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Senior Mechanical Engineer Contract Jobs in Riverside, CA

TRL11, Inc.

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$401K/yr

The Senior Mechanical Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams and customers to ... Experience working directly with machine shops, contract manufacturers, and component suppliers.

TRL11, Inc.

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$401K/yr

The Senior Mechanical Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams and customers to ... Experience working directly with machine shops, contract manufacturers, and component suppliers.

TRL11, Inc.

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$401K/yr

The Senior Mechanical Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams and customers to ... Experience working directly with machine shops, contract manufacturers, and component suppliers.

Terran Orbital Corporation

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

The Sr. Mechanical Engineer will turn designs into reality via prototyping, development testing, and low-rate initial production. Key Duties and Responsibilities * Conduct and lead small teams in the ...

AECOM

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Orange, CA · On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

AECOM is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer based in Orange, California. This is a Hybrid ... S. citizenship due to federal contract/security requirements Preferred Requirements * 10+ years of ...

AECOM

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Orange, CA · On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

AECOM is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer based in Orange, California. This is a Hybrid ... S. citizenship due to federal contract/security requirements Preferred Requirements * 10+ years of ...

AECOM

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Orange, CA

$111K - $147K/yr

AECOM is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer based in Orange, California. This is a Hybrid ... S. citizenship due to federal contract/security requirements Preferred Requirements * 10+ years of ...

Turion Space

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

Description The Senior Mechanical Engineer will play a key role in designing, developing, and testing mechanical systems and components. This role involves working closely with cross-functional teams ...

Salas O'Brien, Inc.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Tustin, CA

$115K - $152K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects.

Salas O'Brien

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Tustin, CA · On-site

$115K - $152K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects.

jobr.pro

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$135 - $150/hr

About the Role As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will help develop and commercialize next-generation diagnostic systems by designing robust electromechanical solutions from concept through ...

Neon Aerospace

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

Neon Aero is looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and integration of complex mechanical and electromechanical systems for next-generation hardware. You'll work across high ...

Envista

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

$121K - $148K/yr

The Sr. Mechanical Engineer will lead product sustainment efforts by implementing design ... fully-executed contract approved by the Global Talent Acquisition leader and in response to a ...

Fluxergy

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

About the Role As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will help develop and commercialize next-generation diagnostic systems by designing robust electromechanical solutions from concept through ...

Fluxergy

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

About the Role As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will help develop and commercialize next-generation diagnostic systems by designing robust electromechanical solutions from concept through ...

WSP

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Buildings

Riverside, CA · On-site

$100.80 - $147/hr

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our Property & Buildings team in Riverside, CA . This role is ideal for a motivated engineer who brings ...

Neon Aerospace

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

Neon Aero is looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and integration of complex mechanical and electromechanical systems for next-generation hardware. You'll work across high ...

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All JobsMechanical Engineer Contract JobsSenior Mechanical Engineer Contract JobsSenior Mechanical Engineer Contract Jobs in Riverside, CA

Senior Mechanical Engineer Contract information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$77.7K

$127.9K

$178.4K

How much do senior mechanical engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior mechanical engineer contract in Riverside, CA is $127,867.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $144,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior mechanical engineer contract?

A Senior Mechanical Engineer Contract is a temporary or project-based role where an experienced mechanical engineer is hired for a set period to provide expertise on design, development, and implementation of mechanical systems. These contracts may last from a few months to a couple of years, depending on the project's scope. Senior Mechanical Engineers in contract roles are typically responsible for leading teams, overseeing complex engineering tasks, and ensuring projects meet technical and regulatory standards. This arrangement offers flexibility for both employers and engineers, often involving higher pay rates but without permanent employment benefits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior mechanical engineer contract?

To thrive as a Senior Mechanical Engineer (Contract), you need advanced knowledge of mechanical design, materials, and engineering principles, typically backed by a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering and several years of relevant experience. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), FEA tools, and industry-specific standards or certifications is essential. Strong project management, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and meeting project goals on strict timelines. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering innovative, reliable engineering solutions within dynamic contract environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by senior mechanical engineers working on a contract basis, and how can they be managed?

