record of hands-on robotics work across multiple physical ...

FieldAI

Humanoid Engineer, Manipulation

Irvine, CA · On-site

MS or PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field preferred; BS considered with a demonstrated track record of hands-on robotics work across multiple physical ...

FieldAI

Humanoid Engineer, Manipulation

Irvine, CA

MS or PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field preferred; BS considered with a demonstrated track record of hands-on robotics work across multiple physical ...

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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 Aug 20, 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 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?

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.

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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,329 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer

Cadence Design Systems Inc

Irvine, CA • On-site

$117K - $218K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Cadence Design Systems rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 245 rated software companies

Job description

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.
We are looking for a senior-level engineer to help research, design, develop, and improve advanced nonlinear finite element analysis technologies for MSC Nastran, Marc, and related simulation products. This role is ideal for someone with deep expertise in nonlinear mechanics, numerical methods, and engineering software development who enjoys solving complex technical problems and building reliable, high-quality simulation capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Research, design, and develop advanced algorithms for nonlinear finite element analysis to support multidisciplinary simulations and technology integration within MSC Nastran, Marc, and related products. Develop, maintain, enhance, and test linear and nonlinear solution capabilities, including implementation, validation, optimization, and performance improvements. Create representative engineering models to verify, demonstrate, and benchmark linear and nonlinear analysis capabilities. Identify, investigate, and report software defects, enhancement requests, numerical issues, and performance concerns to support continuous product improvement. Create and maintain test cases, benchmark models, automated tools, and regression testing workflows for validation and performance evaluation. Support QA activities, including benchmarking, certification, validation, release testing, and compliance with established product quality metrics and guidelines. Prepare and maintain technical documentation for product enhancements, new features, software improvements, QA procedures, testing methodologies, benchmarks, and training materials. Collaborate with engineering, QA, and product teams to improve product performance, reliability, usability, and release readiness. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as needed to support evolving business and organizational priorities.
Senior-Level Expectations
  • Lead the design and development of complex nonlinear analysis technologies and co-simulation capabilities.
  • Provide technical guidance, code review, and mentorship to other engineers.
  • Participate in architecture reviews, design discussions, roadmap planning, and strategic technology decisions.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend approaches that enhance Hexagon Nastran's simulation capabilities, product quality, and competitive position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strong understanding of nonlinear mechanics, numerical methods, contact mechanics, contact algorithms, and finite element methods, including implicit and explicit nonlinear analysis technologies.
  • Ability to develop, evaluate, review, maintain, and validate engineering software code using sound engineering judgment.
  • Hands-on experience in two or more of the following areas: contact mechanics; large deformation and large rotation; finite element formulation and element development; fluid-structure interaction; computational fluid dynamics; heat transfer; fracture and failure mechanics; solution algorithms and numerical methods; electrical and electromagnetic analysis; acoustics; or geometry modeling and NURBS technologies.
  • Strong engineering analysis, debugging, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to create clear design documentation, technical specifications, test plans, and professional reports using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and related tools.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to collaborate across engineering, QA, and product teams.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend approaches that enhance Hexagon Nastran's simulation capabilities, product quality, and competitive position.

Required and Preferred Experience
  • Experience developing and implementing finite element analysis software, user subroutines for commercial FEA packages, and numerical material models.
  • Strong programming skills in Fortran and C/C++, with working knowledge of Python, Linux shell scripting, and other scripting languages.
  • Experience with MSC Nastran, Marc, or similar commercial finite element analysis software.
  • Background in nonlinear solid mechanics analysis, including geometric nonlinearity, contact mechanics, nonlinear material behavior, large deformation, and large rotation formulations.
  • Education
  • PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Computational Mechanics, or a related field.

The annual salary range for California is $117,600 to $218,400. You may also be eligible to receive incentive compensation: bonus, equity, and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the salary range is a guideline and compensation may vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location. Our benefits programs include: paid vacation and paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, employee stock purchase plan, a variety of medical, dental and vision plan options, and more.
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