Senior Mechanical Engineers on contract assignments often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new teams, understanding project-specific requirements, and managing multiple stakeholders with differing expectations. To navigate these hurdles, it's important to establish clear communication early on, proactively seek out project documentation, and leverage your prior experience to offer solutions. Building strong relationships with permanent staff and staying flexible with changing project needs can also help ensure a successful contract engagement.

What is the difference between Senior Mechanical Engineer Contract vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectSenior Mechanical Engineer ContractMechanical Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, 5+ years experience, professional certifications often preferredBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, 1-3 years experience
Work EnvironmentProject-based, contract roles in manufacturing, aerospace, or automotive industriesFull-time, permanent roles in similar industries
ResponsibilitiesDesign, analysis, project management, mentoringDesign, testing, documentation

The main difference lies in experience level, contract nature, and responsibilities. Senior Mechanical Engineer Contract roles typically require more experience and involve project leadership on a temporary basis, while Mechanical Engineers are often in permanent positions with broader entry-level responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Mechanical Engineer Contract jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Senior Mechanical Engineer Contract jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Mechanical Engineer Contract jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Mechanical Engineer Contract jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Senior Mechanical Engineer Contract jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Senior Mechanical Engineer Contract job openings:

Senior Mechanical Engineer Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Mechanical Engineer Contract job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,867 per year, or $61.5 per hour.

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA

Terran Orbital Corporation
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Terran Orbital Corporationexternal

$112K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Sr. Mechanical Engineer  to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Mechanical Engineering Manager, the Sr. Mechanical Engineer will will lead or contribute to all aspects of spacecraft mechanical design, including spacecraft layout, structural and thermal sub-system design, mechanism design, payload and launch vehicle integration, through all stages of product lifecycle. The Sr. Mechanical Engineer will turn designs into reality via prototyping, development testing, and low-rate initial production.

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Conduct and lead small teams in the mechanical engineering design and development of spacecraft and spacecraft sub-systems including flight hardware, mechanisms, and ground support equipment.
  • Model spacecraft and ground support equipment mechanical parts, cable harnesses, and assemblies in accordance with industry best practices.
  • Conduct vehicle and sub-system analysis using appropriate means including hand calculations, finite element analysis, and other relevant techniques to ensure design robustness early in the product lifecycle.
  • Create and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including drawings, Bills of Material, Interface Control Drawings, Compliance Verification Matrices, and Design Notebooks.
  • Generate and present technical content in support of internal and external design reviews.
  • In coordination with the Electrical Integration and Harness Manufacturing teams, develop spacecraft electrical cabling solutions, including connector selection, bundle design, routing, retention, and integration instructions.
  • Contribute mechanical engineering expertise to refine production workflows, assembly sequences, and testing protocols, ensuring efficient integration during the initial low-volume production phase.
  • Coordinate the execution of design and analysis activities of the mechanical, electrical integration, structural and thermal analysts to meet program milestones and schedule.
  • Collaborate with design engineers, manufacturing engineers, automation engineers and production personnel on implementing design for manufacturing and assembly best practices.
  • Review and approve engineering work of peers including design analysis, drawings, models, schematics, specifications, test plans, work instructions, and operating procedures.
  • Stay updated with advancements in technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes, and apply this knowledge to enhance the design and performance of space vehicles.
  • Contribute to Process Development and Continuous Improvement.

Required Qualifications and Skills 

  • B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience designing complex mechanical systems in space, aerospace, automotive, or a similar sector.
  • Robust capability with SolidWorks, Creo, or similar CAD software.
  • Proficient in the interpretation and application of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing in accordance with ASME Y14.5.
  • Hands-on experience with hardware manufacture, inspection, assembly, and/or testing from a relevant industry.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and coordinate with various engineering disciplines.
  • Experience conducting technical peer reviews and providing constructive feedback.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team.
  • Experience interfacing with internal and external customers. 
  • Passion for space technology and a commitment to advancing the industry through innovative engineering solutions.
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

  • M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
  • Demonstrated product ownership across the product lifecycle.
  • Experience in a production environment within the space/ aerospace industry.
  • Ability to support the technical growth of the engineering team through mentoring initiatives.

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